Samuel Cheris
Longtime Denver resident and attorney Samuel Cheris passed away on December 13, 2023, at the age of 78. A service was held at Emanuel Cemetery, officiated by Cantor Elizabeth Sacks. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.
A native of Brooklyn, NY, and born on November 14, 1945, Mr. Cheris received his law degree from Stanford University and practiced business law. He was a member of the Colorado Bar Association and received a Distinguished Service Award from the Colorado Society of CPAs.
In July, 2008, Mr. Cheris married Susan Perlman; they were a couple until Mr. Cheris’ passing.
Mr. Cheris is noted for his impact on the sport of fencing, as a member of the USA Fencing Hall of Fame and the FIE (International Fencing Federation) Hall of Fame and Member of Honor.
“The outpouring of grief at Sam’s loss, on both the domestic and international levels of the sport of fencing, is a testament to his 60+ years of service to the sport,” Mr. Cheris’ family said. “He steadfastly enhanced the US fencing position in the world arena.
“He championed rules, regulations, codes of conduct and best practices which serve to even the playing field worldwide.”
Mr. Cheris’ family added: “Sam will be sorely missed for his unswerving integrity, his demand for excellence in organizational structure and behavior, and his never-ending love of guiding, teaching, problem solving and making any organization he touched stronger and more fully sustainable.”
Survivors are Mr. Cheris’ wife Susan; children Aaron (Karla) Cheris and Zachariah (Tiana) Cheris; and grandchildren Athena, Sonya, Miya and Krystal Cheris.
Contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel and the ADL.
Ron Epstein
Denver native and lifelong teacher Ron Epstein died on December 3, 2023. He was 89. A service was held on December 7 at Temple Sinai, with interment at Emanuel Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Rick Rheins. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Born on April 8, 1933, Mr. Epstein attended Park Hill Elementary School, Smiley Junior High School and East High School.
After receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at DU, Mr. Epstein became a dedicated teacher for 58 years, mostly at Hill Junior High School and George Washington High School.
“His students always remembered him as an influential mentor,” Mr. Epstein’s family said.
In 1957, Mr. Epstein met Sara Jane Simon. They were a couple for 64 years until Mr. Epstein’s death.
“Ron was a renaissance man,” his family said. “He was a restaurateur, a numismatist, a real estate expert, a collector of antiques and jewelry and an actor.
“Ron loved nothing more than to gather with his family and friends and tell stories. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a generous spirit, and advice and experience aplenty to share.”
Survivors are Mr. Epstein’s wife Sara; children Terry (Jep Seman) Epstein, Patty Epstein, David Epstein and Will Epstein; grandchildren Jordan and Taylor Ivey, Caroline and Abigail Seman, Alec, Bryn and Paige Segall and Lowen and Rose Epstein; sister Marilyn (Jerry) Snyder; and sisters-in-law Ruth Epstein and Vivian Epstein.
Contributions may be made to Temple Sinai, JFS or the ADL.
Barry and Karen Kaplan
Husband and wife Barry Kaplan and Karen Kaplan passed away within 20 days of each other; Mr. Kaplan on November 28, 2023 and Mrs. Kaplan on December 18, 2023. Both were 83. A service was held for Mr. Kaplan on December 1 at Mt. Nebo Memorial Park. Mrs. Kaplan’s service was held on December 20 at Mt. Nebo. Rabbi Jay Strear officiated both funerals. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Mr. Kaplan, born on October 8, 1940, and Mrs. Kaplan, born on June 24, 1940, both grew up in Chicago, Ill. and were high school sweethearts. They married in 1960 at 20 years old and were married for 63 years. They moved to the Denver area in 1976.
“Barry instilled values in his children, including patience, persistence, attitude, perseverance, work ethic, being friendly and kind, speaking up about beliefs, generosity and treating others with respect and dignity,” his family said.
Mr. Kaplan was an avid reader.
“Barry accumulated thousands of books which he read multiple times,” his family said.
Of Mrs. Kaplan, her family said:
“Karen’s passions included cooking, spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She loved dogs and of her favorite annual events was the Furry Scurry at Washington Park.”
Mrs. Kaplan’s family provided a quote from Karen’s Bat Mitzvah speech:
“I offer my prayer to G-d that He has given me the privilege of acquainting myself with his Torah . . . I shall grow up in the years to come to be a better-informed Jewish woman, and be able to impart some of my teachings to my offspring.”
Survivors are children Michael (Barbara) Kaplan and Jerry (Lauren) Kaplan; grandchildren Joshua (Jessica) Kaplan, Marc, Brett, Jillian, Nayim, Adir and Maya; great-grandchildren Julia, Jenna and Benjamin; and brother Lester (Barbara) Kaplan.
Contributions may be made in Mr. Kaplan’s name to JNF, and in Mrs. Kaplan’s name to the Dumb Friends League.
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