MARVIN KAPLAN 9/26/31-10/23/18

Marvin “Lefty” Kaplan, former Las Vegas hotel executive, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 23, 2018. Born in Manhattan, N. Y., to Ben and Edith Kaplan, “Lefty” earned his nickname playing baseball at an early age growing up in the Bronx. After time spent in the U.S. Marines and his desire to play for the Yankees fell through, “Lefty” made a decision that would define his life and shape the lives of others around him: he moved to Las Vegas. “Lefty” began his career as a bar porter at the Sands Hotel working with his friend and mentor, the late Jack Entratter. He later had the opportunity to open Caesar’s Palace as assistant bar manager. He continued his 25-plus year career in management at the Dunes, the Sands, the Riviera, and the MGM Hotels. He was a consummate professional who believed passionately in “treating people the way you would want to be treated” and continued that commitment as part of the Executive Board for the Bartenders Union #165. Marvin kept his love for baseball alive by playing in various hotel sports leagues and coaching little league in the Las Vegas Valley. He was one of the founders of the Green Valley Little League where he helped coach the 1983 team to their first State Championship. Marvin is survived by his wife, Mary; his, daughters Michelle (Richard) Knoll, Lee (Joe) Kell, Holly (Rick) Ackers, and Beri (Joel) Schwitzer; siblings, Beverly, Ken and Fred. He was a hero to his seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren (the perfect baseball team). He made everyone feel like they were his family and is survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and life-long loved ones. Service will be at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, November 4, at the Sun City Anthem Liberty Center, 2211 Somersworth Drive, Henderson, NV 89044. Rabbi Mel Hecht to officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Keep Memory Alive supporting the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Wounded Warriors or Nathan Adelson Hospice.