Martin B. Kaplan Obituary (1925 - 2017)

Martin Bernard Kaplan of Steubenville, OH died Tuesday March 28 at Kobacker House in Columbus, OH. He relocated to Columbus to live with his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Darcy after the death of his beloved wife Betty in 2015. Marty was born in Monessen, PA in 1925, the youngest son of Josephine & William Kaplan, who moved to Steubenville when he was seven. Marty and Betty had been members of B’nai Israel Synagogue in Steubenville. He was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter Karen and sisters Helen and Judy and brother Buddy. In addition to Darcy and Jeff, Marty is survived by son David & wife Debra; daughter Jill Rozenman; grandchildren Jordi, Mikke, JJ, Mike, Karen, and Halle; loving cousins Patti, Sandy, & Nancy and their families. Marty will be remembered for always putting customers first at David Stern Market in Steubenville for over 40 years. He was a master butcher and renowned fruit basket maker. He & his staff created original gifts that were a mainstay for holiday gift givers all over the Tri State area and were shipped all over the country. While his dedication to providing for his family and the demands of a small business prevented him from taking vacations, Marty’s passion became the game of golf. His one free day each week, weather permitting, was spent on the course, where despite the lack of additional playing time, he achieved a 10 handicap and won several flight championships. When his health limited his mobility, he became an expert at pinochle, euchre & dominoes, amazing much younger “senior citizens” at the Sourcepoint Senior Center in Delaware County. His zest for life and never-failing interest in learning new things set an example for all who knew him. Marty was a man of integrity and hard work. He was a proud WWIl veteran, a member of the Marines 4th Division who served actively & bravely in the battle of Iwo Jima as well as in other battles in the Pacific theatre. He served as a radio communications specialist and was rated as an expert rifleman. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to pray for more great people like Marty, to contribute to your choice of charity, or to donate to the Karen Kaplan Drerup – Betty Kaplan Memorial Fund at the Columbus Jewish Foundation. Graveside services will be held Thursday, March 30, at 12:30 pm at the B’nai Israel Cemetery in Steubenville, OH.