1909
David
2014
David D. Kaplan
October 9, 1909 — October 6, 2014
Biography
WORCESTER - David Kaplan of The Goddard House, 1199 Main Street, Worcester, passed away peacefully at UMass Memorial Hospital on Monday, October 6, 2014 after a short illness, three days before his 105th birthday.
Mr. Kaplan leaves his three children, Kim Kaplan and his wife Joan of Worcester, Ellie Soltz and her husband Elliot of Highland Beach, FL, and Lynn Szafran and her husband Richard of Deland, FL; ten grandchildren, Benjamin Kaplan and his wife Mariah, Samuel and Joseph Kaplan, Bonnie Knowlton and her husband William, David and Robert Soltz, Joseph Adiletta and his wife Erin, Julie Boyle and her husband David, Douglas Szafran and his wife Catherine and Teresa Milligan. He also leaves nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by Celia Kaplan, his wife of 67 years; four siblings, Louis, Irving, Evelyn and Helen.
Mr. Kaplan was born at home in Upton, MA to Barnard and Sarah (Sher) Kaplan, moved to Worcester and graduated from Classical High School. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the New England Conservatory of Music and a Master's Degree in Music Education from Worcester State, he taught music at Worcester's North High School for 13 years, at Classical High School for 15 years, and finally at Newton (MA) High School. After retirement, he continued to teach, first at Boston's Berklee School of Music, then as an advisor to student teachers at the University of Lowell. Mr. Kaplan was a true inspiration to his students, motivating thousands to express themselves and pursue excellence through music. Many of his students went on to play for world-renowned orchestras around the world and stayed in touch with him to this day.
During his long career, he also sang, and played the tuba and bass violin, performing for the Worcester Philharmonic Symphony as its principal bassist, the Pioneer Valley Symphony in Greenfield, and the Springfield Symphony. He also spent a summer at Tanglewood singing in the concert chorus and teaching choral conducting and techniques.
In 2009, the Massachusetts Music Educators Association presented him with the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to music education and for serving as their Secretary Treasurer for 25 years.
Mr. Kaplan was a life-long member of Temples Emanuel and Sinai, where he was also a cantorial soloist for 20 years, serving at each Temple. He was also a member of B'Nai Brith.
A member of the Jewish War Veterans, Mr. Kaplan served in the United States Army Air Force in Texas during World War II as a gunnery instructor for B24 and B29 Bombers. He recently visited these same bombers when they flew into Worcester Airport and were on display.
Mr. Kaplan was an excellent craftsman, making copper brass repousse, among other copper items and teaching his craft at the Jewish Community Center and Worcester schools. His copper crafts have been on display at the Worcester Art Museum and the Lincoln Nebraska Art Museum. He recently displayed them at The Goddard House Resident's Art Show. He taught his grandchildren this craft and has given away countless pieces of artwork to friends and relatives across ten states.
For several years, Mr. Kaplan was on the New England Speakers Bureau for Elder Hostel and attended many enjoyable sessions with his wife at different colleges.
Of course, most of all, Papa enjoyed his family, following his children and his grandchildren in their various sports and endeavors. The first question he asked was, “How is your family?” The key to his longevity was a positive attitude, rolling along with whatever came his way, and commenting, “That's wonderful!”
For his 100th birthday, Papa's family of 26 people accompanied him to a Red Sox game where he was proud and honored to throw out the first pitch.
The family would like to thank The Goddard House, where he lived for the past 10 years, for being a warm and welcoming home and for treating him like family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 8th, in Temple Emanuel Sinai, 661 Salisbury Street, Worcester under the direction of Richard Perlman of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. Burial will be in B'Nai Brith Cemetery. Memorial observance will be announced at the time of the funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel Sinai, 280 May Street, Worcester, MA 01602.
Funeral Services
Wednesday
October 8, 2014
,
2:00 PM
at
Temple Emanuel Sinai
Click for Map and Directions
WORCESTER - David Kaplan of The Goddard House, 1199 Main Street, Worcester, passed away peacefully at UMass Memorial Hospital on Monday, October 6, 2014 after a short illness, three days before his 105th birthday.
Mr. Kaplan leaves his three children, Kim Kaplan and his wife Joan of Worcester, Ellie Soltz and her husband Elliot of Highland Beach, FL, and Lynn Szafran and her husband Richard of Deland, FL; ten grandchildren, Benjamin Kaplan and his wife Mariah, Samuel and Joseph Kaplan, Bonnie Knowlton and her husband William, David and Robert Soltz, Joseph Adiletta and his wife Erin, Julie Boyle and her husband David, Douglas Szafran and his wife Catherine and Teresa Milligan. He also leaves nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by Celia Kaplan, his wife of 67 years; four siblings, Louis, Irving, Evelyn and Helen.
Mr. Kaplan was born at home in Upton, MA to Barnard and Sarah (Sher) Kaplan, moved to Worcester and graduated from Classical High School. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the New England Conservatory of Music and a Master's Degree in Music Education from Worcester State, he taught music at Worcester's North High School for 13 years, at Classical High School for 15 years, and finally at Newton (MA) High School. After retirement, he continued to teach, first at Boston's Berklee School of Music, then as an advisor to student teachers at the University of Lowell. Mr. Kaplan was a true inspiration to his students, motivating thousands to express themselves and pursue excellence through music. Many of his students went on to play for world-renowned orchestras around the world and stayed in touch with him to this day.
During his long career, he also sang, and played the tuba and bass violin, performing for the Worcester Philharmonic Symphony as its principal bassist, the Pioneer Valley Symphony in Greenfield, and the Springfield Symphony. He also spent a summer at Tanglewood singing in the concert chorus and teaching choral conducting and techniques.
In 2009, the Massachusetts Music Educators Association presented him with the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to music education and for serving as their Secretary Treasurer for 25 years.
Mr. Kaplan was a life-long member of Temples Emanuel and Sinai, where he was also a cantorial soloist for 20 years, serving at each Temple. He was also a member of B'Nai Brith.
A member of the Jewish War Veterans, Mr. Kaplan served in the United States Army Air Force in Texas during World War II as a gunnery instructor for B24 and B29 Bombers. He recently visited these same bombers when they flew into Worcester Airport and were on display.
Mr. Kaplan was an excellent craftsman, making copper brass repousse, among other copper items and teaching his craft at the Jewish Community Center and Worcester schools. His copper crafts have been on display at the Worcester Art Museum and the Lincoln Nebraska Art Museum. He recently displayed them at The Goddard House Resident's Art Show. He taught his grandchildren this craft and has given away countless pieces of artwork to friends and relatives across ten states.
For several years, Mr. Kaplan was on the New England Speakers Bureau for Elder Hostel and attended many enjoyable sessions with his wife at different colleges.
Of course, most of all, Papa enjoyed his family, following his children and his grandchildren in their various sports and endeavors. The first question he asked was, “How is your family?” The key to his longevity was a positive attitude, rolling along with whatever came his way, and commenting, “That's wonderful!”
For his 100th birthday, Papa's family of 26 people accompanied him to a Red Sox game where he was proud and honored to throw out the first pitch.
The family would like to thank The Goddard House, where he lived for the past 10 years, for being a warm and welcoming home and for treating him like family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 8th, in Temple Emanuel Sinai, 661 Salisbury Street, Worcester under the direction of Richard Perlman of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. Burial will be in B'Nai Brith Cemetery. Memorial observance will be announced at the time of the funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel Sinai, 280 May Street, Worcester, MA 01602.
Funeral Services
Wednesday
October 8, 2014
,
2:00 PM
at
Temple Emanuel Sinai
Click for Map and Directions
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