Obituary of Seymour F Kaplan

Seymour (Sam) Frank Kaplan, age 93, peacefully passed away at his home in Elim Park in Cheshire, CT. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Ethel. He is also survived by his three sons, Jay Kaplan, M.D. and his wife Kathleen, Robert Kaplan and his wife Fran, and Bryan Kaplan.

Sam also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Shawna (Kaplan) Hausman and her husband Tate; Eric Kaplan and his wife Meredith; Rachael Kaplan and her husband Michal, Tova Kaplan and her husband Matt, Evan Kaplan, Ashley Kaplan, Jake Kaplan and Kyle Kaplan. Sam’s five beloved great-grandchildren are Lincoln and Evelyn Hausman, Nicole and Bryce Kaplan, and Seymour (baby Sammy) Harrington.

Sam was born in Brooklyn, NY, where he lived with his parents and four sisters. During World War II, he moved west to work as a steamfitter for the US military. After the war, he returned to Brooklyn, where he met Ethel at a dance. They were married in 1948.

Sam started his plumbing business in the basement of a Manhattan brownstone. His honesty and strong work ethic helped his business grow. He moved his office to Columbus Ave. and later to Amsterdam Ave. His son, Bryan, joined the business, which continues thrive more than fifty years later.

Ethel and Sam moved to Long Island in 1961. Sam made their home beautiful by building raised-bed gardens, redwood decks and patios. They bought a vacation home in Pennsylvania, which became the setting for many parties and family events over the years. He was so proud of the waterfall he built on a cliff in front of his property.

Ethel and Sam were avid golfers who enjoyed playing at the beautiful Lord’s Valley Country Club in Pennsylvania and at the Boca Lago Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida. They loved traveling the world, visiting far-flung places from Israel and Canada to South America, Europe and Asia. In their later years, they hosted their entire family on Caribbean cruises, creating many wonderful family memories.

For the last two years, Sam and Ethel enjoyed living at Elim Park in Cheshire, CT, where they were surrounded by their family. He never left the apartment without wearing his pink hat, which became his trademark. Although never a “foodie,” he enjoyed his sweets and desserts. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his unwavering dedication to his family and above all, his love for Ethel.

The family wants to extend their special thanks to the dedicated caregivers, Silah, Brenda, Paige and Sadya, who supported Sam with love and compassion. Burial will be at the Mt. Ararat Cemetery in Lindenhurst, NY with a graveside service. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.