Howard Kaplan, 80, of Chester, died peacefully Sept. 28 after a well-fought battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 2, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York to Freda and Samuel Kaplan. He moved to Chester in 1972 and became an integral member of the community. He also established a second home in Donegal, Ireland, with his wife Pauline. Howard had an endless love of learning and lived a rich life dedicated to work, travel, loved ones and his many passions.

He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brooklyn College and received a master’s degree from Duke University. He then served in the United States Army.

Throughout more than 50 years as a financial advisor, Howard possessed a strong sense of purpose and integrity, caring for his clients and working up until the end of his life. While in finance, he turned some of his passions into small businesses, including a Chinese cooking school, a New York-style deli, and most notably Howard’s Bread. He took great pride in introducing people to the bialy and perfecting the baguette.

Always active and up for a game, he took up sports as varied as roller-blading and windsurfing, founded a bocce club in Chester, and played backgammon with any willing opponent. He was an inspiration to everyone around him, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends across the globe.

Howard is survived by his wife Pauline; his first wife Jil Nelson; his daughter Xander; step-daughters Niki and Vanessa; his brother Jay and his wife Joyce; and his nephews Adam and Darren and their children.

A memorial service will be held Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 East Kings Highway, Chester. Friends and family are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Middlesex Hospital Hospice and Palliative Care Program, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457. To share a memory of Howard or send a condolence to his family, visit rwwfh.com. The Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, is in charge of arrangements.