Joel G. Kaplan

Mr. Joel G. Kaplan, 94, of Phillips Street, Amsterdam died peacefully on Monday, August 3, 2015. Born in New York City on July 6, 1921 he was the son of the late Jacob and Mary Podelsky Kaplan. Joel attended local schools and went on to graduate college from St. John's University and was an accountant. During WWII he served proudly with the Army Air Corps receiving six battle stars and landed on Omaha Beach Day four of the Normandy Invasion. He served in Europe until he was honorably discharged at the end of the war. On April 7, 1946 he was united in marriage to Florence Donath. That union lasted 62 years until her passing on November 22, 2008. In July of 1955 the Kaplan's moved to Amsterdam, NY where they settled and raised a family. Mr. Kaplan was the President and owner of Montco Manufacturing Company until his retirement. Mr. Kaplan served his community with great pride, volunteering and being a member of 37 organizations throughout his lifetime, including Urban Renewal Board, the Zoning Boards, the Amsterdam Public Library, the Salvation Army, treasurer of the Congregation Sons of Israel and was a Board Member of Liberty Enterprises for over 35 years. He received many honors for his service to the community and was the first Amsterdam Man of The Year. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his son, Kenneth (Lisa) Kaplan; two daughters, Carolyn (Fred) Signer and Louise Kaplan; five grandchildren, Hayley, Kai, Lee, Marc and Jason. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 12 Noon at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. Burial will follow in Congregation Sons of Israel Cemetery, Cranesville, NY. A calling hour will be held prior to the service beginning at 11a.m.; relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Foundation, 43 Liberty Drive, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com