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Lester Caplan Obituary
Lester was an Army veteran of WW2 and then began his professional career as a Doctor of Optometry as private practitioner in Baltimore, MD. After the passing of his first wife he had another successful career as an academic at the University of Alabama where he was assistant Dean and retired Professor Emeritus. He became a leader in public health optometry at the local, state and federal level. He is recognized as the father of optometry in the Indian health service. He made many trips to the reservations out west to ensure that Native Americans were getting proper eye care. Lester served others with grace and humility throughout his life.
He is survived by his children, Bruce (Elizabeth) Caplan, Eric Scott Caplan (Dustin Heyborne); stepdaughter, Lori (Robert) Hollander; and grandchildren, Eric (Morgan) Caplan, Sarah Caplan, Jill Hollander (Laura Hedrick), and Kevin Hollander (Stuart Bishop). Great grandson Landon (Elijah) and his little dog Maddie. He was predeceased by his first wife, Florence Shenker Caplan; 2nd wife, Arlene Wilder Caplan (nee Cohen); stepdaughter, Harriet Wilder; siblings, Raymond V. Caplan and Philamae Caplan; and parents, Jeannette and Hyman Caplan.
Services at Sol Levinson's Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208, on Friday, December 9th, 2022 at 10:30 am. Interment Mikro Kodesh Beth Israel Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Contributions in his memory may be sent to the Jewish Federation of North America, the Anti-Defamation League, or the Southern Poverty Law Center. Please see the Sol Levinson website for Shiva infomation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lester Caplan
Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.
6 Entries
The Basses
December 9, 2022
We were so saddened to hear about the passing of Cousin Lester, He gave me my first contact lenses over 64 years ago. He was so beloved to so many. Brilliant, kind and generous to all of us. May his memory be a blessing to us all.
Ronald Caplan
December 9, 2022
so sorry to hear about Lester's passing. condolences to his family. he lived a wonderful life and will be missed by many
Jones
December 8, 2022
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Larry Adler
December 8, 2022
I'm saddened by the loss of Dr. Caplan. For many years he was my optometrist. My family resided in the same neighborhood and both families were active in Beth Israel so we had social relationships as well. Bruce as a few years few years younger than myself.
Dr. Caplan provided condolences to my family when mu mother and father passed in the 2000's.
By that time I was an academic physician, and we had intersting discussions of medicne as well as the roadblocks phtsicians created to made it difficult to for optometrists to provide services.
He treated me and taught me and comforted me and educated me.
I will miss him. My best wishes and condolences to the family.
Martha Siegel
December 7, 2022
Sincere condolences to all who knew this kind and generous man. I only knew him at Osher, but always felt his warmth and good cheer.
Pam Windsor
December 7, 2022
Lester brought energy, humor and loving kindness to the many friendships he developed in his Osher family. He was an inspiration to all of us. Life well lived!
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Memorial Events
for Lester Caplan
Dec
9
Service
10:30 a.m.
Sol Levinson's Chapel
8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208
Funeral services provided by:
Sol Levinson & Bros - Pikesville8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208
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