Paul H. Kaplitz

Paul H. Kaplitz, 89, of Willimantic, husband of the late Mae (Kalinowski) Kaplitz, died Sunday March 28, 2004 at the Windham Hospital. He was born Dec. 25, 1914 in Johnstown, PA. Paul retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1963 after a 21 year career and later retired from the University of CT. library services. He was a longtime runner, participating in several National Senior Olympics, was a longtime member of the Willimantic Athletic Club and was an avid UConn Husky fan. Paul was very active in community athletic and volunteer activities. He was a 50 year volunteer for the American Red Cross and founder of the Red Cross Paul Kaplitz Swim-A-Thon. He was a dedicated volunteer for many years at the Windham Hospital and was named Volunteer of the Year in 1998. Paul was an Olympic torch bearer in 1996 when the torch passed through CT. and he was named Willimantic's Cupid in 2002. He was a supporter and benefactor of Eastern Ct. State University, the University of CT., Windham Hospital, the American Red Cross, the United Way and many other community organizations. Paul was a member of Temple B'Nai Israel in Willimantic. He is survived by his son David Lazarus of Willimantic, his longtime companion Rebecca Kaplan of Windham, his brother Joe Kaplitz of Johnstown,PA., his sister Elizabeth Quint of Monroeville, PA. and several nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday March 30, 2004 at 1:00pm at Temple B'Nai Israel, 345 Jackson St. Willimantic. There are no calling hours. Burial with military honors will follow in the Storrs Cemetery,North Eagleville Rd., Storrs. Please omit flowers. Memorial donations are suggested to the Windham Hospital, 112 Mansfield Ave. Willimantic,Ct. 06226, the American Red Cross, 679 Main St. Willimantic, CT. 06226 or to Temple B'Nai Israel, 345 Jackson St. Willimantic,Ct. 06226. Arrangements through the Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic. Please visit at www.potterfh.com for online memorial guestbook.