Paul Kaplan

Paul Kaplan, 93, of San Mateo, passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2018. During his final days Paul did what he did throughout his life: he made others laugh, especially his wife, Rita, the love of his life.

Paul was born in Chicago on January 12, 1925, the son of Edward and Minnie Kaplan.

Paul’s passion was music, and his instrument was the clarinet. At 13, while attending Salinas High School, he started his own band, Paul Kaplan and his KAP-tivating Rhythms, which developed a large following throughout the Monterey Bay Area. While still in high school, Paul played professionally with big bands at the Del Monte Hotel in Monterey, Capitola Hotel at Capitola Beach, and Coconut Grove in Santa Cruz. During World War II Paul served as a member of the United States Army Air Corps Band, playing for troops in the United States, France and Germany. He continued to play the clarinet after the War, and for the rest of his life, he carried it with him to over 40 countries, which he and Rita visited during their 70-year marriage. No family occasion, no party with friends, no bonfire at the beach was complete without Paul and his clarinet.

Paul owned Carlyle Jewelers in San Mateo until he retired in 1986.

During his retirement, Paul and Rita continued their journeys about the world, always with Paul’s clarinet in hand. Between travels, Paul volunteered in the San Mateo Foster City School District, entertaining children with his music. He also loved the mornings he spent greeting visitors to the gardens at Filoli.

Paul is survived by his wife Rita; daughter Laurel Rubin (Miles); son Doug Kaplan (Gwen); grandchildren Amy Kaplan (Jonathan Pilch), Adam Rubin (Dana Guidetti), Cora Kaplan, and Daniel Rubin (fiancé Sefi Mintzer); and greatgrandchildren Micah, Leo and Forrest.

The family would like to acknowledge the tender care of Paul’s wonderful caregivers and Mission Hospice during the final days of his life.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held November 3.