Charles A. Kaplan

April 23, 1927 - April 26, 2024

Charles A. Kaplan, of Rome, NY, passed away, peacefully, on April 26, 2024.

Charles was a native of Utica, NY and attended schools in Utica before enlisting in the Navy in 1944 and was commissioned on the USS Buchanan as a shipfitter. In the spirit of the greatest generation, he came back to Central NY after his service and settled with his wife, Florence, who he married in 1958 after their meeting in Miami Beach. His earliest business ventures were as an army and navy surplus retailer in downtown Rome as well as an auctioneer, where he most enjoyed the annual Rome Police Bicycle Benefit.

He found his passion with real estate when he built the family home in Rome. Much of his earliest real estate development was outside the Griffiss Air Force Base campus, where he built housing for many in our military community. Mustang Drive, his first development, was the result of converting former barracks into townhomes. His company, CA Kaplan Real Estate, evolved to include apartments, office buildings, retail centers and shopping centers in Central NY. It was through his development that he built many and unique friendships with local business and community members.

His philanthropy to the community he loved was extensive. Through the Charles and Florence Kaplan Family Foundation, their contributions include leadership donor for the new Rome Hospital Surgical Center being named in their honor, The Sitrin Health Care Center and The Jewish Community of Utica.

Mr. Kaplan's daily routine, well into his 90's, was driving around his properties while also checking the progress of Rome Hospital's new Surgical Center. He swore after leaving the Navy he would never get on a ship again; yet he loved boating with his family around the Thousand Islands region and Lake Delta in his backyard. He came to be named "Captain Crunch" by his friends.

Charles is survived by his wife and partner, Florence, of 67 plus years; daughters, Lori Felice (Philip) and her family, Alex (fiancé, Hannah Uvanni) and Lauren, all of Rome, NY, Dr. Michelle Bass (Dr. Joel Bass), of West Palm Beach, FL and their sons, Dr. David (Lauren) Bass, of Rochester, NY, Jared (Katrina) Bass, of St. Petersburg, FL and Matthew Bass, of Palo Alto, CA and his eldest daughter, Jill Kaplan (David Pendlebury), of Pittsboro, NC.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the amazing staff of Rome Hospital and Hospice & Palliative Care. He has many to thank for living a long, vibrant life, including his many tenants and supporters who helped him to flourish in the community.

Donations can be made to Rome Hospital, Hospice & Palliative Care and the JCC of Utica.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Shiva will be observed at the family home on Sunday and Monday.