Edward Herbert Kaplan, a real estate developer and entrepreneur who served as a longtime leader of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission, died last Friday, Mar. 27.
Kaplan, a Potomac resident, was 87.
“The MPT family mourns the passing of this wonderful man and great friend to our organization,” said Steven J. Schupak, president and CEO of the Owings Mills-based Maryland Public Television. “His nearly three decades of service and philanthropy won’t soon be equaled. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. We’ll truly miss this visionary, remarkable leader.”
For nearly 30 years, Kaplan served on MPT’s 11-member governing body and was one of the network’s biggest benefactors and advocates.
He was first appointed to the commission by Gov. Parris N. Glendening in 1996. Kaplan was named the commission’s chair in 2007 and served in that capacity for 18 years until retiring in June of 2025.
That September, MPT’s commissioners voted unanimously to designate Kaplan “chair emeritus.”
In 2008, Kaplan and his wife, Irene, created MPT’s New Initiatives Fund with a $1,000,000 donation, to enable the production of Maryland-themed programs and support other network activities.
Kaplan also served as an ex-official trustee of the MPT Foundation Inc.
In 2022, the Irene and Edward H. Kaplan Production Studio at MPT’s headquarters was dedicated in recognition of their service and generosity to the network.
“Eddie Kaplan was an extraordinary philanthropist who put his heart and soul into MPT and set a wonderful example for us all,” said Dick Bodorff, chair of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. “Through the New Initiatives Fund, Eddie made possible numerous MPT programs on the Chesapeake Bay and other subjects. We’ll fondly remember Eddie Kaplan each time we enter MPT’s main studio, which bears the Kaplan name.”
Said Larry D. Unger, MPT’s president and CEO from 2011 to 2025: “Eddie was a trusted confidant who treasured MPT and, as its commission chair, always acted in the network’s best interests. His business advice and insights were timely and meaningful. But I will miss his friendship even more. He was an ally, confidante, and teacher. Best of all, he brought a superb sense of humor to his business and personal dealings.”
Kaplan served as a member of the board of trustees of America’s Public Television Stations, a nonprofit that promotes the legislative and regulatory interests of noncommercial television stations at the national level. In 2020, he received APTS’s David J. Brugger Lay Leadership Award, which recognizes significant service and stewardship.
Kaplan was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. He began his career in the construction field, and later branched into real estate development and investments in related businesses.
In 1983, he was a founding stockholder and director of Palmer National Bank in Washington, D.C., and was a director of its successor, George Mason Bankshares, later acquired by United Bankshares Inc. subsidiary United Bank.
Kaplan was also a founding stockholder and director of Silver Diner Development Inc. in 1987 and was a director of its successor, Silver Diner Inc.
A leader in local and international philanthropic activities, Kaplan served as president of the United Jewish Endowment Fund, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington.
In addition, he was a longtime board member of the JCC Association of North America. He served as the organization’s chair from 2002 to 2006.
Other organizations and institutions supported by Kaplan included the National Children’s Medical Center, the National Gallery of Art, the Capital Area Food Bank, and the Washington Hospital Center Foundation.
He also served for more than two decades on the D.C. regional board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.
Kaplan is survived by his wife, Irene Emsellem Kaplan; his children, Martine Kaplan and Howard (Donna), and Fred (Loretta) and Stella Margolis; his five grandchildren; and his brother, Jerome (Regina Porten).
Funeral services were held on Sunday, Mar. 29, at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville.
Memorial contributions may be made to JSSA, the Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls Club or to the charity of your choice.
The Columbia resident worked on the Gemini and Apollo space missions.
A St. Louis native, Edelman served as ambassador to the central African nation from 1987 to 1989.
A Frederick resident and Beth Tfiloh member, Hornstein was a former Baltimore City police officer who worked for the DEA for 32 years.
A military veteran, Fradkin served as president of the Al Fradkin Co. and volunteered for several local nonprofit organizations.