Stanley Martin Kaplan

From the family:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, we gather here today to remember and celebrate the remarkable life of our dearest Stan Kaplan, a cherished husband, devoted brother, caring father, stepfather, uncle, and adored grandfather. For nearly 40 years, he stood as a loving husband, and his presence brought immeasurable warmth to our family. A proud New Yorker, a dedicated military veteran, an unwavering Yankees fan, and a man whose passions and pursuits enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

Stan was born in 1937 in Brooklyn, NYC. From a young age, he showed a deep love for his hometown and its beloved Yankees. Stan's enthusiasm for the team was infectious, and he could recount memorable moments and stats from games played decades ago with incredible detail.

After proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army, from 1958 to 1962, Stan embarked on a career with Chase Manhattan Bank. His commitment and work ethic were unwavering, and he made countless friends and colleagues along the way. Stan's dedication to his job was an inspiration to many and he was duly recognized upon his retirement.

One of Stan's many passions was his love for writing. He had a vivid imagination and a talent for crafting stories that captivated the imagination of those who read them. His collection of stories was a testament to his creative spirit, a world where he could explore his boundless imagination.

Stan was also an avid collector. His collections ranged from pennies to sports cards, comic books, and even metro cards – a true testament to his diverse interests. While his comic book collection may have been lost to the sands of time (or as he used to say, his mother threw them out), the memories of those treasures remained cherished in his heart.

His sister Ellen will always cherish Stan’s sense of humor, which she compared to their beloved father. Stan's sense of humor was legendary. He enjoyed the irreverent and sometimes outrageous humor of Howard Stern. Stan brightened the lives of those around him with his quick wit.

His children shared fond memories with him, as a good dancer who specialized in the twist (Chubby Checker had nothing on him, according to his first-born Mark), playing paddle ball and visiting Seaside Heights. Growing up, Mark recalls that Stan loved chicken parmigiana and would usually get that regardless of how fancy the place/restaurant was or what was on the menu.

Music held a special place in Stan's heart. Every weekend, he would turn on the radio to CBS-FM, where the classic hits of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s would transport him to a different era. Stan's love for music extended to dancing, a passion that would lead him to his beloved wife, Joana. They met at a "singles dance party on a Sunday afternoon" – a moment that would forever change their lives.

In his later years, after retiring from Chase, Stan embarked on an entirely new career path. He became a researcher and participated in numerous tests, but his family was truly surprised when he started auditioning for commercials, TV, and movie roles as an extra. You may recognize some of his co-stars:

⁃ Hugh Jackman

⁃ Michael J. Fox

⁃ Geena Davis

⁃ Meg Ryan

⁃ Viola Davis

⁃ Lisa Kudrow

His appearances may have been "blink and you'll miss it," but they added a new layer of excitement and adventure to his life. Next time you are watching Stuart Little 2, Kate & Leopold, Marcie X, or The Guru, see if you can spot him.

Stan was also in music videos, including featured roles as a Moroccan Seer in a video by French former professional tennis player and singer, Yannick Noah and you may also be able to catch him wearing a Fez hat in the Brazilian Girls’ video for the song “Don’t Stop” in their debut album.

Stan Kaplan was a man of many talents and passions, but above all, he was a loving husband, father, and friend. His memory will live on in the stories he wrote, the roles he played on movies and TV shows, the laughter he shared, the music he loved, and the joy he brought to those who were fortunate to be part of his life.

As we say our final goodbyes to Stan, let us remember the joy he brought to our lives, the love he shared with his family, and the indomitable spirit that defined him. Let’s smile knowing that Stan will hear the voice of the Yankees' legendary announcer, Bob Sheppard, welcoming him to his next journey. And while we mourn the loss of a great man, let us also celebrate the incredible journey that was Stan Kaplan's life. May his memory forever be a blessing to us all.

A visitation for Stanley will be held Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Forest Park Funeral Home, 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375. A committal service will occur Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Maple Grove Cemetery, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY 11415.