J. Maynard Kaplan Obituary (2007)

Joseph Maynard Kaplan, age 94. Preceded in death by parents, Rose and Henry Kaplan and brother, Mike Kaplan. A marvelous and loving partner in marriage of 66 years to his wife, Rhea. An imaginative, creative and wise father to his children, Dr. Jon (Linda) Kaplan of Atlanta, GA and Dr. Marcie Kaplan of Arlington, MA and to his 3 granddaughters, Jessie, Samantha and Chloe. Born in Salem, MA he graduated from Brown University and Harvard Law School. During WWII he became fluent in the Japanese Language, serving as a Lt. JG in Naval Intelligence deciphering Japanese military coded messages. Whatever he did was done with total commitment and unlimited energy, attributes which made him a valuable member of the boards of Temple Israel, Columbus Jewish Federation and Wexner Heritage House. He also served as President in the early years of Heritage House. His marvelous wit and love of words produced “New Millennium Limericks for Grandmothers and Others,” published in 2001. Funeral service 2:00 pm Wednesday, July 18 at the EPSTEIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 3232 E. Main St., with Rabbi Emily Rosenzweig officiating. Burial to follow at the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Shiva will be observed at the Kaplan residence, 2200 Welcome Place on Wednesday and Thursday. Memorial Contributions to Wexner Heritage House, Temple Israel or the donor’s favorite charity.