Herbert C. Kaplan

Herbert C. Kaplan obituary, Westfield, NJ

Herbert C. Kaplan

Herbert Kaplan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Synowiecki Funeral Home, Inc. on Feb. 5, 2024.

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Hon. Herbert C. Kaplan, Judge and Gentleman, dies at 89 Hon. Herbert C. Kaplan, retired Middlesex County Judge and treasured family man, died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, in Westfield, New Jersey on February 3, 2024. He was 89 years old. Born in 1934 to attorney Samuel and kindergarten teacher Irene Kaplan, he grew up in Carteret, New Jersey at a time long before the NJ Turnpike replaced the forests there, making it the perfect spot to nurture his inner-Huckleberry Finn. He and his friends would hunt for pelts before the school day began, and wander on their own adventures in their free time, maybe fishing or roasting potatoes for a snack. In high school, he ran track and was involved in a range of activities including the Literary Staff and Hunting & Fishing Club. But one of his greatest achievements there was leading a protest to cancel the annual senior trip to Washington, DC. It was 1952 and many aspects of life in the nation's capital were segregated. By going on this trip, the only two African American students in the class would have to stay behind. With class consensus, the trip was cancelled. His deep connection to nature, coupled with working summers as a teen on dairy farms in Sussex County, NJ, shaped his choice of major, Forestry, at North Carolina State University. There, he was captain of the wrestling team and a member of the ROTC. After graduating from college, he fulfilled his ROTC obligation as an officer at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he led the cutting-edge Nike Missile operation. Not long after returning to New Jersey in 1957, he entered Seton Hall Law School and joined his father's practice after graduation. As a young attorney in 1965 he set a landmark precedent in the Supreme Court that is still referenced in contemporary cases. From there his career's trajectory went from Prosecutor to Judge within the Middlesex County Court System. But perhaps the highlight of his career was when a stray dog was abandoned at night court; he brought her home and Ginger became a member of the family for many years to come. Hon. Kaplan was a rated chess player who participated in competitions worldwide. He had a commercial pilot's license and began violin lessons in his late 40s. His record collection was mostly Beethoven but included Santana and The Who as well. He and his wife Arleen had a life filled with love and adventures, with favorite moments being on Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda and summer literature classes at Oxford University in England. She passed away in 2015 soon after their 56th wedding anniversary. Hon. Kaplan was also pre-deceased by his beloved first wife, high school sweetheart Selma (nee Harnick), in 1957. His sister Susan died in 2018. Surviving are his daughter Lydia, his son Roy (Caroline), grandchildren Julia (William), Deanna, Evan, and Louly, and great-granddaughters Fiona and Cassidy. In his memory, please enjoy a steak dinner and toast him with a vodka gimlet on the rocks. He would have loved that.
Funeral Services were held under the care of Synowiecki Funeral Home, 56 Carteret Ave., Carteret, NJ.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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February 12, 2024

Laura A. Swicker Barber posted to the memorial.

February 7, 2024

Marty Jackel posted to the memorial.

February 7, 2024

Joe and Lydia Turick planted trees.

Laura A. Swicker Barber

February 12, 2024

Lydia and Roy: I will NEVER forget flying with your dad and Roy way back around '77. I think we flew around the original Twin Towers. He was such a kind, welcoming person and I learned so much more about him through this beautifully written obituary. Ads you know, there is nothing like losing a parent; I am so sorry. Laura A. (Swicker) Barber, Chelsea, Manhattan

Marty Jackel

February 7, 2024

Herb's father Sam was in charge of Camp Lou Emma in Sussex, N.J. and before the regular campers came, he would have me, my father and my uncles enjoy a great weekend at the camp. Herb and his sister Sue were very much into woodlore and I joined them exploring the surrounding hills. Herb was very knowledgeable about many topics and I saw that he was really into what he was doing at a particular time....he enjoyed life to the fullest.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Joe and Lydia Turick

Planted Trees

Michael Wurst Jr

February 6, 2024

When I became a Police Officer in Carteret, NJ this was the first time I had met The Honorable Herbert Kaplan. He was so distinguished, such a gentleman. I served as his court attendant numerous times, during his breaks I would go with him to his chambers and share a coffee with him. He was also very close friends with my cousin Steve Bok. One day Herb came to my house and asked if I would like to take a flight with him. He had previously told me about his flight experience and I agreed to go and we left for Linden Airport. The flight was extremely encouraging. After this I signed up at Linden Airport and began to take lessons. Mr Kaplan time has gone by so fast and it has been a long time that we had spoken to each other. May you rest in peace my friend and remember you were always loved and respected by everyone.

Single Memorial Tree

Baumer Family

Planted Trees

EJ Rowland

February 5, 2024

I`be always had total respect for Mr. Kaplan, him being extremely well accomplished, relaxed disposition and always having a good sense of humor.

Good-bye Mr. Kaplan, you are missed.

EJ Rowland

Eva Del Rio

February 5, 2024

Mr. Kaplan, such a gentleman. We meet 6 years ago at the barbershop, Oscar cut Mr. Kaplan for many many years, but when Oscar passed away I became his barber. Every appointment was no different, always such a great smile, happy and ready to get rid off all that white thick hair..lol.. There were few times when he felt little down and I used to tell him, "you can´t say you don´t feel good, your too young for that" he used to laugh, Another great moment was when we used to walk next door, I used to put my arm out so he can hold on to me and he used to smile and say "you don´t have to do this, but it´s nice to walk with you.. and we use to laugh.." ..

Single Memorial Tree

The Schiff Family

Planted Trees

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Synowiecki Funeral Home, Inc.

56 Carteret Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008

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Sign Herbert Kaplan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 12, 2024

Laura A. Swicker Barber posted to the memorial.

February 7, 2024

Marty Jackel posted to the memorial.

February 7, 2024

Joe and Lydia Turick planted trees.