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With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Evan David Shapiro, who left this world far too soon on January 11, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 46 years old.
Born on August 2, 1978, in Los Angeles, CA, Evan lived his life with an open heart, an infectious spirit, and a boundless capacity for friendship. He was truly a social butterfly, effortlessly making friends everywhere he went. His magnetic personality made people feel welcomed and appreciated, and his friendships—many of them lifelong—were a testament to his loyalty, kindness, and the deep love he had for those around him.
Evan had a heart of gold, always willing to lend a helping hand or share a laugh to brighten someone’s day. He had a wicked sense of humor, one that could turn even the most ordinary moments into something hilarious. His ability to find joy in the little things and bring others along for the ride was one of his most cherished qualities. Beneath his humor, there was an innocence and childlike wonder about him—an enthusiasm for life, for adventure, and for the simple pleasures that made every day special.
A lover of history and craftsmanship, Evan had a deep passion for collecting and shooting guns, which brought him immense joy and a sense of connection to something greater. His enthusiasm for his interests was as contagious as his laughter.
Evan was deeply loved by his family and is survived by his devoted mother, Michele Leslie Shapiro; sister, Katie Mailynn Shapiro; brother, Michael Shapiro; father, Larry Sanford Shapiro; sister in law Carrie Shapiro, brother in law Jeffery Arthur McLane, and his adored nephews, Luke and Levi McLane, and Brett, Matt, and Scott Shapiro. He was preceded in death by his cherished grandparents, Harold Berkowitz and Freda Shapiro, whose love and guidance shaped him into the remarkable person he was.
Though Evan’s time with us was far too short, the impact he made in the lives of those who knew him will never fade. His laughter, generosity, and unwavering friendship will remain in our hearts, and his memory will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who loved him.
A memorial service to celebrate Evan’s life will be announced at a later date. Evan, you filled this world with light, laughter, and love. Though you may be gone, your spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.
I'd known Evan for about 18 years when we both worked at Mercury Media -- albeit in different departments. I don't often remember the exact moment I met too many friends, but the first time I met Evan is one I seem to recall very clearly. There wasn't anything particularly noteworthy attached to the moment itself besides lunchtime, so I don't know why this particular memory is so clear but I'm certainly glad that is. And I don't know what it was about him that immediately drew me in, but there was just something intriguing to me about his way of being.
In the intervening years, Evan showed himself very supportive of my creative outlets. For a time, I was pursuing a writing career with (among several other projects) an online short story series about a character whose life experiences were loosely based on my own. I would say it was better written than it was successful, but Evan showed genuine interest in it -- becoming a regular reader through upwards to 200 entries and frequently posting a comment or providing feedback about the twice-weekly story developments. At various points, I incorporated a character named for him into the ongoing storyline.
Evan also took an interest in my performances at a weekly Broadway-themed event called Musical Mondays. Running late on a Monday night with work on Tuesday morning looming, Evan couldn't attend as much as he wanted to. But he would often ask how the show was going and when it could be moved to an earlier time -- perhaps on a weekend afternoon. Evan did make his way out to the show a few times, but wondered why he wasn't seeing me in more numbers -- which I could never get him to understand were interspersed randomly throughout the night (if at all) as opposed to being scheduled for specific times during the night.
I always appreciated Evan for his own way of being, his support of my writing and his interest in my performances. He was a great friend to me and I will miss him very much -- particularly come August when we would otherwise exchange birthday texts.
My condolences to you and the family. I'm glad you reached out for remembrances of Evan. It was nice to be able to put these thoughts together about him.
- Terrence Moss
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Evan was a dedicated and loyal member of the NPL management team.
He was loved and respected for his determination and drive to continue fighting against the disease and still wanting to contribute to the company.
Evan is truly an inspiration to all those who interacted with him, he is truly missed by all of us.
- Bill Anderson
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Evan, my dear nephew, was a sweet and gentle soul! His wry smile was enchanting. He was always warm, kind, complimentary, etc. etc. etc. He had a great sense of humor. I always felt appreciated by Evan and his big heart. He was so brave through the nasty battle he fought with his illness. There is nothing truer than that Evan will be sorely missed by me and his family and his oh so many friends!!! The world feels heavy and cruel! All my enduring love! ~ Aunt Kathy
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Evan was unapologetically authentic 100% of the time. There was not a drop of "phony" or "fake" in him. He was able to strike the perfect balance of self awareness and self confidence and, in doing so, was always able to be completely present, regardless of who he was around.
I miss my dude.
- Dan Supple
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Not wasting time with political correctness. As is the norm in our society. Truth only
- Julie Berkowitz
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I loved Evan's true interest and curiosity about the people he loved. He made me feel like what I said had meaning and he truly had an interest in our life and those of our kids. ❤️
- Carrie Shapiro
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Hi Evan, There are so many things I want to say. I first met you at my business when you were in high school. We clicked as friends and through the years I have had the pleasure of putting some amazing sounding stereos in your vehicles. I even remember helping you with your economics/business class in college. We both also had a love for computers and gaming. Whenever you wanted to upgrade your computer or talk about gaming I was always there to listen. I also got to build a few of your PC computers over the years. When you told me you were diagnosed with cancer, I was surprised and shocked. I am sad that you have left us so early but am also happy that you no longer are suffering. I will miss you always.
Your friend,
Frank Sbrocca
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Evan was honorably honest and fiercely loyal. He loved his circle hard. Was a proud brother, son and friend. (And I imagine the proudest uncle) Although we lost touch in recent years, he will always have a very special place in my heart as he was like a big brother to me during my teen years. I am always fondly reminded of him when I drive out to Malibu and will always play my music extra loud for him 💙
- Melissa Surbeck
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I remember Evan from the day he came home as a newborn. We were neighbors back then. I experienced his first few years. He was always mischievous, inquisitive,energetic and always with a grin and twinkle in his eye. Evan had so much love around him and so much love to give.
- Carol Sachs
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Evan was one of the most genuine and curious people I’ve ever known. He loved with such a child-like awe and was loyal to one’s he loved. I remember sharing with him different perspectives, which he was often so open to consider. He was always looking for a take on a subject that could convince him of a different way to see and understand the world.
I remember sitting in the backseat of his souped up car with the heavy bass sound system, bumping 90s hip-hop and weed smoke engulfing the air. Oasis haircut references and his laugh will permeate my memory forever.
He loved sharing updates on the things he loved so dearly and seeing his admiration and respect for what he loved was always so beautiful. Even for things I was less intrigued by, his admiration alone was something to truly respect.
I wish he was still with us, I wish he was able to beat his illness and bounce back like the warrior he’s always been. I love you Evan, I know you are free of the pain and suffering. You were my older cousin that always looked out for me, took care of me and confided in me. That’s what family is for and you knew how to love family just the way it should be done. Rest in peace, I love you.
- Sam Monkarsh
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Evan and I were children of the 80's and 90's and his love of that era of music, movies and pop culture was always a welcomed talking point for me. Reliving Predator, Commando & Public Enemy through both of our early memories was comfort for our soul. I will miss his wild takes and true honest love for the people around him.
- Jeff McLane
