WINDSOR LOCKS - Sam Kaplan, 78 of Windsor Locks and Enfield, CT, passed very peacefully surrounded by his loving family at home. Sam was born on February 24, 1942 in Springfield, Massachusetts to Alice Y (Michaud) and Harry Kaplan. He attended American International College and graduated from Western New England College with a Mechanical Engineering Degree. He enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during most of his service. Sam spent 38 rewarding years with Hamilton Standard before retiring in 2000. He was a member of the American Legion Post 36 in Windsor Locks, a former member of the Enfield Elks, a former coach and officer with the Enfield Girls Softball Association, as well as a dedicated and life-long fan of UCONN Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Football. He was also a member of Elmcrest Country Club since 1988 where he spent many, many days doing what he loved, chasing that little white ball. Along with his passion for golf, he enjoyed building large-scale wooden model airplanes. Sam was extremely generous with his time, never hesitating to lend help when or wherever needed. He believed his purpose was to take care of others before himself. Whether helping with car repairs, offering advice, taking care of household emergencies, if he could be of help you could always count on him. He was a talented handyman and problem-solver and even built his own canoe. He was also famous for his ‘lists’ and ‘post-its’. Sam was known for his gift of talking and was never shy to strike up a conversation. He had a unique and witty sense of humor and always wanted to make people laugh. This was quite apparent during his time at Hamilton where he was asked many times to emcee retirement parties. His love, devotion and commitment to his children was obvious as he volunteered as a youth coach no matter what sport his kids tried – whether baseball, softball, soccer or hockey. He was avid camper, taking his family on many adventures. Prior to his wife’s passing, they both enjoyed traveling and cruises together and in later years, annual winter trips to Florida. Sam was predeceased by his best friend and loving wife Ann in 2019 whom he deeply missed. He is survived by his two children; Kristine Kaplan of Windsor Locks, CT., and Eric Kaplan and wife Fiorina of Wallingford, CT. He also leaves his two grandchildren, Samuel and Cameron, whom he treasured. He was “Uncle Sam” to Nancy Halligan of Enfield, CT., Thomas Halligan (Kim) of Somers, CT., and Michael Halligan (Beth) of South Windsor, CT., all of whom he mentored, guided and cared for as if they were his own children after their own father passed when they were very young. He took great pride in spending time with his family, being a father, grandfather and uncle. His family will receive friends on Sunday March 8, 2020 from 12-3p at the Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield, CT with a reception to follow. Burial with military honors will be held on Monday at 10am at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. in Agawam, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Cancer Society, Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.