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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I sending my condolences to the Kaplan family. I would miss coming every first Friday with him to the temple. He was such a Joy I would miss his smile and him rolling his eyes.

By Latoyaa gaines - July 06, 2025

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I am out of town so have been unable to accompany you, but I am so sorry about your heartbreaking loss.

By Michele Feingold - June 24, 2025

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Dear Mara, Richard and Shoshana, My deepest condolences on the loss of your son and brother, Samuel. May all of your wonderful memories bring your family so much comfort at this time. Warmest regards, Lydia Sedor

By Lydia Sedor - June 24, 2025

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Richard, Mara and Shoshana... I write this with love in my heart and tears in my eyes, as I read of Samuel’s untimely passing. I always enjoyed seeing him at Mostly Musical Shabbat. He smiled when I talked to him. He brought joy to so many people. His memory will be a blessing and an inspiration.

By Lenore, Paul, K.J., and P.J. Wossidlo - June 24, 2025

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Dear Richard and Mara, I will always remember Samuel's big smile when his caretaker brought him down to see the flowers in our garden at 1414. He didn't even seem to mind our crazy dog Charlotte barking at him. It made my day knowing the joy our flowers brought him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

By Clare Collins and Brian Gabriel - June 23, 2025

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Dear Kaplan Family, We were heartbroken to hear about the loss of your beloved son, Samuel. Please accept our deepest condolences. Samuel’s strength and spirit, and the unwavering love and advocacy you showed him, have deeply touched us. We admire the compassion and foresight it took to choose an organization like Little Lobbyists—your decision reflects a commitment to creating a better future for children with complex medical needs. In Samuel’s memory, we’ve made a donation to Little Lobbyists, honoring the legacy of love and advocacy you’ve built around him. With care and sympathy, Darci, Adam, and Cece Sciulli

By The Sciulli Family - June 23, 2025

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We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Samuel was a beloved member of the Temple Sinai community. He both strengthened our community and encouraged others to think about how the community could be stronger.

By Josh and Lisa - June 23, 2025

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My heart goes out to everyone that knew and loved Samuel. I will always cherish the memories I have of him while he was a student at Pioneer. He always brought so much joy to our classroom and school.

By Amy Berner - June 23, 2025

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Mara, Richard, and Shoshana, my condolences on this shocking loss. Sam\'s memory will be a blessing just as Sam was.

By Monica Cellio - June 23, 2025

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Dear Kaplan Family, My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Samuel. It was truly a joy to witness his radiant smile and hear his laughter during his time at Pioneer—a testament to the light he brought to those around him. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you hold of him, and may your hearts be gently carried toward peace in this difficult time.

By Cicily Kurian - June 23, 2025

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Mara and Richard, I am so very sorry that you’ve lost Samuel. He and your family have been an inspiration to many people. May his memory be a blessing. Meryl

By Meryl Butters - June 22, 2025

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Dear Mara, Richard and Shoshana, We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of your son and brother, Sam. We always loved seeing him at the Mostly Musical Shabbats enjoying the service. We are thinking of you all at this most difficult time. May his memory be for a blessing. Sincerely, Jeanette & Stephen YP8UG

By Stephen Jurman & Jeanette Trauth - June 22, 2025

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Quite shocked and saddened, there are no words to express such a misfortune. I know you have a wonderful family at the temple for support.

By George Small - June 22, 2025

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Our deepest and sincerest condolences.

By Debbie and Marc Haber - June 22, 2025

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Boruch dayan emes on the loss of a beautiful soul. May the memory of Shmuel Moshe ben Mara be a bracha.

By Rabbi Seidman - June 22, 2025

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Mara, Richard and Shoshana, We are very sorry to learn of Samuel's passing. We loved getting to know him as a youngster alongside Shoshana. He brought positive change to this world that will continue to live on. We are grateful to have learned more about inclusiveness from him. May his memory be a blessing each and every day.

By Steve, Robin, Katie, and Kelsey Lutz - June 22, 2025

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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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