JUDGE LAWRENCE W. KAPLAN

Jon - I'm an old friend from Emma Kaufmann Camp days. My parents attended your father's funeral, and said it was one of the most moving services they had ever attended. I am sorry for your loss, and am touched that you and your siblings were able to honor your dad with such a fitting tribute.
Dan Gordon
[email protected]

My deepest condolences to the family of Judge Kaplan. He was so special and was fun, interesting and cordial to all of us when I worked with him at Juvenile Court many years ago . May he now rest in Peace.

Dear Natalie & Ellen:

We're very sorry that we're unable to celebrate his Honor's life with you today (we are out of town).

As I'm sure you know, Judge Kaplan was one of my favorite people; both in and out of the Courtroom.

We'll never forget the time, years ago, when you and his Honor were taking your daily walk through Shadyside. As you walked by our home, you stopped in for a libation and ended up staying all evening! As I recall, both you and his Honor were the life of the party!

May Judge Kaplan rest in peace, he certainly deserves it.

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.

Most sincerely,
Paul & Melanie Leventon

Dearest Natalie,

I cannot think of the charming, elegant, funny, and extraordinary Larry Kaplan without thinking of you, Natalie, his partner and equally extraordinary better half for so many decades. My late mother, June Delano, who with you was one of the early childhood pioneers in Pittsburgh, always said the Kaplans were one of this region's "power couples," not because of the positions they held but because of the way both of you treated others around you. I echo that wise observation.

I first met Larry back in the late 1970s when he was a candidate for judge. Running for judge is challenging for most lawyers, as it is an unfamiliar political process involving trekking to all parts of the county. Larry's warm, friendly, people-person style helped him master it!

For decades, it has been my great honor to consider Judge Larry Kaplan my friend. He will be sorely missed but leaves an indelible mark on our community.

Natalie, you and your family are in our prayers, knowing how lucky you both were to have each other for so many years!

Affectionately,
Jon

I've always thought that titles and positions were deceptive. Judge was too small a title for this man. Who could be Larry Kaplan but Larry Kaplan. He was gifted by the Lord to be the best at whatever he did, and was a blessing to others in exercising those gifts. I cherished my relationship with this special man. He confirmed my belief that you could be dead serious about life and have a great sense of humor. You will be greatly missed by your lovely family and so many others.

They say behind every great man is a great woman. Your situation is no different! The best gift that God ever gave you was your wonderful and beautiful wife, Natalie. I shouldn't fail to mention that from the two of you came a great family of Kaplans. It was an honor and a pleasure for me to share part of my life with you and to have known your family. May God bless the Kaplan family in this time of sorrow. I send my prayers and love to all of you. Rest in peace Larry!

Dick Joseph

I met Judge Kaplan when he volunteered his time with the Bar Association after his retirement. He was a lovely man and quick to laugh and smile. A true role model.

My deepest sympathies on your loss. I appeared many times before Judge Kaplan and was always impressed with his knowledge, understanding and sense of humor. I fondly remember trading puns with him. He will definitely be missed.

Judge Kaplan was a lovely man. I got to work with him when he volunteered his time at the Bar Association after his retirement. He truly cared about the community and was a great role model.

My deepest condolences to the entire Kaplan family. I did my internship in his office in 1983-84 after I graduated from Duff's Business School. I was always treated very kind and enjoyed my time working with a great staff. Thanks for the memories.

Alison Cillo-Wagner

I met Judge Kaplan in about 1990 when he swore in me and other mediators at Pittsburgh Mediation Center. It made what was a volunteer endeavor take on a sense of importance. His commitment to mediation inspired me to a career in mediation. I enjoyed talking to him when ever our paths crossed. He will me missed.

Judge Kaplan and his wife Natalie were good friends of my Mother and Dad, Janet and Dave Fawcett. We extend our Sympathy to the Kaplan Family at this difficult time.

Betsy and Tony Basinski

It has been a privilege and honor to know Larry. His compassion, intelligence, humility was experienced in every moment with him. My heartfelt support and love, Natalie and family.
Rick Rogow

Judge Kaplan was the best. Has been missed in the Family Division since his retirement. Always made the right decisions. I will miss him. My condolences to his family.

My deepest condolences to the Kaplan family in your loss. Judge Kaplan was the best think that ever came out of me working in Juvenile Court. I had the pleasure of being his Court Clerk for many years and we always loved joking around with him, going to lunch or just surprising him with a Birthday cake. I will truly miss you Judge Kaplan! Rest in Peace.

Judge Kaplan's sense of humor kept him strong. He couldn't resist a pun. May he rest in peace

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I had known Larry both socially and professionally for over 50 years. He was a very caring person. I will miss him!

Mark B. Aronson
Borough of Churchill/Pittsburgh, PA
February 20, 2019

Dear Jon & Family: As you know, I have been a fan of your dad's since you and I went to pre-school at the Y-IKC and Linden together. Just like "Uncle" Larry, I tried to follow in his literal and figurative huge footsteps by going to Penn undergrad and Pitt Law followed by a summer clerkship for him and many years performing with him in the Bench-Bar Big Show Musicals with him and having him attend my wedding and practicing domestic law before him in Family Court and directing him in the Rodef Shalom Temple Follies show and being trained just like him to be the best Mediator and Collaborative Lawyer possible. I should only be so fortunate as to accomplish half of what he did and be an iota as funny and beloved as he has been. Both our local Jewish and legal communities are much better for what he contributed and meant to them. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be forever a blessing. Love, Jeff Pollock & Family

When I was growing up in Point Breeze, my family were neighbors of the Kaplan's, and I'll always remember Mr. Kaplan as such a good man and neighbor. He was always so much fun to be around and he treated everyone with such respect.

My prayers go out to his family and friends at this time, just know he is now in a better place.

Dearest Natalie and family,

I will never forget what a wonderful, kind and brilliant man Judge Kaplan was. He was the first judge that I ever appeared before, and learned so much about practicing law and mediation from him. There was a time when we sought personal advice from him and he could not have been kinder and more helpful. My son attended the Carriage House for several years, and his kindness was shared by Natalie, obviously a strong family characteristic and value. He will be truly missed and will always remain in my heart. My love and sincere condolences to his family and everyone that Judge Kaplan touched.

Judge Kaplan was a rarity among Allegheny County judges, polite and respectful towards the Courts staff. He always had a smile and said hello.