Ely Edward Kaplan

Ely Edward Kaplan, 81, longtime Huntington, NY resident passed peacefully on July 29, 2014. He was originally from the Boston area of Massachusetts, growing up in the Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods.

Ely is survived by his beloved Lainnee (Elaine) of 55 beautiful years; their 3 devoted sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald (Julie,) David, and Richard (Danna); and treasured grandsons Joshua and Joel.

Ely proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1951-1954.

Ely was a much respected and deeply loved social studies teacher for 29 years at John Glenn High School in Elwood, NY. He is remembered by three decades of students for his dedicated work with the student council and for conveying the importance of democracy and the democratic process. He earned his teaching degree at Boston University studying teaching, history, political science, economics and government and went on to earn masters degrees in American History at UConn and Sociology at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Ely also administered the Suffolk BOCES Mock Trial program during the 1980’s and 90’s and was an adjunct professor at Suffolk Community College.

Ely was a staunch union advocate and activist. He was a co-founder and early president of the Elwood Federation of Teachers which later merged to become the Elwood Teachers Alliance; founder and first president of ERTA – Elwood Retired Teachers Alliance; and president and retirement advisor for NYSUT Retiree Council 23.

Ely was an active member of Temple Beth El in Huntington, NY, a long time participant of the Chai Club and was honored to serve as temple president in the late 1970’s. He also spent many years volunteering for Huntington Hospital’s Meals-On-Wheels program delivering meals weekly to Huntington residents.

Ely also greatly enjoyed his retirement years, traveling far and wide, always with Elaine and on many occasions with friends and family. He made and maintained many friendships throughout every stage of his life and was blessed with an outpouring of love and support during his passing.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Beth El of Huntington on Friday, August 1, 2014 commencing at 11:00am with interment to immediately follow at the Calverton National Cemetery in Calverton, NY. Shiva will be observed at the home of Richard and Danna Kaplan Friday immediately following services until sundown, and will resume on Sunday from 1:00pm to sundown, with minyan at 7:30pm on both nights. Donations in Ely's memory can be made North Shore University Hospital's Palliative Care Suite.

(https://support.northshorelij.com) May the memory of Ely Kaplan be for a blessing.

Richard and Danna Kaplan

49 BennettAvenue

South Huntington, NY 11746

Temple Beth El

660 Park Avenue

Huntington, NY 11743