Obituary of Howard Kaplan

Howard Kaplan, 80, of Chester, CT died peacefully on September 28th after a well-fought battle with cancer. Born in Brooklyn, New York on August 2, 1933, son of Freda and Samuel Kaplan, he moved to Chester, Connecticut in 1972 and became an integral member of the community. He established a second home in Donegal, Ireland with his wife Pauline. Howard had an endless love of learning and lived a rich life dedicated to work, travel, loved ones and his many passions. Throughout more than 50 years as a financial advisor, he had a strong sense of purpose and integrity, caring for his clients and working up until the end of his life. While in finance, Howard turned some of his passions into small businesses, including a Chinese cooking school, a New York-style deli, and most notably Howard's Bread. He took great pride in introducing people to the bialy and perfecting the baguette. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brooklyn College and received a Masters Degree from Duke University. He then served in the U.S. Army. Always active and up for a game, he took up sports as varied as roller-blading and windsurfing, founded a bocce club in Chester, and played backgammon with any willing opponent. He was an inspiration to everyone around him. Howard is survived by his wife Pauline, first wife Jil Nelson, daughter Xander, step-daughters Niki and Vanessa, brother, Jay and his wife Joyce, nephews Adam and Darren and their children. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends across the globe. A memorial service will be held (today), September 29, 2013 at 3:00PM at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 East Kings Highway in Chester, CT. Graveside service will be held October 1, 2013 at the Fountain Hill Cemetery, High Street, Deep River at 11:00am. Friends and family are encouraged to attend. Shiva will be observed October 1st, 2nd and 3rd from 6:00PM-7:00PM at the Kaplan residence, 32 Gilbert Hill Road in Chester.