Samuel M. Kaplan
June 20, 2025

KAPLAN: Samuel M. Kaplan, age 31 passed away unexpectedly on Friday night, June 20th, 2025. He is survived by his parents Mara and Richard Kaplan of Highland Park, his beloved younger sister, Shoshana, and his grandparents, Ed and Nancy Tepper of Champaign, Il. He will be missed by his many cousins, aunts, uncles, and caregivers from Allegheny Valley School. Samuel spent his life bringing joy and smiles to his friends, educators, and caregivers at Sunnyside, Pioneer Education Center, AVS, Children's Hospital, and Presby's pulmonology floor. He was one of the inspirations for, and the heart of, the Center for Creative Play, which brought amazing play experiences to children and families throughout Western Pennsylvania. Samuel was always teaching. Our community is more inclusive and caring because Samuel was a part of it. Contributions can be made in his memory to Temple Sinai's Disability Inclusion Fund or Allegheny Valley School-Patricia Hillman Miller campus. At this moment in time, we are incredibly grateful for the Medicaid coverage that sustained Samuel throughout his life. That coverage is under attack, threatening to hurt many children like Samuel. Donations can also be made to Little Lobbyists, a group of extraordinary young people advocating to keep their healthcare. Services at Temple Sinai, 5505 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 10 AM. NO PRIOR VISITATION. Interment Temple Sinai Memorial Park. The family will be sitting Shiva at their residence in Highland Park on Monday and Tuesday from 7 PM - 9 PM. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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Dear Maura, I feel deep sorrow at your news. The photo of his smiling face reminds me of my Elissa. I know your sorrow at the passing of your beloved son. I pray that the blessing of his life and the memory of his smiles sustain you in the coming days, months and years. My heart is with you.

By Paula L. Rule - June 21, 2025

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Richard and Mara, My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved son. It was an honor to work with Samuel at Pioneer. His bright smile and hard work on speech/languge tasks always made my day. May his memory forever be a blessing. With sympathy, Sally Levenson

By Sally Levenson - June 21, 2025

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Samuel was always a bright light in the hallways of Pioneer!

By M.T.L - June 21, 2025

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Richard, Mara and Shoshana I am heartbroken to read of Samuel’s untimely death. He was just at mostly musical Shabbat and I watched him dance with Mara swinging his arms. He would always smile when I talked to him. He brought joy to us and may his memory be a blessing.

By Joan Stein - June 21, 2025

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