Ralph Kenneth Kaplan

Ralph Kaplan, 58, died December 8, 2010 after a struggle with cancer. Ralph was born in the Bronx, NY on May 17, 1952. He has been a resident of North Carolina since 1985 and has embraced the state as home.

Ralph is survived by his two brothers and mother. He also leaves other relatives, lots of friends, and work colleagues. He was preceded in death by his father.

Ralph had a long educational career with a B.S. from Queens College, an M.S. from Ithaca College, a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, and an MLS from UNC-Chapel Hill. Work was IT focused with careers with Perdue Inc., CP&L, Barton College, NC LIVE, and the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). His latest job with the NCCCS was as Director of the North Carolina Learning Object Repository. Ralph thoroughly enjoyed the job and his colleagues and was so disappointed that he could not continue with the program.

Other interests included volunteer work for the Correctional Education Association and his pets. Throughout his adult life, his home was never without a cat, dog, or rabbit. He was heartbroken that he could not see his cats grow old, but is confident that they will adapt nicely when placed in new homes. Ralph had many interests ranging from computers, woodworking, tennis, cooking, photography, and paddle tennis. He was also a licensed private pilot and real estate broker.

His funeral service will be at the Apex Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 12. His family requests that in lieu of gifts, donations are sent to the Wake County SPCA. For further information, call 602-840-0080.