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February 1, 2008

Update: Smoke inhalation caused East Side man's death

PROVIDENCE -- An East Side man died from smoke inhalation at a fire at his home this morning, according to a Health Department spokeswoman.

The spokeswoman said the state Office of Medical Examiners had found the cause of death for Gerald Shapiro, 54, who had been identified by family members.

Shapiro -- Jerry to those who knew him -- was legally blind and was involved with a state association for the blind.

"The synagogue was his life," said a cousin, Roberta Rodman of Canton, Mass., at the scene on Lauriston Street.

She added: "He was a wonderful, wonderful person who was loved by everyone. He was very religious."

It was the second fatal fire in Rhode Island in the past two days. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

According to Fire Chief George Farrell, firefighters found the victim in the front doorway. He was the only person in the house.

Shapiro's mother, Charlotte, who had also lived at the address, died about a month ago.

The fire was reported at about 5:30 a.m. today at 75 Lauriston St.

-- projo.com staff writers Brandie M. Jefferson and Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 3:09 PM | Permalink

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Elizabeth Kaplan | February 1, 2008 7:25 PM link

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