Two longtime Jewish Federation staff members have died in recent weeks: Mel Caplan at age 86 on June 23, and Karen Steiger at age 74 on July 7. Each was a steady presence during the eras in which they served the Jewish community.

Mel Caplan arrived in Dayton in fall 1977 to serve as director of the new JCC on Denlinger Road in Trotwood, three months before it opened to the public. He significantly expanded the JCC’s programming over nearly two decades until his promotion with the Jewish Federation as its chief operating officer in 1996.

In that position, he oversaw all Federation community services. Caplan retired in November 2002, after 25 years with the Federation — three months after the Federation opened the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education in Centerville, now the base of operations for the Federation and its agencies.

“He gave his all on behalf of the community, a true professional,” retired Federation Executive Vice President Peter Wells said of Caplan. “He was dedicated to building a better Jewish community. He was a dear friend who was concerned about others. A true mensch.”

Karen Steiger began her job as front desk receptionist at the Boonshoft CJCE the day it opened, Aug. 15, 2002, and retired last year, 20 years to the day.

“For so many years, Karen was the first face to greet parents and children every day here at the Boonshoft CJCE — home to our early childhood program — knowing the names of each of them,” said Federation CEO Cathy Gardner. “We’re grateful for all Karen Steiger and Mel Caplan gave of themselves, and for so many years, in service to our community.”

To read the complete August 2023 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.