Public Information

Name

Kaplan, Bernard (Bernie)

Class

2008

Biography

(1929-2024) Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1929. Entered U.S. Army in 1951, served in Korea, discharged in 1953. Opened a grocery store in New Jersey; served as President of the Chamber of Commerce. Created the Merchantville Christmas Parade to raise money for homeless and needy children. Following the death of his sister, created a Survivors Association in Philadelphia for suicide crisis; brought the program to Arizona in 1994. Active in American Cancer Society and serves food at a local shelter. Past Commander of Scottsdale Jewish War Veterans; serves on national commission to award scholarships. Actively raises funds for the Military Veterans Hospitality Room at Sky Harbor Airport. Collects items for Victory Place for veterans; raised funds for 10 computers. Following convalescence after being struck by a car in 2007; continues to raise funds for a proposed addition to Victory Place.