Obituaries are supported by a generous grant from Sinai Memorial Chapel.
Anatoly Kaplan
Dec. 25, 1942–Dec. 10, 2023
Anatoly Kaplan passed away at the age of 80 early in the morning of Dec. 10, on the third day of Hanukkah. Just as the Hanukkah candles represent both warmth and the search for light, truth and meaning, so Anatoly’s shining smile warmed his many friends and family, and inspired us to study, learn and better ourselves.
Anatoly was born on Dec. 25, 1942 in Siberia, after his mother and sisters fled the Holocaust in Latvia. After the war, his father returned from fighting in the Red Army and reunited with his wife and children in Riga, meeting his son for the first time. With few exceptions, the remainder of their family perished in the Rumbula massacre of the Riga Ghetto.
Despite the poverty, grief, and antisemitism that surrounded him, “Tolik” was never deterred. Told he couldn’t read a novel in class, he hid a book inside his textbook and continued to correctly answer the teacher’s questions. Despite starting gymnastics at the late age of 14, he earned the gold medal for Latvia twice. After his mother sent him to trade school at 16, he continued on to enroll in Latvia State University and earn a Ph.D. in Physics.
At university, Anatoly met Mary Gringut, who became his best friend and wife of 53 years. In 1980, they moved to the San Francisco Bay Area with their two daughters and Mary’s parents. Immediately, Anatoly started his next career by learning software programming, moving into tech leadership and co-founding multiple companies locally and consulting worldwide. No sooner did he learn the ropes than he started to coach other newcomers.
Anatoly loved good food, wine, travel, exercise, chess, books, talking to friends, long walks and doing handstands on every beach he visited. Above all, his family — Mary, his daughters Ruth and Sabina, and grandchildren Eli, Ariel and Sora — was his greatest joy. Anatoly was always ready to laugh and make others laugh. His kindness, dedication and easy humor was the light by which we will always search darkness for truth, understanding and beauty. As his grandson likes to say, “He was the best guy.”
Donations in Anatoly’s memory may be made to the Friends of the IDF or the Hillel Foundation.
Sheldon S. Kabaker, M.D.
June 29, 1939–Dec. 8, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sheldon Solomon Kabaker, M.D., a beloved husband, dear friend to many, and world-recognized facial plastic surgeon. Sheldon passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Dec. 8, 2023, in White Plains, NY, at the age of 84. Sheldon left a profound impact on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him, and his memory will be forever cherished.
Sheldon was born on June 29, 1939, and grew up in Argo, Illinois. He was a successful Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, as well as an internationally acclaimed Hair Transplantation surgeon. Sheldon was instrumental in training many surgeons in the art of not only facial plastic surgery, but the pioneering hairline lowering procedure, for which he was recognized as one of the developers of this life-changing procedure. His love and passion for his art is what set him apart from many others. His love of his profession carried him in private practice for over 45 years in Oakland, California. Sheldon was honored to have one of the first fully accredited ambulatory surgery facilities in Northern California, and maintained this accreditation until his retirement in 2016.
Sheldon was revered for his warmth, kindness and unwavering support of his family, friends and patients alike. He had an infectious sense of humor, while dry at times, and his passion for helping others deemed him one of the most respected and experienced surgeons in his field.
Sheldon is survived by his loving wife of over 30 years, Marcia Dresner Kabaker, and Robbie, his beloved goldendoodle. Sheldon leaves a wide circle of friends, colleagues and many who will forever carry Sheldon’s memory in their hearts. The loss of such a giving and dear man leaves a void that can never be filled, but Sheldon will live on through the countless memories shared by those who had the privilege of knowing him, and the opportunity to work and learn under such a great man.
Funeral services to celebrate Sheldon’s life were held on Dec. 13, 2023 at the Home of Eternity Cemetery Chapel in Oakland. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a charity of your choice in honor of Sheldon.
The memory of Sheldon’s life will forever be a beacon of inspiration for all of us. Rest in peace dear Sheldon. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew you.
Sinai Memorial
(415) 921-3636
David G. Coen
Feb. 20, 1921–Dec, 9, 2023
Born Feb. 20, 1921, in Santa Cruz, CA to Bertha and Leon Coen, David saw many changes growing up in his sleepy little beach hometown. His work history began as a teenage test rider early each morning on the Giant Big Dipper roller coaster at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. He hasn’t stopped since. After being discharged from the Army in 1944, he finished his Bachelor’s degree at San Jose State, then went on to an MBA at Stanford University. Trying various jobs, he settled at Pacific Diamond Company in San Francisco, retiring at age 67. Needing to stay busy, he volunteered at SFO Airport in Traveler’s Aide for 30 years, until his last shift at age 98.
Despite many severe health challenges, David survived more than 102 years due to his powerful will to live, stubbornness, positive outlook, sharp wit and love for his friends, family and attentive caregivers. Though he didn’t make it to his goal of 123 years young, he passed peacefully on Dec. 9, 2023.
David did all this with his wife Ruth by his side for 72 years, until her recent passing in October 2020. Celebrating good times and supporting each other through hard times, they always took care of family and friends and each other. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs, and always supported the local Humane Society.
David lost his parents, brother Jacques and sister Sally, at young ages. He is survived by son Gary (Shawna), daughter Lynne (Charley), granddaughter Maggie (Connor), great-granddaughters Logan and Quinn, and many loved nieces, nephews and in-laws. We would like to thank the Oliva family, Magnolia of Millbrae and all the outstanding staff for their care and compassion. David’s ever-present wit and sense of humor will be missed by all.
Burial was held Dec. 13, 2023 at Salem Memorial Park in Colma.
Sinai Memorial
(415) 921-3636
Norton Elliot Feldstein
On Friday evening, Dec. 1, 2023, Norton Elliot Feldstein, one of the finest human beings that ever blessed this earth, passed quietly and peacefully away at the age of 92.
He had three great loves, which filled his life and his heart. A life-long and passionate Giants fan, and season ticket holder, every year ended with the same message: “There is always next year.” Their three World Series victories provided him such happiness, but none of it compared to the love of his family.
He and his beloved wife of 71 years, Charlotte, were blessed with three children, Ceil Edwards (Bob), Louis, and Amy DiStefano and her husband, Rich, who was like a son; six grandchildren, Katie, Jennie Ryan (Matt), Ari, Gabe, Zahava and Eitan, and his first great-grandchild, Dominic (Jennie and Matt’s son), who were all with him during his final hours of life. His Donald Duck quacking voice is remembered by each of them.
Norton’s greatest love of all was for his wife, Charlotte, whom he started dating in high school. He adored her and truly worshipped the ground she walked on, and had his greatest joy when he danced with her. Over the years they traveled the world together and celebrated life’s so many joyous and happy family events.
He was a thoughtful and educated man who was always reading a Civil War or WWII book. A committed and proud man, he always took pride in his efforts whether at work, or with his family. He was a role model, who felt no job or chore was beneath him. Whether he was walking the corridors of Tanforan Mall where he managed a store before his retirement, or walking Union Street later in life, he was like a beloved mayor, greeting everyone he came across. Over the past thirty years he became a fixture on Union Street, as he stopped into many of the shops to just say hi and catch up.
Born in Detroit, he came to San Francisco in 1944 and became one of the city’s strongest devotees, who always believed in the city as the finest place to live in the world. The city has now lost one of its greatest admirers, but the friends and acquaintances who he lived amongst have lost even more — someone who brightened their days, and brought joy into their lives. Nort, Honey, Grampy, and Dad will be missed. The world is a bit emptier of goodness today.