Ross Michael Kaplan

On September 3, 2023, Ross Michael Kaplan, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his wife of 42 years in Alexandria, VA.  He was eighty-two.  Born in Utica, New York on August 10, 1941.  Born to Ethel (Morgenstern) and Simon Kaplan. 

Married in Alexandria, VA to Linda Darlene (Warren) in 1981.

Ross attended school in Utica, New York; graduated from Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, in 1963 achieving a master’s degree in electrical engineering.  

Ross was a career civil servant where he traveled throughout the US and abroad. He was employed in 1963 by Griffiss AFB, NY as an electronic engineer in the Telecommunications Systems Division, Fort Huachuca, Arizona to the US Army Strategic Communications Command where he worked in the Safeguard Communications Agency, from there to Springfield, VA to the US Army Material Development and Readiness Command working in the  inspector General Activity Department, then to the Voice of America, Office of Engineering and Tech Ops, OFC of the Deputy Projects Mgmt. Acquisitions Division as a Supervisor General Engineer.

He loved his work in all the different States.  Even though he had a very successful career he could not wait to retire.  He retired from the Voice of America in 1999.

Anyone that knew Ross knew his love for sports, especially martial arts and tennis. He played tennis for Syracuse University and continued to play into his 60’s.  Ross met his current wife (Darlene) while on travel.  They started martial arts together and both earned their 3rd degree black belts in American Freestyle Karate in 1987.  Ross taught Darlene to play tennis. Whenever possible they would take his daughter Jill on work related trips.  Ross and Darlene traveled together in the continual US where they took their weights, karate gear, and tennis rackets along with them to keep in shape. Ross’s work also took them to many countries around the world.

Some of Ross’s favorite memories involved playing doubles tennis together with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. 

Ross was a stamp, coin, and train collector.  He also was an animal lover.  He had a deep passion for his African Grey Parrot (Pagalu).

Ross became interested in investing in mutual funds.  He spent many hours working on an investing method that he planned to patent.  He spent years tweaking it before it and decided to use it for his own benefit for making investments.

Ross is survived by his loving wife Linda Darlene Kaplan; his daughter Jill Kaplan Bookstaver (Larry) and his grandchildren Jason Garrett Bookstaver and Anna Kaitlyn Bookstaver.

A memorial service will take place at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302 on Monday, September 18th at 10:00 a.m.

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