Bernard A. Kaplan, educator, lifelong learner and father, died February 23, 2022 at Foxdale Village Retirement Community in State College, Pennsylvania. He was 95. Kaplan grew up in Hancock, N.Y., the youngest of five children. His parents, Samuel and Ida Kaplan, were Russian Jews who fled from Minsk to escape pogroms. "Kap" as he was called by friends, graduated from Hancock Central High School in 1944 as valedictorian. His academic achievements and a chance conversation with his high school principal led to his competing for, and receiving, a full scholarship to Cornell University, making his dream of attending college a reality. After serving in the U.S. Army, Kaplan graduated from Cornell with a degree in general science in 1949, becoming a high school science teacher for two years before serving as the guidance counselor for Hancock Central Schools. Kaplan then worked in the Bureau of Guidance for the New York State Department of Education in Albany and earned Masters and PhD degrees in Education, also from Cornell. From Albany, Kaplan was recruited by the New Jersey Department of Education in 1966, where he served as the Assistant Commissioner of Education. In 1975, he and his family returned to New York State to settle in Marcellus where he worked for the Syracuse University Research Corporation, providing consulting expertise to departments of education and school districts nationwide. In retirement, Kaplan returned to his early loves of music, theatre, reading, and teaching. He gave presentations on music of the 1920s, 30s and 40s to elder groups (Elder Hostel, Road Scholar, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) at universities in PA, NY and FL) and acted in Syracuses community theaters. An avid reader, he enjoyed mysteries and biographies, stating books and libraries offered him "perspective, inspiration, and solace". He loved spending time with family and friendsespecially his children, his beloved twin sister Bea and his nieces and nephews. Kaplan is predeceased by his brothers and sisters: Beatrice, Charles, Ralph and Rose. He is survived by his children and son-in-law: Cheryl M. Kaplan of State College, P.A.; Craig P. Kaplan of Syracuse, N.Y.; and Wendy E. Kaplan (James Emmons) of Villas, N.J. Contributions in Kaplan's memory may be made to his childhood library, Louise Adelia Read Memorial Library, 104 Read St, Hancock, NY 13783 (checks should include "in honor of Bernard Kaplan" in the memo line); to Temple Universitys OLLI program, where you can click the "donate button" which allows you to navigate to the tribute box: https://noncredit.temple.edu/olli; or to a community theatre of your choice. Plans for a memorial service are forthcoming.