Mr. Myron Israel Kaplan

For the countless people who love him, the world became a darker, sadder place in the early hours of October 27, when Myron Kaplan, 82, of Chagrin Falls left us. A modest person who lived a humble life, Myron’s inherent kindness, warmth and compassion caused anyone he met to feel an instant connection. Whether it was a waitress at his much-loved Corky and Lenny’s or a random customer looking for a hubcap at Pearl Road Auto Wrecking, the multi-generation family business he ran for many decades, no one was a stranger for long. Born March 17, 1941—St. Patrick’s Day—to Sylvia and Joseph Kaplan, Myron grew up in Cleveland Heights on Lalemant Road along with his younger sister Rennie. Surrounded by a tight network of friends and cousins, Myron graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1959 and attended New York University briefly before settling back in Cleveland to run the business founded by his grandmother, Rose Kaplan, and her children in 1927. Under his management, Pearl Road Auto Wrecking—AKA “the junkyard with class”— became a welcoming Brooklyn neighborhood institution. In collaboration with his second wife, artist Zena Zipporah, and poet Daniel Thompson, Myron ran Junkstock for many years. Starting as a poetry reading in a junkyard in 1980, over the next decade, the free, semi-underground event would grow to tackle themes such as anti-book banning and encompass bands, art installations, and general revelry. Always sensitive, Myron was easily moved to tears by beauty or sadness, and always there to lend a sympathetic ear to whomever he could help. Settling in Chagrin Falls with life partner Bambi Koslen, he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family. Myron is survived by his three children, Jonathan (Rachel), Michael, and Kevin - as well as his step-children Sarah (Rick) Schwartz, Amanda, and Chloe. He was beloved by his grandchildren Emma, Maurice, Sophie, and his step-grandchildren Veronica and Gavin. They are all proud descendents of the “Head Shlegal.” Services will be held Monday October 30th at1:30 pm at Cleveland Jewish Funerals (26801 Miles Road) followed by burial at Chesterland Memorial Park (11521 Chillicothe Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026). A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday November 5th at 2:30 PM at: Reithoffer’s Art, Spirit, and Entertainment - 17711 Ravenna Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fromovitz Chabad Center in Beachwood, or Magen David Adom.

Mr. Myron Israel Kaplan

March 17, 1941 - October 27, 2023