Bruce Philip Kaplun

Bruce Philip Kaplun, 73, of Scotch Plains, passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ and raised in Linden, NJ, Bruce was the son of the late Philip and Helen Kaplun. He graduated from Linden High School in 1971, earned his bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University, and went on to receive his MBA from Rutgers University.

Bruce built a successful career as a practicing engineer spanning twenty plus years at Colgate Palmolive and continued with decade long tenures at Coach and Lockwood, Greene & Co.

Following in his father's footsteps, Bruce was an avid golfer enjoying courses throughout New Jersey. He had a boundless passion for the outdoors and took great pride in caring for his home; affectionately referring to it as "the compound." Whether tending to his yard, supporting recycling efforts at the Westfield Conservation Center or just watching wildlife in his manicured yard, Bruce found the most joy in simple, everyday moments. Above all else he cherished precious time spent with his family and beloved grandchildren.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents Helen and Phil; his sister, Patricia Petraitis; and his brother, Stephen Kaplun. He is survived by his devoted wife, Anne Padavano Kaplun; loving brother James Kaplun; his daughter, Cheryl Pober and her husband, Scott; his son, Brian Kaplun; and his two adored grandchildren, Zoey and Cole Pober.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 18, from 4:00–8:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave., Fanwood, with a prayer service at 7:30 PM. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, August 19, at 11:30 AM at Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce's memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (http://PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org/).