| Date of Birth | August 18, 1965 |
| Date Deceased | September 24, 2021 |
| Hometown | Hornell |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | September 30, 2021 |
| Service Time | 9:30 a.m. |
| Service Location | Beth El Cemetery, Hornell |
Ricki A. Kaplan
GRAY, TN – Ricki A. Kaplan, 56, of Gray TN, formerly of Hornell, passed away on Friday (Sept. 24, 2021).
Born in West Chester, PA on Aug. 18, 1965, she was a daughter of the late Howard and Pauline (Spitulnik) Kaplan.
A graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1983, Rickie was a professor at East Tennessee State University for 30 plus years, dedicated to teaching business. She was very active in her community, school, and synagogue. She enjoyed traveling and spent many summers in Jinan, China to teach at her sister university.
She is survived by her sister, Bea Kaplan (David), niece, Leah Kaplan; and nephew, Ben Kaplan; as well as several cousins.
A graveside service and interment will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday (Sept. 30, 2021) at Beth El Cemetery in Hornell.
The family request that you please wear a mask if you have not had the opportunity to receive your vaccine and please follow social distancing protocol. Thank you very much in advance for your understanding during this most difficult period.
Those wishing may contribute in her memory to either Temple Beth El, P.O. Box 454, Hornell, NY 14843 or to B’Nai Shalom Congregation, 2510 Hwy. 126, Bristol, TN 37620.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Ricki’s family with the arrangements.
To add your own personal remembrance or condolence please click on the link below or visit the Facebook page of Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.
I’m very saddened to hear the news of Ricki’s death. I haven’t seen her in years but, ironically, just last week, I was reminiscing about her with one of her former HHS ‘83 classmates! Ricki was a kind-hearted girl who was one of the most cheerful and upbeat persons I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting! My sincere sympathy to her sister Bea, her family, friends and colleagues at ETSU. May you find consolation in the days ahead.
I worked with Ricki for the 15 years she was here at ETSU and I considered her a good friend. She was always smiling, even when things were not the way she wanted them to be. She was a great teacher and mentor to her students. We will all certainly miss her sweet spirit. I am looking forward to that glad reunion day when I can see her again, as she is once again whole and with the Father. Love and prayers to the family and may the Lord send comfort, peace and blessings your way.
Ms. Kaplan was one of my favorite professors, and she made the biggest impact on me in all the years I attended school and college. She was kind, caring, witty, and sharp. Her guidance really changed my life and inspired me to pursue my dreams. Without her, I almost certainly wouldn’t be where I am now.
Rest in peace, Ms. Kaplan, and thank you for everything.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ricki.May her heart and special
spark live on in all who
who knew her.RIP Ricki.
My wife Nikki and I met Ricki through the Bnai Shalom synagogue in Blountville, Tennessee. She helped us with our wedding and was always the dearest of friends. We loved her sense of humor, sensible nature, and her servant’s heart to help others. She is deeply missed. We cherished her friendship and warmth.
Ricky and I attended graduate school together and she made me feel so welcome with both of us having roots in NY. It had been 25+ years since we had since each other last, and earlier this year we had the great fortunate of bumping into each other. It was so wonderful to see her. I’ll miss you dear friend.
My condolences to the Spitulnik family. May the memories sustain you through this difficult time.
Ricki was a true gift to this world–always ready to help and to serve. As a colleague and friend, she made my world better and I will miss her.