Marc Lawrence Kaplan, passed away on June 5, 2022 at the age of 69 after a long and courageous journey against cancer.
Born in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Selma and William Kaplan. He is survived by the lights of his life, his loving wife and soulmate, Susan Milstein, and their cherished daughter Elena. Marc loved people and all life had to offer but his greatest love was his family.
Being a husband and father was a priority for Marc. He was the proud promotor of Elena and Susan for all of their achievements. Marc chose to attend Siena College due to its radio program. That choice, along with his distinctive voice and conversationalist style, led to a long successful career in broadcasting. He was a news reporter, disc jockey and talk show host. When he interviewed people, he tailored his questions so that a conversation ensued and his guests were at ease. One of his professional experiences was being the play by play announcer for the Albany Patroons when Phil Jackson was the coach. He was also the announcer for the Albany Colonie Yankees when the unknown Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams and Mariano Rivera were trying to break into the Major League. Marc also interviewed numerous celebrities, including one of his favorites, Willie Nelson. However, nothing compared to his proud moments announcing Elena’s ice skating shows.
Marc was empathetic not only in his personal life with family and friends but in his choice of employment. His most recent employment was with the American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network, where he developed life long friends and allies in his journey against cancer. He was known by his peers as the most talented media advocacy professional. He was a role model who inspired many to carry out their mission with respect, compassion and integrity.
He was famous for his sense of humor, and being the King of Dad jokes, which either caused laughs or groans. He wore his heart on his sleeve for anyone whom he met. It did not matter whether he just met a person or had known them for many years. He knew the preciousness of each moment, fully and fiercely loving and living.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Marc is survived by his sister in law, Jeanne Milstein ( Jo Ann), his brother in law James Milstein ( Amy), his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and his sister, Ava Brook.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the team at Memorial Sloan Kettering and the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence for their extraordinary expertise, compassion and care of Marc and his family. The family requests that any donations be made to the American Cancer Society, WVCR - the Siena Radio Station, or the Religion Action Center of Reform Judaism.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road, Albany, NY. Masks are required at the service. Interment will follow the service at Temple Israel Cemetery, 1620 Western Ave. in Guilderland. A reception will be held at Congregation Beth Emeth following the interment. Shiva will be observed at the family residence on June 8, 2022 between the hours of 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. For directions or to leave a condolence message for the family, please visit levinememorialchapel.com
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