Ted Kaplan

Ted is survived by his wife Trina, sons Steve and Larry and daughter Susie, their spouses Jill and Donna Kaplan and David Venegas, two grand-daughters by Susie and David, Alexandra and Daylen, Steve's foster son Justin, and Steve's wife Jill's two children, their spouses, and 7 grand-children. Ted accomplished a lot in his life but he would tell you that he is proudest of the 67 year marriage he created with Trina and the family they raised together.

Ted was born on January 22, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY. He lived in Brooklyn until serving in the US Army in Japan after WW II. He married Trina on June 20, 1948 and earned a business degree from Brooklyn College. He worked as an accountant in New York City and for a year in Los Angeles before moving to San Diego in 1959 to work as Assistant Comptroller for Marty Gleich at American Housing Guild, builder of homes and apartments and more. Within a year he was promoted to Comptroller, then CFO as AHG grew in the 60's. Ted retired in 1991 after 32 years with Marty Gleich and AHG. Ted shared his financial expertise with all who needed it and did the taxes for as many as 7 people every year.

Ted played and followed many sports all his life, including stickball as a young boy. He was an accomplished runner at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn. He was the 4th fastest member of New Utrecht's cross-country team that won the Brooklyn championship and narrowly missed winning the New York City championship.

He took up tennis in 1960 and quickly became an excellent player. He played tennis 2-3 times a week for over 50 years, hanging up his racket at the age of 87. He was adept at putting spin on the ball.

1960 is also the year Ted started his long career as an umpire. His eldest son had started Little League and he wanted to volunteer his time. He chose umpiring over coaching and San Diego youth baseball is lucky that he did.

Ted mastered the mechanics of umpiring and the art of calling balls and strikes. Ted's strike zone was consistent which endeared him to many a coach and player. Ted studied the rule book, learning it as well as just about anyone. He loved to discuss the rules and interesting situations, especially with his two sons who also learned the rulebook and did some umpiring.

Ted umpired at least 2 games a week for many years for Mission Village Little League and Serra Mesa Pony League. He served ten years as Head Umpire for Little League's District 33. He ran a rulebook and mechanics clinic where he trained umpires from all over the county.

Ted took a 15 year break from umpiring but returned to it when he retired in 1992. He volunteered twice a week as umpire for Senior Softball La Mesa and also for the Senior Softball Travel League. His passion rekindled, Ted joined a local umpiring association and began working youth baseball games. Ted worked over 100 games a year until scaling back in his 80's. He continued to work 50 games a year until his health forced him to leave the field for good at age 87.

He volunteered as an umpire in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, at one of the numerous tournaments put on by Little League baseball, and at three Fantasy Camps, one for the Boston Red Sox and two for the San Diego Padres. He umpired a Fantasy Camp game in Petco Park.

Ted's family was the most important thing in his life, but he had many interests. He loved to read the newspaper. He loved movies and live theatre. He and Trina supported numerous local theatres and they gave generously to myriad causes. He enjoyed his time at his desktop computer. Ted loved to listen to the music from his youth. He enjoyed helping other people.

Ted and Trina traveled extensively. They made a few visits to Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada as well as visiting Spain, Portugal, Morocco, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Israel, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, including the Galapagos, and Peru, including Machu Picchu. They made yearly visits to New York and Florida to visit relatives. They cruised to Hawaii in the 60's and to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal in retirement.

Ted was a kind and gentle man who treasured his family. He was compassionate. His hugs will be remembered by all who savored one. He was dependable. You could always count on him. Our world needs more people like Ted Kaplan.

If you wish, you may honor Ted's memory with a donation to one of his favorite charities.

San Diego Public Library

Save the Children

Jewish Family Service - San Diego

ion Theatre Company

San Diego Repertory Theatre