Joseph P Kaplan

Of Newton Centre on Monday, April 17, 2023 at age 73. Faithful son of George and Dorothea. For 50 years the beloved husband of Janet (Prager). Devoted father of Francesca and Victoria. Loving grandfather of Theo, Brieza, Nora and Tommy. Dear brother of Peter J. Kaplan.

Joseph grew up in Brookline, and played baseball at Brookline High School, where he was president of the class of 1967. He went on to Harvard University, where he graduated in the class of 1971, and then to

Boston University Law School where he graduated in the class of 1975. He and his high school sweetheart Janet married in 1972. After law school, he went on to practice law in the practice of his father-in-law, Isaac “Pinky” Prager. In 1977, he joined the family textiles business, Kaplan Simon Co., alongside his father George and brother Peter. Kaplan Simon was founded in 1900 and Joseph led it through its conclusion in 2007 after 107 years of operation. Later in his career and until his passing, Joseph served as a probate attorney in private practice, representing indigent mental health patients in guardianship.

Services will be held at the Levine Chapels, 470 Harvard Street, Brookline on Thursday, April 20 at 9:30am. Interment at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Sox General Fund, so they can afford the type of players that Joe felt we all deserve, or to a charity of your choice.

Memorial Observance will be at the home of Janet Kaplan. Thursday 1-7pm and Friday 12-4pm.