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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Pat & Adam Snyder

The Snyder Family sends our deepest condolences and prayers of strength and love to help you -- Barbara & Julia -- through the days and months and years ahead. Though we never met Ben, we learned yesterday how he was a loving, thoughtful and playful soul who will enrich your lives and the people he touched forever. Please know that we are surrounding you in love.

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Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Emily Straus

I met Ben in Kindergarten at Murray Avenue School right around the time I became obsessed with spelling. I don’t remember a lot from that age, but I do remember spelling “B-E-N Ben!” every time I saw him. I also remember how he ran our school store in 4th grade. From the day we met, I always felt completely at home around him. And he was always fully himself in every way. The school store was only the beginning to his many achievements and successes. I watched in awe how he aced his tests and outsmarted our teachers in Hommocks. When he went off to Riverdale, it made me proud and thankfully didn’t change our friendship. Ben was present for everything, even at a different high school. Our times together were full of laughter and games but also comfortable silence and contentment. We shared love for music, celebrities, pop culture, fashion, television and more. I never ran out of things to talk about with Ben. He was always an attentive audience for my opinions on Taylor Swift or the Real Housewives. He was the best date for both school dances and casual weekday dinners. When I moved back to New York after college, I lived in Greenwich Village by NYU. We would see each other all the time, getting gelato or just walking around Washington Square Park. My favorite times were spent traveling together, just the two of us or with our friends. Every summer we’d spend time in East Hampton and Ben would take me around to all his favorite spots. It was almost required to go to Mary’s Marvelous after I’d get off the train. Our trip to Argentina in 2013 was a week filled with activity and it’s one of my favorite memories. Ben loved nature and space and warm weather. I could see how happy he was in places like Larchmont because it offered an idyllic and peaceful environment. I would meet up with Ben anywhere he went, anytime he would have me. His friendship is one I’ll never take for granted. He meant the world to me.

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Joy Zelin

Julia Kaplan

Adam Offitzer

Shelby Silverman

Izzie CC

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Thank you emily <3 <3 I forgot about the school store! such a throwback to Ms. Waldman's class haha. I know... Read more Thank you emily <3 <3 I forgot about the school store! such a throwback to Ms. Waldman's class haha. I know how much your friendship... Read more Thank you emily <3 <3 I forgot about the school store!... Read more

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Thank you Emily for this beautiful tribute to Ben. we love you. Thank you Emily for this beautiful tribute to Ben. we love you. Thank you Emily for this beautiful tribute to Ben. ... Read more

Adam Offitzer

2017, Brooklyn

Maddie Scheler

Mary and Steve Borowka

Julia Kaplan

Emelie Kravetz

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

~LTs 07~ such a good photo adam - thanks for sharing <3 ~LTs 07~ such a good photo adam - thanks for sharing <3 ~LTs 07~ such a good photo adam - thanks for sharing... Read more

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

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Taylor Yaroslawitz

Shared a heart

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Emily Straus

2017

I always felt such joy and peace being around Ben.

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Hallie Greenberg

Joy Zelin

Julia Kaplan

Natalie Teboul

Izzie CC

Suzannah Rubinstein

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Oof this one got me tearing up. I miss those baby blues Oof this one got me tearing up. I miss those baby blues Oof this one got me tearing up. I miss those baby blues... Read more

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

I love this picture....and you girls! I love this picture....and you girls! I love this picture....and you girls!

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Emily Straus

2013, Buenos Aires, Argentina

I always had the most fun traveling with Ben, whether locally in NY or around the world. We had adventures no matter where we were.

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Hallie Greenberg

Joy Zelin

Adam Offitzer

Julia Kaplan

Natalie Teboul

Izzie CC

Suzannah Rubinstein

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

this outfit, this pose. so perfect this outfit, this pose. so perfect this outfit, this pose. so perfect

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Such a classic Ben pose. I love it....and you. Barbara Such a classic Ben pose. I love it....and you. Barbara Such a classic Ben pose. I love it....and you. Barbara... Read more

Emily Straus

2015

Dinner with the girls

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Adam Offitzer

Hallie Greenberg

Joy Zelin

Julia Kaplan

Natalie Teboul

Izzie CC

Suzannah Rubinstein

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

This is such a good photo. Such a great crew This is such a good photo. Such a great crew This is such a good photo. Such a great crew

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Beautiful photo of Ben and the girlies. Beautiful photo of Ben and the girlies. Beautiful photo of Ben and the girlies.

Melanie Fox

Israel

One of the best trips to Israel, made so much brighter by Ben

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Julia Kaplan

Brigid Greaney

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

MELLLLL hahahhah. Step dancing and our interesting trip companions.... this was such a funny trip. MELLLLL hahahhah. Step dancing and our interesting trip companions.... this was such a funny trip. MELLLLL hahahhah. Step dancing and our interesting ... Read more

Adam Offitzer

2005, Camp Schodack

Alison Matz

Julia Kaplan

Brigid Greaney

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Babies!!! Was this pawnee power? Babies!!! Was this pawnee power? Babies!!! Was this pawnee power?

Adam Offitzer

!!! Pawnee Power was 2004, I think this was actually So Sioux Us in 2005! <3 !!! Pawnee Power was 2004, I think this was actually So Sioux Us in 2005! <3 !!! Pawnee Power was 2004, I think this was actually... Read more

Adam Offitzer

2003, Camp Schodack

Alison Matz

Emily Straus

Hallie Greenberg

Joy Zelin

Sarah Branz

Julia Kaplan

Shelby Silverman

Izzie CC

Brigid Greaney

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Such a special duo <3 Such a special duo <3 Such a special duo <3

Adam Offitzer

2009, Camp Schodack

Alison Matz

Taylor Yaroslawitz

Sarah Branz

Julia Kaplan

Brigid Greaney

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Adam Offitzer

2008, Camp Schodack

Alison Matz

Sarah Branz

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Adam Offitzer

2004, Camp Schodack

One of a few camp photos I'll be sharing... Ben was a loving, caring, amazing friend and bunk presence and he made every summer better. Sending so much love to you Barbara and Julia. 💚

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Alison Matz

Sarah Branz

Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Adam, you're nailing it with these photos. Thank you so much for sharing all these. It brings me a lot of... Read more Adam, you're nailing it with these photos. Thank you so much for sharing all these. It brings me a lot of joy to remember these... Read more Adam, you're nailing it with these photos. Thank you... Read more

Hallie Greenberg

Dear Julia and Barbara,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many happy memories with Ben at Murray and Larchmont Temple. He was such a smart, kind and funny person. Sending love your way.
Love,
Hallie Greenberg

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Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Sarah Branz

2013, NYC, NY, USA

My fave pic of the 3 of us :)

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Julia Kaplan

Izzie CC

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

This is SO good, Sar. We were so happy and having so much fun. Beyond grateful that we had these nights out... Read more This is SO good, Sar. We were so happy and having so much fun. Beyond grateful that we had these nights out in NYC together. This is SO good, Sar. We were so happy and having so... Read more

Glenn Carlin

Barbara, Julia, and Todd -

There are obviously no words to ease the pain. Barbara, you and Ben were among the first two people we met when we moved to Larchmont 20+ years ago. May Ben's memory and sweet personality be with you forever. Your "back-door" neighbors - Glenn and Maura

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Julia Kaplan

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Samantha Kravitz

Brigid Greaney

Maddie Scheler

Julia Kaplan

Astrid Schanz-Garbassi

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Samantha Kravitz

3 days after Ben’s 21st birthday 3 days after Ben’s 21st birthday 3 days after Ben’s 21st birthday

Julia Kaplan

And if mom is reading this, it's also the first time Ben and I drank alcohol together <3 hehe And if mom is reading this, it's also the first time Ben and I drank alcohol together <3 hehe And if mom is reading this, it's also the first time... Read more

Samantha Kravitz

Brigid Greaney

Maddie Scheler

Julia Kaplan

Sarah Branz

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Wearing my bat mitzvah apparel and writing my name in cheetos. How could I ask for a more devoted brother?... Read more Wearing my bat mitzvah apparel and writing my name in cheetos. How could I ask for a more devoted brother? Wearing my bat mitzvah apparel and writing my name ... Read more

Kathy and Fred Zaltas

Shared a heart

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Megan Kirsch

Maddie Scheler

Sarah Branz

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

I guess I was jealous of Ben & Alisha dating? I guess I was jealous of Ben & Alisha dating? I guess I was jealous of Ben & Alisha dating?

Lauren Wagner

I’m so sorry to hear this news. You are in my thoughts and I know you will keep your memories close. Sending a hug and wishing you comfort.
Xo

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Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Jessie Scrimo

Shared a heart

Barbara Lewis Kaplan

Erin Ericson

To Ben's family and friends,

On behalf of the home office of School Year Abroad, I want to express our deepest condolences upon learning of Ben's passing.

We are so grateful that Ben chose SYA to study abroad in Beijing in 2008-2009, and honored that his year there had an impact on his life and future endeavors as evident from his beautiful obituary. He was a regular attendee at our annual alumni event in New York City and always exuded such kindness and peace beyond his years. I personally met him at the NYC event in September 2018.

It's clear from all the photos and memories here that he was well loved and cherished. I know he was by his SYA classmates and teachers as well.

May you find moments of peace during this incredibly difficult time.

With sympathy,
Erin Ericson (on behalf of SYA)

P.S. To Julia - you and I have never met, but I, too, know the pain of recently losing a beloved brother way before his time. I'm sending so much care and compassion your way.

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Susan McLean

Jessie Scrimo

Ellen and Marshall Brooks and Cohen

Brigid Greaney

Julia Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Thank you so much for your kind message, Erin. SYA was one of the most significant experiences of Ben's life... Read more Thank you so much for your kind message, Erin. SYA was one of the most significant experiences of Ben's life and I did not know... Read more Thank you so much for your kind message, Erin. SYA ... Read more

Erin Ericson

Thank you, Julia, for your thoughtful note about Ben's SYA experience in Beijing. Our Director of Alumni ... Read more Thank you, Julia, for your thoughtful note about Ben's SYA experience in Beijing. Our Director of Alumni Relations, Susan McLean,... Read more Thank you, Julia, for your thoughtful note about Ben's... Read more

Erin Ericson

And please do reach out once the dust settles. I understand the chaos, shock and confusion and the many other... Read more And please do reach out once the dust settles. I understand the chaos, shock and confusion and the many other emotions in between.... Read more And please do reach out once the dust settles. I understand... Read more

Brigid Greaney

2017, Larchmont, NY, USA

Always sneaking hugs from Ben 💕

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Rima Grad

Joy Zelin

Jessie Scrimo

Maddie Scheler

Julia Kaplan

Comments:

Brigid Greaney

I have been touched by Bens sparkle for 29 magical years , we have so many memories to treasure, hide and... Read more I have been touched by Bens sparkle for 29 magical years , we have so many memories to treasure, hide and seek, countless treasure... Read more I have been touched by Bens sparkle for 29 magical ... Read more

Julia Kaplan

I love you briggi. I can't wait to give you a hug. I love you briggi. I can't wait to give you a hug. I love you briggi. I can't wait to give you a hug.

Danielle Zelin

So thankful for Ben (and Julia) always willing to jump in the freezing cold pool with me. I have always looked up to both of you and will miss Ben greatly. I am happy to have so many memories to look back on and remember how Ben always made me laugh.

Love,
Halle Eisenberg

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Joy Zelin

Maddie Scheler

Emily Straus

Julia Kaplan

Comments:

Julia Kaplan

Rewatching this was slightly cringeworthy but practicing it at that time was so fun. I know our parents have... Read more Rewatching this was slightly cringeworthy but practicing it at that time was so fun. I know our parents have so many stories to... Read more Rewatching this was slightly cringeworthy but practicing... Read more