Lessa Caplan Finegold
June 28, 2026

Lessa Caplan Finegold, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026. She was 95 years old.

Born in Rochester, PA to Mildred (Karnold) and Mitchell Caplan. Happily married to stockbroker Jerome Finegold for 55 years, he predeceased her in 2009.

Lessa graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at age 20. She went back to Pitt in her forties and got a masters in library science, then to Duquesne to get an English teaching degree. Subsequently, she worked in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, running a school library for over 20 years.

An avid bridge player, she achieved Ruby Life Master at age 92. Passionate about astrology, reading, collecting, and traveling, Lessa will be remembered for her vivacious spirit, her humor, and her curious mind.

Survived by her daughter Ellen (Owen) Bregman of Westport CT, son Clifford Finegold of Pittsburgh, two grandchildren, and a cherished great-grandson. Predeceased by her brother Irving Caplan in 2015, she is also survived by her sister Phyllis Caplan of Pittsburgh.

She and her family were very grateful for the care she received from the staff at Schenley Gardens in the past year.

Interment Private. Her wish is to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery next to her husband, a WWII Prisoner of War.

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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My mother’s family lived in Rochester. I believe Irv was good lifelong friend of my uncle Ken Winograd. My condolences to the family.

By Harvey Cohen - June 29, 2026

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