Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Philip Kaplan Obituary
Lansing - Philip L. Kaplan, 77, of Lansing, NY, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 after a long illness. Born in 1940 in Spring Valley, NY, he was the son of the late Henry and Yetta Kaplan. He attended the Bordentown Military Institute, Bordentown, NJ and studied Banking and Finance at New York University. He moved to Ithaca, NY in 1972.
Phil expressed his independent spirit by becoming a fully rated commercial airline and helicopter pilot. In 1981, he founded the air charter service "Cayuga Air Freight". Among the many people he ferried in his Piper Seneca were Tip O'Neill, Geraldine Ferraro and Matt McHugh. He was proud of his safety record. As he put it: "the reason I never had an accident is because I took meticulous care of my plane, observed safety regulations and came prepared for all eventualities". During that time he and his friend Al Chafee built an Enstrom F-28A helicopter without on-site support. He said "I've always been fascinated by the concept of vertical flight. The helicopter offers a great deal of latitude, you can hover and stop and land virtually anywhere." And unlike his Piper, he could park the Enstrom in his backyard and at remote fishing spots.
Phil was the landlord of several properties in College Town. He was a fly-fisher and salt marsh fisherman. He had an eye for elegant perfection. This is demonstrated by the many products of his design and craftsmanship such as a windmill, a solar hot water heater, the furniture in his house and his appreciation of his wife's domestic arts.
For many years he and Jean spend winter vacations in Cedar Keys, Florida, fishing, birding and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. He did not suffer fools easily as attested by this YouTube video "The Massena, NY Moped Bust of 2009 Revisited".
Phil is survived by his wife Jean of 41 years, who was his sole and dedicated caretaker during his final years. He leaves behind his sons from his former marriage to Amy, Jon (Marge) Kaplan of Nashua, NH and Jeffrey (Cheri) Kaplan of Denver, CO, grandchildren Abigail, Troy and Alia, his sister Ronnie and brother Marty (Barbara) Kaplan, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Phil's family extends their appreciation to his doctors and nurses for their care and support, especially to Dr. Hesson. He was buried in a private ceremony in Minetto, NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Kaplan
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
Chris Haesloop
October 25, 2023
Jean,
I just learned of Phil´s passing. I spent a lot of time with Phil at Al Chafee´s hanger at the ITH airport back in the 1990´s when I owned a Beechcraft Debonair. Phil did some safety pilot work with me while I was maintaining IFR currency. I was there when he and Al worked on the helicopter. Those were great days and it was a lot of fun hanging out with Al and Phil. We were always joking around.
Phil will be missed!
Chris Haesloop 10/25/2023
Ithaca, NY
September 18, 2018
Jean, I just received the news of Phil's passing. I met Phil at the Seneca Falls Airport in the early 70"s where I was a Flight Instructor and Phil was manager at the Radio Station. We had great times together with flying and going to Spring Valley to visit his Parents and Radio friends..
He will be missed for sure, sorry my friend.
Gene Snowberger
Vero Beach, FL
Michael Pichel
September 14, 2018
Phil was a very good friend to me for more than 40 years.
I remember him and continue to think of him often.
Phil, as a gift, made the oak conference table in my law office library, using the woodworking equipment and tools he inherited from his grandfather. Those tools, his grandfather and his parents meant so much to him.
My sincere condolences to Jean.
Thank you Jean for caring for Phil through difficult times.
Phil loved and cared for you, Jean.
Nick Lambrou
September 13, 2018
Dear Jean: Phil was a great guy. I will never forget the opportunity he gave me and the great advice he always had for us. He had a great laugh and sense of humor as well. He was one of the great ones!
Heidi Miller
September 6, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear that Phil has passed on. I always loved him and his loving wife Jean. Bless all those that loved and cared for him. Miss you Phil. Love always, Heidi Miller
Connie Lowery
September 6, 2018
Jean, as you know, I knew Phil from working in the Pichel law office for many years and always found him to be a man of integrity and a lot of fun - once you got to appreciate his unique traits. I can still hear him yelling my name upon entering the front door if I wasn't actually in his view (and out of sight upstairs in my office) You have been a friend through the years as well as Phil, and I wish you well in the future. It is not easy being a caretaker so give yourself some time for yourself now.
Cal Wood
September 6, 2018
Jean
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Philip Kaplan's name
Memorial Events
for Philip Kaplan
How to support Philip'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Philip 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
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
