Leonard Herbert Kaplan

Leonard Herbert Kaplan, age 91, passed away on August 13, 2023. He was born on April 3, 1932 to Jacob (Jack) Kaplan and Jennie (Jay) Kaplan, in Lynn, Massachusetts. Len obtained his Pharmacy Degree from the New England College of Pharmacy, subsequently serving in the army while stationed in Germany with his wife, Eleanore.

For the majority of his life, Len resided in Needham, Massachusetts where he was a beloved figure in the community. He was the owner of two pharmacies in the Boston suburbs including the Needham Apothecary. The entire family participated in helping to run the business. His wife Eleanore managed the cosmetics department and children Debbie, David, and Jo as well as cousins and friends ran cash registers, delivered prescriptions, and restocked shelves. Len made a point of knowing every customer’s name and details about their families as he truly loved connecting with people and would often trek to the store in the middle of the night to personally deliver emergency prescriptions.

After the passing of his first wife, Eleanore, on February 1, 1992, Len married Barbara Kaplan and they lived in Santa Barbara, California.
His years with Barbara were spent traveling to nearly every country in the
world, volunteering their time delivering food to people in need, and assisting with local community events. Following Barbara’s passing, Len moved to Somerby Memory Care in Mt Pleasant, SC in January 2022 to be closer to family. Len’s kind-hearted nature and infectious sense of humor brightened the lives of those around him.

Len leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. He is survived by his daughter Debbie Kaplan and husband Jeff Hoffman, his son David Kaplan and wife Juli, his daughter Jo Gartenberg and husband Dave and his stepsons Lee, Ken, Glenn and wife Bianca Kaplan. Len’s memory will also be cherished by his grandchildren Larissa and husband Sean O’Loughlin, Liza Gibbs and husband Graham Keeth, Dana Hoffman and husband Eric Kelly, Jack Kaplan and fiancé Katie Blanton, Jessica Kaplan, Richard, Joel and Charlie Gartenberg, Sam Kaplan, and Cole Kaplan. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Luka and Ellie O’Loughlin. Len was predeceased by his sister, Leah Siegel, who held a special place in his heart.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their support and love during this challenging time. May the cherished memories of Len’s life and his positivity continue to bring warmth, joy, and inspiration to all whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.