Caplan, David         
ALBANY David (Dubby) Caplan, son of the late Charles and Lena Caplan, beloved
husband of Shirley Mermelstein Caplan for 56 years, cherished father of Leta
and Hal Smith, Murray and Gail Caplan and Sharon Polovina, and adored Papa of
his grandchildren, Caley, Julie, Kyle, Bryan, Chad, and Zack. Survived by his
loving sister, Clara Perlmutter, and predeceased by his dear sister and
brothers, Esther Werlin, Jack Caplan and Robert Caplan. Also survived by
caring nephews and nieces. Born and lived in Albany, New York. Graduated from
Albany High School and attended St. Lawrence University. Enlisted in the Army
Air Corps in 1942. He served in the 8th Air Force, flying 35 missions over
Germany as a navigator on a B-17 Flying Fortress, receiving several
distinguished awards and medals. After his discharge in fall of 1945, he
transferred to Syracuse University and received a bachelor of science degree
in economics. After graduating, he joined his father, Charles and Uncle Hymie
in their family furniture store, Caplan Bros on South Pearl Street in Albany.
He met and married his life's sweetheart, Shirley, in 1948. Their
extraordinary relationship was an inspiration to all who knew them. He left
the furniture store in 1954 and joined the Charles Company of Troy and went to
work with his brother, Jack. He left the business in 1962 when he joined the
New York State Department of Commerce as a business consultant, subsequently
becoming the department's Red Tape Cutter and the ombudsman advocate for small
business, until his retirement in March 1991. He was very active in the
building of Temple Israel and served as vice president, treasurer and member
of the board of directors for many years, receiving many plaques and citations
for his dedicated years of service. For his support of the creation of the
Capital District Hebrew Academy, he was awarded membership as Guardian of the
Torah. He dedicated his life to helping others and was an active and generous
supporter of the Jewish Welfare Fund (United Federation), the United Way, the
Regional Food Bank, civil rights organizations and many national and
community-wide efforts to help those in need. Services at the Levine Memorial
Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany on Monday, September 6, 2004 at 1:00
p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will follow
services in the Temple Israel Cemetery, Guilderland, N.Y. The period of
mourning will be observed at the Caplan residence, 237 Davis Avenue, Albany,
N.Y. 12208 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Memorial
contributions may be made to Temple Israel, United Jewish Federation of
Northeastern New York, Inc. and the American Cancer Society.