Melvyn Kaplan

Melvyn Kaplan, 88, Mt. Gretna, passed away on Sunday February 25, 2024 in Harrisburg. He was the husband of Donna Jeanne Gay Grun Kaplan. Mel was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 11, 1935, a son of the late Nathan and Fannie Nozick Kaplan. He was a graduate of Brooklyn College where he attained his degree in Urban Planning in 1956. For 45 years he worked in public planning, housing and redevelopment and served as the executive director of the Lebanon County Housing and Redevelopment Authority for 33 years until his retirement in 2003. He served on numerous PA state and federal housing associations including PAHRA and NAHRO and received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career. His career began in Sharon, PA and he later moved to Butler, PA before coming to Lebanon in December 1970. He was an avid golfer who always rooted for the New York Giants football team, the New York Mets, the old Brooklyn Dodgers and the Pitt Panthers. His faith was central to his life and he was an active member of Beth Israel Synagogue for over 50 years. In addition to his wife he is survived by loving children: Stephen J. and wife Cheri R. Kaplan, Pamela S. Kaplan, Bryan S. Kaplan and companion Cherie Montero-Lowe, Jeffrey L. and wife Jeanie B. Kaplan; step-daughters: Ellen Hunter and Emily Grun wife of John Nasta; grandchildren: Stuart Kaplan and wife Desiree; Corey Kaplan and wife Eryka, Ryan Kaplan and wife Jillian, step-grandchildren: Daniel Hunter, David Hunter and wife Kerri McLaughlin, Kevin Hunter, Hazel Nasta and husband Louis Dowling, Adam Nasta, Karin wife of James Wickenheiser, Jeremiah Hummell; numerous great-grandchildren; sister: Joan Rosenberg. He was preceded in death by the mother of his children: Carol B. Kaplan. Funeral services will be Thursday at 1:00pm in the Rohland Funeral Home 508 Cumberland St., Lebanon, PA 17042. Interment will be in Beth Israel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to UJA-Federation of New York P.O.Box 4227 New York, NY 10261-4227.