Obituary for Sumner Kaplan
Sumner Kaplan, 90, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 20, 2020, in Chicago, Il. Sumner was the youngest child of Morris and Anna Kaplan of Cambridge, MA. He was predeceased by his brother Gilbert Kaplan, of Jamaica Plain and Delray Florida, and sister Naomi Kaplan, of Jamaica Plain, and survived by his wife, Sylvia Kaplan, son, Robert Kaplan, daughter-in-law, Kimberly Sabo, and granddaughter, Sarah Sabo Kaplan.
Sumner leaves an enduring legacy of service to his country and dedication to his family. He enlisted in the Navy in 1952 and worked his way through the ranks to Commander. He graduated from Boston University and earned an MBA from Michigan State. After a distinguished Navy career, he became a law firm administrator and financial planner in Boston.
He married Sylvia Gulder of Malden, MA. Sylvia is a Holocaust Survivor who arrived on the first post-war immigrant ship from Germany. The couple celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary in January 2020. Together, they traveled the world in the Navy, with tours of duty in Yokohama, Japan and with the U.S. Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy. In 1965, they welcomed their son, Robert. Sumner shared his love for the ocean with his son. They spent time adventuring in boats large and small around the world, with many joyful days sailing home waters off of Woods Hole, MA.
Sumner’s greatest passion was his family. He loved nothing more than dancing with Sylvia, spending time with Robert and Kim, and being the sweetest “Grampsy” to Sarah. He was a man of utmost honor and integrity, and will forever be an inspiration to those whose lives he touched.
There will be a memorial service at a US military cemetery in the summer. Details will follow.
Sumner leaves an enduring legacy of service to his country and dedication to his family. He enlisted in the Navy in 1952 and worked his way through the ranks to Commander. He graduated from Boston University and earned an MBA from Michigan State. After a distinguished Navy career, he became a law firm administrator and financial planner in Boston.
He married Sylvia Gulder of Malden, MA. Sylvia is a Holocaust Survivor who arrived on the first post-war immigrant ship from Germany. The couple celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary in January 2020. Together, they traveled the world in the Navy, with tours of duty in Yokohama, Japan and with the U.S. Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy. In 1965, they welcomed their son, Robert. Sumner shared his love for the ocean with his son. They spent time adventuring in boats large and small around the world, with many joyful days sailing home waters off of Woods Hole, MA.
Sumner’s greatest passion was his family. He loved nothing more than dancing with Sylvia, spending time with Robert and Kim, and being the sweetest “Grampsy” to Sarah. He was a man of utmost honor and integrity, and will forever be an inspiration to those whose lives he touched.
There will be a memorial service at a US military cemetery in the summer. Details will follow.