William Kaplan

William Kaplan obituary, Oro Valley, AZ

William Kaplan

William Kaplan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Vistoso Funeral Home on Mar. 13, 2024.

Publish in a newspaper

Army Veteran, most beloved husband, partner and friend of Sherry Kaplan (nee Herman). Cherished father of Laura (Michael) Zoretich and Joy Calisoff (Sean Ballo) and Adam (Nikki) Calisoff. Adored grandfather of Zachary Zoretich, Alexis Zoretich, Roman Bello and Sky Bello, Jack Calisoff, Ben Calisoff, Sam Calisoff and Aaron Calisoff. Dear brother Allen (Cheryl) Kaplan and Brenda (Jeff) Gilman and the late Melvin Kaplan.
Bill was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago. He has his first job on Maxwell Street at age 13. He graduated from Marshall Highschool and then attended the University of Illinois in Chicago, Bill has an especially close relationship with his daughter Laura. He belonged to a group called the "Old vest Side" that meets once a year. They sent enough money each time to buy an ambulance for Mogen David Adom in Israel. Bill helped build the first condominiums in the United States and later very successfully managed Highland Park Office of Colwell Banker. When he left Coldwell Banker, Bill bought "House of Realty" in Lincolnwood. Then Bill and Sherry moved to Riverwoods, Illinois. After over 55 years in real estate, Bill thought it was time to retire, but it was not that easy. He got up to speak at a Village meeting on rezoning and people were so impressed with what he had to say that they asked him to sit on the Riverwoods Village Board of Trustees. A few months later the mayor of the Village has a heart attack and died, since Bill was the retired man on the Village Board they asked him to be the interim mayor for one year. During that year Bill created a Police Department, moved a branch of the Fire Department into the Village itself, and brought in sewer and water. He was re-elected four times and was Mayor of Riverwoods for 13 years.
Bill loved to fish, he has a boat he loved called the Spider in Winthrop, Wisconsin. He went fishing at 5:00 A.M. every Saturday morning. He loved to play poker every Thursday night. He enjoyed going to SASO concerts and was the president of the Jewish Friendship Group and was a member of the IJSS newly named congregation B'nai Midbar. Memorials to Parkinson's Association of Sothern Arizona or Oracle Schools Foundations.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Vistoso Funeral Home

2285 E Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, Oro Valley, AZ 85755

Make a Donation
in William Kaplan's name

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Kaplan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign William Kaplan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?