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Gary Kaplan Obituary
Ocean - Gary M. Kaplan, 78 of Ocean died on Sunday, August 16.
He was born in1942 and was raised in Newark. Gary proudly graduated from Weequahic High School and went on to attend Monmouth University, where he received his bachelor's degree.
While attending college, he worked for Electronic Associates Incorporated (EAI) and later worked at Auto Dynamics before finding his true passion, being a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch. Gary retired from Wells Fargo after many years.
He enjoyed being around people, especially happy people. Gary was always upbeat, and his optimism would cheer up those around him. Gary has been described by many as "genuinely, the nicest guy you'll ever meet."
He served as president of the Men's Club at Temple Beth Torah and was proudly a board member of Breakwater Beach Club. In the winters, Gary and his wife loved spending time in Florida. In addition to playing poker and gin rummy, Gary was a talented woodworking craftsman. He enjoyed building things and always encouraged friends and family to ask for his help with repairs. He took great pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his parents, Esther and David Kaplan, and his brother Sheldon.
Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Sheryl Kaplan, their three sons: Philip and his wife Jolie Kaplan of Highland Park, IL; David and his wife Tammy Kaplan of Robbinsville; and Andrew and his partner James of South Amboy; and four loving grandchildren Shoshana, Joshua, Brody, and Hailey.
A graveside service will be held for the immediate family on Wednesday, August 19 at 1:00pm at Agudath Achim Cemetery, 998 Wakefield Rd, Neptune City, NJ 07753.
Please consider making a donation in Gary's name to Congregation Torat El, 301 Monmouth Rd, Oakhurst, NJ 07755.
To share a favorite memory, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.wbhfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Kaplan
Sponsored by Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home.
Sheldon Golub
August 11, 2025
I will always miss my pal Gary. We enjoyed each others conversations and I miss those times.
RITA J. KESSLER
August 21, 2020
Dear Gary was my summertime friend.....for a very long
time. A talented kind person who will be missed.
Sincere condolences to the Kaplan family from
RITA KESSLER of Westfield and her family as well
Lois
August 20, 2020
In loving memory of a special person. His smile seemed contagious. His happiness brought smiles to everyone
Wendy Livingston
August 19, 2020
I give many prayers to you and your family. May God watch over you and your family through this time.
Elaine Schulman Call
August 18, 2020
Dear Sheryl and family, sincere sympathy for the loss of this wonderful man.
Sincerely,
Elaine (Schulman) Call
Brian and Susan King
August 18, 2020
Gary was one of our most beloved friend. His loss is unfathomable to us.
Our memories we have throughout 50 years of friendship are so very valuable to us. Long weekends at L.B.I., cruises where we ate and laughed our way from port to port, sharing all of our milestones with our families, spending long beautiful summers at Breakwater--these are some of the memories we were lucky to share with Sheryl, Gary and our children & grandchildren.
We will miss you always.
May Gary's memory forever be a blessing.
Love, Brian and Susan
STELLA LASHER
August 17, 2020
I worked with Gary back in the good old days at ML. I can't remember Gary ever being in a bad mood and always seemed to have a smile on his face. We then worked in the same building for a few years were I would run into Gary (and Bob, of course) on occasion and he never failed, after our initial exchange, to ask after my kids. He had often told me some of the challenges his own boys had with school and how they 'do turn out in the end'. How right he was!
At my retirement party in December we decided to get the old gang together again after he returned from Florida but unfortunately Covid interfered with any plans. I raise a glass to you my friend - you will be missed.
With much sympathy to Sheryl and your family on your loss.
Fond memories of a very sweet man.
Stella Lasher & family
Sheldon Golub
August 17, 2020
Gary was one in a million, a kind compassionate person who always had a good word to say about everything. I’ll miss my good buddy and smile when I think about everything we shared together.
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