Bruce Scott Kaplan

Bruce Scott Kaplan, also known as Brucie, LTD (Living the Dream) & Mayor of the Golf
Course passed away on April 22, 2024 in Ocala, Florida. Bruce was born to Kenneth
and Leona Kaplan in Paterson, New Jersey on November 2, 1956.
Bruce was a 1974 graduate of Fair Lawn High School in Fair Lawn, NJ. In 1997, he
graduated Magna Cum Laude from Sacred Heart University with a B.S. degree in
Psychology. In his 40s, he continued his education and in 2005, he graduated with high
honors from Springfield College with a Master's Degree in Organizational and
Management Leadership/Counseling in 2005.
Bruce was an outgoing people person. He was an Employment/Educational Specialist
for PROJECT M.O.R.E., Inc. in New Haven, CT. He worked in a halfway house with
men coming out of prison helping them find jobs. He was responsible for increasing
the rate of success from 38% to 70% of clients transitioning into the workforce. In
retirement, he worked as a Golf Course Ranger at Stone Creek.
In 2006, Bruce married the love of his life, Barbara Kalb. In 2013 they both retired and
moved to Stone Creek where he began living his dream. He said, "Thank you, Barbara,
for bringing me here, because I never imagined in my wildest dreams that my retirement
would be this good!"
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Kaplan, his Uncle Marvin Goldman and his sister
Elise Kaplan. He was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Leona Kaplan.
The 4 loves of his life were: His wife, Barbara, golf, coffee and NCIS.
Bruce was passionate about the game of golf. He was introduced to the game at the
age of 13. He achieved the #2 ranking in the state of New Jersey when he was in high
school and was offered a golf scholarship. On April 22, 2020, Bruce achieved a hole in
one on hole #8 in Stone Creek. He passed away on the fourth-year anniversary of that
feat.
Bruce also loved performing on stage and meeting wonderful people. His friends were
his extended family. Among his activities at Stone Creek, he enjoyed performing in
plays and supporting the Culture Vultures. He loved going to his wife's Barbara's
musical performances. He was active at Temple Beth-Shalom, having been recently
nominated and looking forward to being on the temple board.
At the time of his death, his wife, Barbara, his dear friends Mark Labadia and David
Kinney, and Rabbi Boxt were at his side.
Bruce Kaplan will be remembered as a loving husband and friend. His warmth, hugs,
and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Bruce always said when it was time for him to go, he wanted to be playing golf. He was
living the dream, just as he wished.
The Funeral service for Bruce Kaplan will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 2 @
Temple Beth Shalom, 6140 SW 78th Ave Rd, Ocala, FL.
The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Culture Vultures which support the arts in Marion County. Please send the check to Mark Labadia, treasurer of the Culture
Vultures. His address is 7211 SW 95th Court, Ocala, FL 34481.