Memories of Benjamin "Ben" Lewis Kaplan

In memory of

Benjamin "Ben" Lewis Kaplan

Larchmont, NY

March 14, 1992 - May 9, 2021

Mar 14, 1992 - May 9, 2021

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Gracen Galante

Shared a heart

Sarah Branz

2009, Camp

This picture was posted on Facebook with the caption "the girlfriend, the sister, the friend. " Love this pic of ~Ben and his girls~ before boat cruise.

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Adam Offitzer

Megan Kirsch

Julia Kaplan

Maddie Scheler

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Feeling so grateful that Ben and I shared friends & memories together with those friends. Feeling so grateful that Ben and I shared friends & memories together with those friends. Feeling so grateful that Ben and I shared friends &... Read more

Richard Kadin

Dear Barbara ,
I was so stunned to read in the paper of your unimaginable loss. I didn't know Ben, but he clearly was wonderfully accomplished, caring, and loved by so many. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

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Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Please consider a donation to Benjamin Lewis Kaplan Charitable Memorial Fund.

$55,556.00

total raised

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Natalie Teboul

Larfty Annual Ski Trip

While Ben was always a good friend, we really developed our own closer and more personal relationship sophomore year of high school, after spending so much time together on the Larfty ski trip. This picture was taken after a long night of jumping on the bed, and a full day of skiing and dancing together in my ridiculous yellow ski suit. Ben made me laugh like nobody else. From ski trips, to LOST view parties, birthdays, dinners, road trips to the Straus' farm, to eating pears after dinner with the Tebouls, Ben, you will be a part of me forever and always.

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Brigid Greaney

Emily Straus

Izzie CC

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

I only recently heard stories of this yellow ski suit..... I only recently heard stories of this yellow ski suit..... I only recently heard stories of this yellow ski suit........ Read more

Pascale Goldenstein

Dear Barbara, there are no words. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please accept my deepest condolences. Love, Pascale

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Barbara Lewis Kaplan

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Mekala Pavlin

Dear Barbara and Julia,

We first met Ben at Riverdale when we came to the school in 9th grade. Although we spent time with Ben throughout our four years there, our friendship didn’t truly flourish until after we graduated and were reconnected by Emily Straus and Izzie Christman-Cohen. In getting to know Ben better, alongside the people he loved, we saw his incredibly big heart, appetite for fun, and loving and caring nature.

Ben was truly the best person to travel with. We were all able to go to Argentina, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. During our travels, it often felt like it was us against the world - learning how to navigate new and exciting places - with Ben leading the way. His adventurous spirit and curiosity were always a constant source of fun. Whether we were in clubs in Argentina, eating hot soup at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Japan, or at night markets trying to score the best street food in Taiwan, we did it all with Ben caring for us and interpreting for us along the way. So much laughter was had during these times. We feel so lucky to have shared those experiences with him. We will always cherish these memories.

Ben- We will always admire you for your authenticity, brilliance, sense of warmth, courage, and charm. You are uniquely yourself and it encourages us all to do the same. In one of your emails to us after we separated in Asia you wrote, “I know you guys will truly conquer the Far East, obviously not in a political way, but in a free-floating, let's soak up everything we see, smell, hear, taste, and feel kind of way.” Although we haven’t conquered it yet, we still plan to and will carry you in our hearts as we do. Forever with us. Thank you for everything - we love you.

With love,

Sydney Fishman, Davy Gardner, and Mekala Pavlin

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Emily Straus

Brigid Greaney

Shelby Silverman

Izzie CC

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Sophie Pollak

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Thank you, Mekala. This is a beautiful tribute and inspires me to explore Asia with the passion he did (hi... Read more Thank you, Mekala. This is a beautiful tribute and inspires me to explore Asia with the passion he did (hi Adrien - if you're ... Read more Thank you, Mekala. This is a beautiful tribute and ... Read more

Drew Sussman

2006, Times Square, New York, NY, USA

I have endless memories of and with Ben at camp – shared memories with our incredibly tight-knit group of friends (brothers) and more intimate memories from camper’s choices spent together walking, on a shaded hill, or on the tennis court. They will never fail to bring a smile to my face any place or any time they are recalled. But meeting Ben in the city and staying with him in Larchmont was a different kind of special. To enter Ben’s “real” life felt like such a privilege. I was always welcomed by the Kaplans with open arms and hearts. He taught me to bump, grind, yerr and introduced me to his friends who I was jealous of because they got to see Ben all the time. We’d have deep, silly, hypothetical talks into the night and he had a tendency of waking me early with a grand proclamation. I was so inspired by his style, taste in music and TV; and even more so by his general openness, nondiscriminatory kindness, and his innate honesty. (Right after this trip, I literally went straight to Urban Outfitters to buy the outfit pictured here so my home friends would hopefully think I was as cool as Ben). It took me a while to realize that Ben was inspired by me in similar ways. We shaped each other through this give-and-take. Eventually, we became the coolest, hippest, hottest, wittiest, most genuine and moral version of our selves all thanks to each other. Ben will continue to inspire me to be better – he proved that there is always room to grow as long as we stay open to the world and listen to our friends.

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Emily Tufaro

Adam Offitzer

Brigid Greaney

Megan Kirsch

Joy Zelin

Izzie CC

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Maddie Scheler

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Drew. You know you're a special part of our extended family. I know you influenced Ben's life as much as ... Read more Drew. You know you're a special part of our extended family. I know you influenced Ben's life as much as it sounds like he influenced... Read more Drew. You know you're a special part of our extended... Read more

Jane Rothman

1998, Murray Avenue School, Murray Avenue, Larchmont, NY, USA

Class Photo

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Brigid Greaney

Rima Grad

Ellen and Marshall Brooks and Cohen

Susan Rose

Shelby Silverman

Joy Zelin

Izzie CC

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Maddie Scheler

Comments:

Jane Rothman

Ben stands out with his "Be Happy" t-shirt. XOX Ben stands out with his "Be Happy" t-shirt. XOX Ben stands out with his "Be Happy" t-shirt. XOX

Jane Rothman

Heartbroken to hear of Ben's accident. My deepest condolences to Barbara, Julia, Elizabeth, Emily and all... Read more Heartbroken to hear of Ben's accident. My deepest condolences to Barbara, Julia, Elizabeth, Emily and all the members of the family.... Read more Heartbroken to hear of Ben's accident. My deepest condolences... Read more

Emily Straus

Thank you for sharing. I loved being in this class with Ben! Thank you for sharing. I loved being in this class with Ben! Thank you for sharing. I loved being in this class ... Read more

Brigid Greaney

Beautiful Ben - look at him such a little cutie ❤️That T-shirt was SO Ben 😊 Beautiful Ben - look at him such a little cutie ❤️That T-shirt was SO Ben 😊 Beautiful Ben - look at him such a little cutie ❤️That... Read more

Julia Kaplan

Thank you Mrs. Rothman <3 I've been going through a lot of photos and there are a lot from your class, including... Read more Thank you Mrs. Rothman <3 I've been going through a lot of photos and there are a lot from your class, including an "end of year... Read more Thank you Mrs. Rothman <3 I've been going through a... Read more

Ali Rosenfeld

Julia and Barbara,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Ben was such a lovely friend and a joy to be with. I cherish the moments I was able to spend with him and our recent reconnection via social media. Sending you all my love.
Ali

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Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Ali Rosenfeld

2008

Spice Girls Concert

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Izzie CC

Julia Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Haha this makes me smile. Such a ginger spice <3 Haha this makes me smile. Such a ginger spice <3 Haha this makes me smile. Such a ginger spice <3

Paul Bindler

Barbara and Julia,
We are heartbroken over your loss, and the loss for everyone who knew and loved Ben. It's evident he touched so many lives in the best possible way with his smart, funny, joyful, irreverent and kind soul. Sending you much love and strength,
Karen and Paul

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Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Gail and Vitaliy Kedrus

Ben and I shared a love of China. What a joy it was to chat with him in Mandarin, discuss Chinese culture and his work with the Chinese community in New York . His passion and commitment was energizing and inspirational!

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Izzie CC

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Shira Buchsbaum

In 2010, my bunk shared a wall with a bunk of tiny junior boys for whom Ben was the most effervescent, loving counselor. At 7:30am each morning, we would hear Ben’s voice through the wall, waking his campers with the lyrics “Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory!” Some days it was quiet and gentle, others it was boisterous and excited. Our bunk of 14-year-old girls didn’t care that it was an hour before our own wake up. It was the best way to start our day. For the last 11 years, every time I’ve heard that song, I’ve thought of Ben singing us all awake and infusing our mornings with contagiously bright, happy energy. I will remember Ben with campers a third of his size weaving around him, racing around camp, his boundless good cheer setting an example for us all. Deepest condolences from myself and Elena to you and your family.

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Sarah Branz

Adam Offitzer

Megan Kirsch

Izzie CC

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Maddie Scheler

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Awww shira! I had no idea about this - such a sweet, vivid memory. Living with Ben over the last year during... Read more Awww shira! I had no idea about this - such a sweet, vivid memory. Living with Ben over the last year during the pandemic when... Read more Awww shira! I had no idea about this - such a sweet,... Read more

Jeff Branz

I have a lot of great memories with Ben --- from being his LT as a junior camper to his counselor when he was an LT and then getting to spend time outside of camp with him in Larchmont and NYC. We had a shared love of Vanessa Carlton and I'll always remember his amazing laugh and how the simplest/weirdest joke could get him uncontrollably laughing. Sending my deepest condolences to Julia, Barbara, and the whole Kaplan/Rodney family.

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Sarah Branz

Adam Offitzer

Megan Kirsch

Izzie CC

Julia Kaplan

Maddie Scheler

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Thanks Jeff <3 I'll always remember you announcing Ben as 5-day captain. A lifetime highlight for me was ... Read more Thanks Jeff <3 I'll always remember you announcing Ben as 5-day captain. A lifetime highlight for me was the overwhelming excitement... Read more Thanks Jeff <3 I'll always remember you announcing ... Read more

Emily Wharton

2008

Larchmont temple ski trip, Ben always entertaining ♥️

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Emily Straus

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Emily Wharton

2008

Ben, Cole, Natalie, Carly, Jake and I went on the Larchmont Temple ski trip and Ben led the most hilarious shenanigans, from monkeys playing on the bed to snuggle attacks. I will hold Ben’s boundless love and laughter with me forever ♥️

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Carly Sadowsky

Emily Straus

Natalie Teboul

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Natalie Foster

2010, Washington D.C.

Prom

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Izzie CC

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Natalie Foster

Dear Barbara and Julia, my heart breaks to hear of Ben's passing. He was one of my best friends during our time at SYA, and had such an influence on those 9 months in China and beyond. I have so many amazing memories of Ben, but one of my favorites is that every week we would watch Lost during our lunch break. He'd download the episode on iTunes and we'd watch in the small study room and then spend at least an hour discussing theories and trying to figure out just exactly what was happening. Ben was so funny and fiercely loyal. He came down to DC to go with me to my Senior Prom and took a train back early the next morning, even forgetting his rented tux jacket at the afterparty. There is no one I would have rather spent the night dancing away with. I'm sending you all my love, and may his memory be a blessing.

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Izzie CC

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Awww thanks Natalie <3 I was looking through Ben's photos and found a lot of that promo weekend. Feel free... Read more Awww thanks Natalie <3 I was looking through Ben's photos and found a lot of that promo weekend. Feel free to reach out to me ... Read more Awww thanks Natalie <3 I was looking through Ben's ... Read more

Kara Panzer

I am so so sorry for your loss, Barbara and Julia. I would not be the person I am today without Ben. Since meeting in Beijing, we have had so many fun adventures over the years!! Usually involving ice cream (cold stone in Beijing, Hagen Daas at Georgetown, east village spots in the city). His Chinese skills gave me something to aspire to! I so admired his creativity and originality. Ben’s open heartedness and silliness made him a joy to be around always. I am so sorry.

All my love, Kara

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Brigid Greaney

Izzie CC

Julia Kaplan

Comments:

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Thank you so much for your memories of Ben. He loved being with you in Beijing and Georgetown. thank you ... Read more Thank you so much for your memories of Ben. He loved being with you in Beijing and Georgetown. thank you for being such a good... Read more Thank you so much for your memories of Ben. He loved... Read more

Kara Panzer

2011, Lakeville, Salisbury, CT, USA

Ben drove up to visit me during his digital camera phase. We had so much fun driving around, we were both heading to Gtown in the fall.

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Izzie CC

Julia Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Kara! I didn't know how to get in touch with him- I'm so glad you found this page. I know you and Ben shared... Read more Kara! I didn't know how to get in touch with him- I'm so glad you found this page. I know you and Ben shared so many memories ... Read more Kara! I didn't know how to get in touch with him- I'm... Read more

Sophie Pollak

Shared a heart

Jane Brandes

Shared a heart

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Jane Brandes

My heart reaches out to yours, Barbara. My heart reaches out to yours, Barbara. My heart reaches out to yours, Barbara.

Jane Brandes

I am sending you love. I am sending you love. I am sending you love.

Alexandra Klausner

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

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Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Adam Offitzer

2002, Camp Schodack

Julia Kaplan

Megan Kirsch

Maddie Scheler

Jackie and Alan Weinstein

Dear Barbara, Julia and the rest of your loving family, We didn't have the privilege of knowing Ben but have heard about his magical being from Debbie and Peter for many years. Listening to the funeral speeches, we have learned more about the uniqueness of your amazing Ben and can only imagine the heartbreaking loss of him for all of you. Please accept our profound condolences. Love, Jackie and Alan Weinstein

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