Sheldon Kaplan

March 25, 1942 – March 7, 2023

Sheldon Joel Kaplan, 80, of Parlin, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. He was born and raised in Perth Amboy to the late Alexander and Sadie Kaplan, and has lived in Parlin for the past 55 years.

After receiving his bachelor's degree from Monmouth University, Sheldon was a fourth grade teacher in the Perth Amboy School system for 40 years before his retirement in 2003.

Sheldon was the Captain and Head Volunteer for nearly 20 years of The Challah Fund, a nonprofit organization spearheaded by his own former oncologist, Dr. Michael Nissenblatt. The fund's mission is to create a sense of spirit, human compassion, resilience, motivation, and hope for people of all faiths who are living with cancer.

Sheldon was a wonderfully kind, gentle, funny, and loving man and gifted storyteller, who was unfailingly generous, supportive, resilient, industrious, intelligent, and humble. He led by example an extraordinary, ordinary life. He will be missed beyond reason.

In his free time Sheldon took joy in his favorite job of all: retirement! During these years, he dedicated even more time to some of his cherished interests: walking, garden and yard work, tending to his home, reading his newspapers, volunteering, spending time with his family, and cheering for his beloved Yankees.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Diane Kaplan. He is survived by his two loving daughters, Melissa Kaplan and Shari Kaplan and his son-in-law, Perry Goldman; his sister, Natalie Derman; and his brother, Robert Kaplan.

A graveside service and interment will be held on Friday in Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, with Rabbi Chaim Eliezer Edelstein officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue Fords, NJ 08863.

Memorial donations may be made in Sheldon's name to The American Heart Association or The American Cancer Society, Attention Dr. Michael J. Nissenblatt, Brier Hill Court, Building J, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.