Thomas Abraham Kaplan Ph.D.

Thomas A. Kaplan passed away December 30, 2017. Born February 24, 1926 in Philadelphia, PA to Michael and Nellie (Cohen) Kaplan, he lived an amazing life full with loving family, scientific discovery, a passion for progress and human rights. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Patricia (Roe), three daughters: Melissa (Andy Callis), Andrea (Brian) Jones and Laurie (Andy) Chiou; 3 grandchildren: Amber (Chris) Meyers, Alex and Christopher Chiou; great granddaughter Chloe; brother Donald (Edith) Kaplan and nephew Mark, as well as numerous dear colleagues and friends including former son-in-law Fred Engelgau.

Tom was Professor Emeritus of Physics at Michigan State University where he taught since 1970. Until his illness in late August, he went to the office daily and continued to actively research and publish. Among many honors, he received the Alexander von Humboldt Senior Scientist award, was a Distinguished Visiting Professor, University of Tsukuba, Japan, and was included in the American Physical Society/American Institute of Physics' publication, The Physical Review - The First Hundred Years. He was a member of the American Physical Society, Sigma Xi and Union of Concerned Scientists.

Before pursuing physics, Tom played trumpet professionally starting at age 16 with big bands on Atlantic City's Steel Pier. He was a member of many Lansing area music ensembles including the Arts Chorale of Greater Lansing for over 30 years, MSU's Jazz Band III, Jackson Jazz Ensemble, Caravan Band, Carl Cafagna's Creole Kitchen and the LCC Jazz Band.

Tom was a World War II Navy veteran, playing trumpet in the Navy Band.

He delighted in family gatherings, watching sports (go Green!), practicing trumpet nightly, traveling around the world with wife Pat, and sharing a corny pun.

Visitation is at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel on Saturday, January 6 from 1-4pm. No funeral is scheduled; a memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thomas A. Kaplan Award through the MSU Dept. of Physics.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.greastlansing.com.