Shapiro (Carl J.) is born in Boston.

The son of Aaron and Annie (Skurnick) Shapiro, Carl Shapiro attends Boston University, but leaves during the Depression to work in his father’s coat manufacturing factory. In 1939, he marries Ruth Gordon, transforms the business into Kay Windsor and moves it to New York City. Shapiro comes to be called the “Cotton King” for his success selling inexpensive women’s dresses. then sells the business in 1971 and becomes a successful investor. With his wife, he founds the Shapiro Family Foundation in 1961 that supports medical, educational, and cultural projects throughout the Boston area. Shapiro dies in Boston on March 7, 2021.