Obituary of Joseph M. Kaplan

. Joseph “Joe” M. Kaplan, of Guilderland, NY graced our world for 55 years as a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin and friend before passing on Wednesday, April 8 at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center in Albany. Joe will be remembered as someone who had considerable talents and was never too busy to share his time and big shoulders to help family and friends fix problems, from relationships to refrigerators. Joe was passionate about fixing things around the house and for friends, tinkering around in the garage and on cars, golfing, wagering; always including family and friends on these hobbies and much more. Memories of his take-charge attitude, compassion, analytical skills, humor, and zest for life will remain in the hearts of all who loved him. Joe grew up in Morton Grove, IL, and graduated from Park View Elementary School and Niles West High School. He later earned a BS in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and a MBA from Ohio State University. He was an engineer with Owens Corning for 33 years, and former Brotherhood President for Congregation Gates of Heaven in Schenectady, NY. Joe is survived by his loving and caring wife and children, Florence (Wicyk) Kaplan, daughter Michelle Kaplan, and son Matthew Kaplan. He is the son of Jordan Kaplan and the late Judy Kaplan, and brother of Marty Kaplan, Julie Ewart, and Lou Kaplan. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 12 at 10:00am at Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Ave. in Schenectady, NY. Funeral services and burial will take place in Illinois. Those who wish to send flowers may send them to the memorial service in Albany on April 12th. Those wishing to remember Joe in a special way may contribute to the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center, 180 Washington Avenue Ext. Albany, NY 12203 or the Brotherhood at Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Ave., Schenectady, NY 12039.