September 22, 1922 - September 11, 2021

Long time physician Stanley Kaplan passed away peacefully at his home in Laguna Beach on September 11, 2021, just shy of his 99th birthday.

Born September 22, 1922, Stanley grew up in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York. Stanley’s academic skills and drive pointed him for things beyond the neighborhood. He graduated as valedictorian from John Adams High School, spent a year at City College of New York, and finished at Queens College, before moving to California to begin his medical training. Soon after arriving in California, he connected with a former acquaintance at Queen’s College, Muriel Boettjer. They became a couple and soon thereafter married and settled in Downey where they raised two sons, Ken and Phil, and years later moved to Laguna Beach, where they enjoyed watching their grandchildren grow up. Muriel died shortly after their 50th wedding anniversary.

Stanley began his medical practice in Compton, later moving the practice to Downey. Stanley thrived as a doctor who epitomized a bygone era. He made house calls, took the time to listen to and know his patients and their families (among them was the family of Ken’s future wife, Jan), and did it all -- from delivering babies to assisting in surgery. He was beloved by his patients. In 1952, Stanley was the driving force behind a group of doctors who built Rio Hondo Memorial Hospital in Downey. Stanley became its first chairman and was instrumental in the hospital’s success.

Stanley loved the outdoors. He built a house in Mammoth where he enjoyed skiing and hiking with his sons and an irreverent group of friends known as The Church of the Open Slope. Stanley was also a craftsmen, skilled in working with stained glass and building beautiful Tiffany-style lamps.

In 2008, Stanley began a new chapter of his life, marrying Mary Santoni. The large Santoni family warmly welcomed Stanley. He and Mary loved spending time with their extended families, and Stanley particularly looked forward to visits from his great grandchildren.

Stanley is survived by his wife Mary Santoni Kaplan, Ken and Phil, grandchildren, Brandon, Amanda, Adam, and Alexa, and great grandchildren, Eliza, Anna, Dylan, and Oliver.