Millerton – Sanford “Sam” Kaplan, 84, died April 26, 2017 at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, CT surrounded by his loving family and the loving and caring staff at Noble. He was the son of the late Joseph Meyer Kaplan and Fannie (Greenfield) Kaplan. He is survived by his wife Linda, his springer spaniel Nicky, his step-sons, Lorin Stapleton and his wife Mary and Brian Stapleton; his granddaughters, Bridget and Colleen Stapleton; a nephew, David Keys and his wife Barbara; a niece, Susan Jenkins and her husband Rick Herring, his great nephews and niece and his great great nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sisters, Edythe Warner and Freda Lipschitz.
Sanford grew up in Millerton and was a star basketball player in high school and college. After college, he joined his father in the dairy farm and auction business. He loved hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and horseback riding. Most of all, he just loved being on his farm in Millerton.
Sanford also loved his community. He spent 24 years serving as Town and Village Justice and also served as a Town Councilman. He was Master of the Hillsdale Masonic Lodge and a Mason for over 60 years. He was also a Shriner, a member of the Millerton Lions Club, the Millerton Gun Club and the Millerton Fire Company.
In his later years he revived his interest in music and became known as Suitcase Sam. He learned to play the guitar and several other instruments. He also discovered a talent for writing songs and poems. He and his music teacher collaborated on a book about small town life which will be published in the near future.
His family is very grateful to Dr. Kelly and the staff at Noble Horizons who made him feel at home and gave him such excellent and loving care during his stay at Noble.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 12 noon at the Millerton Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Millerton, NY. Rabbi Jodie Gordon and Rev. Zora F. Cheatham will officiate. Burial will follow at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton. The family will receive guests following the funeral (Sit Shiva) at their home at 59 Simmons Street in Millerton on Friday April 28, and Saturday April 29, from 5-8pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Noble Horizons, 17 Cobble Road, Salisbury, CT 06068.
