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Norman Kaplan Obituary
Norman Kaplan passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2011 of age related complications. He is best known locally for being the proprietor of the Piggie Market in Aptos, along with his wife Mary Ann Kaplan, who preceded him in death in 2009. Together they took over the old Rich's Farmer's Market' on Soquel Ave. in Aptos. They named it Piggies with reference to an old fiberglass pig that used to be on the roof. The success of the market allowed the construction of a new market building in the Redwood Village Center around the corner. There it remained a favorite with it's deli, local wine, and fine produce. After retirement in 1985 from the market, Norm kept busy with jobs as an accountant, his trained profession. He was a member of various local groups and organizations, community support being of great importance to him. Widely respected, he will be remembered for his forthcoming advice and solid support of his family and friends.
Norman grew up in Los Angeles, working for his dad in his grocery stores, and then owning his own vending machine business. He and Mary Ann moved to Santa Cruz in 1974, to leave the hustle and bustle of LA and to be closer to three of their children, Michael Kaplan, of Santa Cruz, Larry Kaplan of Los Altos and Joan Beverly of Santa Cruz, who predeceased Norman in 2000. Soon they were joined by their youngest daughter, Mary Ann Jr. and her children
There are many grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends that will miss the wit and humor and knowledge that Norman projected so well.
Services will be at 10:30am Monday at Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz, 95062 with graveside services to follow at Home of Peace Cemetery on Meder St. in Santa Cruz. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle for Norman or express your condolences to his family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Kaplan
Mary Ann Farrias
August 27, 2011
Normie, it was an honor and a pleasure to keep you company these last 2 1/2 years. We had some great times. Lots of laughs and serious discussions. You were the greatest man and father. I will miss you sooo much. My love always.
August 27, 2011
I only met Norm once and that was 2 years ago on the first week that we opened. I was so touched that he was willing to come and visit to see what we had done. Piggie market was a landmark in our community and will never be forgotten. We get customers all the time who comment on how wonderful Norm was and we were so happy to have a "thumbs up" from him on how the new business turned out. What a wonderful man, his legacy will live on forever....
Our thoughts are with you all. Rest in peace Norm......
Ericka Glaum, owner
The Palm Deli, formerly Piggie Market and Deli
Frank Farias
August 26, 2011
I love you grandpa I will never forget you love you
Barri Boone & Charles Stone
August 26, 2011
We live across the street from Norm and
both Mary Anns. My most special rememberance was when I saw him after his wife was in the hospital and he was worried about her. The next day I saw them in the car when he was driving her
home. The smile on his face was shining
radiantly!
Roxanne
August 26, 2011
Norm and Mary Ann were the most wonderful people. I worked there for a couple of years in the deli. Norm and Mary Ann were always there, working their hardest to keep Piggie's successful, and they did, in spades!
Frank Farias
August 26, 2011
He was the best grandfather that anyone could have. I loved him so much and learned so much from him and I will miss him so much I love you grandpa
Katie (Lewis) Callister
August 26, 2011
When I went to work for Norm and MaryAnn after high school, I had no idea that I would get to know such a gem! Norm loved and cared about what he did because he really cared about people. Over the years since then I have had many fond memories of my time at Piggies and of Norm. He touched my life, as I am certain that he touched many, many others. Norm had a fabulous sense of humor and lived with grace and integrity.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!
August 26, 2011
I shopped at Piggie's market for years, and Norm always kept the store supplied with at least one of everything. That store was a wonder, and so was Norm. Years later, he was on the Board of Directors of Santa Cruz Metro, and there was never a director with more common sense, goodwill, and expertise. Norm was a dear, wonderful person, and he will be greatly missed.
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