Kaplan, The Honorable Jonathan J.
The Honorable Jonathan J. Kaplan, 75, of South Windsor, beloved husband of 53 years to Linda Kaplan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and family, on Friday, April 23, 2021. Born in Bridgeport, the son of the late Dr. Leon and Lillian (Subeck) Kaplan, he grew up in Fairfield and settled in South Windsor where he raised his family. He graduated from Bryant College with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and from UCONN Law School with Honors. Jon started practicing law in 1971 at the Law Offices of Edwin M. Lavitt. He later became a partner in the firm Lavitt, Hutchinson and Kaplan.
At the age of 39, he was appointed to the State Superior Court bench by then Governor William O'Neill. He served as a Connecticut State Superior Court Judge until his retirement. He served as Administrative Judge of the Tolland Judicial District for 10 years. He was greatly admired by his wonderful staff and colleagues. Jonathan was President of the Tolland Bar Association and an Advisory Board member to the Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers Association of Tolland County. He was recently recognized by the Connecticut Bar Association for 50 years of practicing law.
Jon was probably best known by his friends to be a lifelong tennis player and lover of the game. In the summer he would often line up a match before work and one or two in the evening. He taught his children and grandchildren to play as soon as they could hold a racket and loved to play whenever they would ask. But this was only one of Jon's interests. He was also an avid downhill skier and over the years enjoyed many outdoor activities including road biking and skydiving. He was a car enthusiast who loved driving sports cars as well as attending car shows throughout the country. But above all, Jon loved his family and at the top of that list was his wife Linda. Jon and Linda were high school sweethearts whose love only grew stronger over the years. Together they loved to travel throughout the country and across the world, mostly the two of them, but in later years with their grandchildren. Jon was outgoing and found everyone interesting. When he travelled, he was continually befriending strangers just by approaching them with a smile and a question about themselves. One time walking along the Nile in Egypt, his curiosity resulted in being invited into a wedding reception and dancing with the bride as guest of honor. And he loved to share this with others, often returning to favorite places with his children and grandchildren to witness their excitement at a new discovery.
Jon had a remarkable ability to accept reality without losing his eternal sense of optimism about people and the world. He truly enjoyed life and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Scott of North Yarmouth, Maine, his grandchildren Sophie and Abe of Maine and Olivia and Jacob of Davie, Florida as well as his sister, Sharon Burde (the late Ronald), brother, Mark (Cynthia) Kaplan, brothers-in -law Stanley (Beverly) Parker, and Joel Parker as well as many devoted nieces and nephews.
Jonathan was also predeceased by his beloved son David B. Kaplan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory can be made to Beth Shalom B'nai Israel Synagogue, 400 Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06040 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at Beth Olam Cemetery, 71 Edith Road, Vernon. Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home in South Windsor is caring for the arrangements. For online condolences, guest book or to view the web streamed service on Monday at 1:30 p.m., please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com