Obituary - DONALD R. KAPLAN

Donald Kaplan, age 86, of Orlando, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, Nov. 12, 2016, at Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs. Don, a native of Bronx, New York, was born on Aug. 6, 1930. He was one of three children born to the late Irving (Isidore) and Ida Sakin Kaplan.

Following his high school graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force, retiring as a technical sergeant after 20 years. On Sept. 1, 1951, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he married the former Marilyn Friedman, his wife of more than 65 years, who survives him. In 1966, Don and Marilyn and their family relocated to the Orlando area from Massachusetts, becoming active members of Congregation Ohev Shalom. In 1968, following his retirement, Don began his second “career” giving innumerable hours to the Central Florida community. Don was instrumental in establishing the Food Bank to help the residents of Kinneret afford necessities; he volunteered with the Boy Scouts and Little League; he served on the Ritual Committee at Ohev and was a “fixture” usher at the synagogue doors.

Don was recognized for many of his involvements being honored by the Kinneret Council on Aging as one of the 8 over 80 and was featured in the Orlando Sentinel for being honored by Seminole County for having volunteered over 4000 hours. Ever the family man, even as his illness progressed, Don and Marilyn were able to celebrate at their 65th wedding anniversary dinner party and keep up a family tradition of being at the beach for Labor Day.

Don is survived by his loving wife Marilyn of Orlando; his son Craig (Marsha) of Winter Springs; and four grandchildren. He was also predeceased by his son Kevin.

Funeral services were held at the Pavilion at Ohev Shalom Cemetery, followed by interment, with Cantor Allan Robuck officiating. The family requests contributions in memory of Donald R. Kaplan to the Kinneret Council on Aging, 515 S. Delaney Avenue, Orlando 32801 or the Zoological Society of Central Florida, 3755 NW 17-92, Sanford FL 32771. Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando 32810.