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18840 W. Dixie Hwy
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Joel Kaplan Obituary
February 11, 1949 - May 24, 2024
Miami, Florida - Joel Kaplan passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, May 24, 2024.
Joel, a devout father and a grandfather, is survived by his son's Derek and Scott, Derek's wife Jeanine and their children, Oliver, Peyton and an incoming granddaughter.
Joel, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, spent 6 years in Boston, going to undergraduate school at Brandeis University and making lifelong friends. Joel then moved to Miami to go to the University of Miami law school in 1973.
Joel was a well respected criminal defense attorney who practiced law in Miami and South Florida for more than 43 years.
Joel grew up playing basketball, his first love. He was ecstatic when the Miami Heat started playing in 1988 and was an inaugural season ticket holder and season ticket holder for many years.
Joel was a devout and caring father. He lovingly supported both his son's athletic and entrepreneurial pursuits.
In lieu of flowers, please take an afternoon dremel.
He will be missed.
'I'm always hungry.'
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Kaplan
6 Entries
Mark Seiden
August 10, 2024
Joel was a dear friend and colleague of more than forty years. We enjoyed dinners and talks, as well as trying the occasional case together. I greatly valued Joel's advice on both legal and personal matters.
I visited with him last year (2023) in August, traveling down from Ponte Vedra Beach for the occasion. We had dinner and Joel enjoyed a couple of his classic martinis, which he ordered in exquisite detail, just like he always did. Steaks followed, as did several hours of reminiscences. I am so glad I got to see him one last time.
He will be deeply missed, a part of my life that will never be forgotten.
Barbara Shale
July 6, 2024
Sorry to read this news. Joel and I connected through yoga and then found out we were close in age and both grew up in Cincinnati. We had some good laughs. I saw him last at the Palace. He will be missed.
Frank Ali
June 27, 2024
Very sad to hear of his passing. He shared space in my father´s office and hired me to do research as a clerk and young attorney. Also, gave me his Heat tickets when he couldn´t go. We played a lot of gin rummy and shared cocktails together. Great man and a great attorney!! He will be missed.
Kathy Hamilton
June 16, 2024
Very saddened to learn of his passing. I have fond memories of trying federal cases with him. He introduced me to Thai Food . It quickly became my absolute favorite. I remember him telling me about delivering pies from the truck of his car. He was always talking about his sons. A great guy and even better human being.
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Chris & Li
May 29, 2024
RIP Joel... we´ll always have fond memories of `Canes games, back in the day. Condolences to Derek, Scott, Angie, et al. He was a good man. Chris & Li
Neil Taylor
May 29, 2024
As a federal prosecutor, I tried several cases against Joel; a street smart, skilled attorney. Joel always had a quick smile and laugh. He was fun to be around.
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Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg, Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapels18840 W. Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33180
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