OBITUARIES INFORMATION

RALPH KAPLAN, 91, President of Kappy’s Fine Wine and Spirits, a four-generation family business, passed away on March 3. Ralph was a recognized leader, both locally and nationally, receiving dozens of awards for his acumen, including an Honorary Doctorate from Salem State University. He was also a passionate philanthropist, loyal friend and respected community leader, who devoted countless hours and resources to support many causes. Known as “Mr. Israel Bonds”, he raised millions of dollars for the State of Israel. He is survived by his wife Harriett (Levine) Kaplan, with whom he spent 68 years of marriage; children Anne and Bob Selby, Roz and Brian Moore, Susan Kaplan, Judy and Bill Mishkin and numerous grand- and great-grandchildren.

PETER MONDAVI SR., 1O1, Napa Valley wine pioneer Peter Mondavi Sr. died on February 2O. Mondavi began his career in wine when Napa Valley was chiefly known for inexpensive jug wine, or “vin ordinaire” as he would refer to it. In 1943, his parents purchased Charles Krug Winery, which even then enjoyed a long pedigree. Mondavi assumed the role of president and CEO in 1976. Known for introducing a number of significant advancements to California winemaking, he earned legendary status among Napa Valley vintners. In 1986, the Napa Valley Vintners Association named him one of “Twelve Living Legends in the Napa Valley,” and he was the last survivor of that group. In 2OO9, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Napa Valley vintners from the California State Fair. His accomplishments were recognized in 2O12 when he was inducted into the St. Helena-based Culinary Institute of America Vintners Hall of Fame for his industry contributions in cold fermentation and sterile filtration.