Patrick Joseph Kaplan

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Joseph Kaplan, age 70, of Totowa NJ.

Patrick passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 while receiving the loving care of his family.  He was born in Jersey City, NJ and was raised in North Bergen.  As a young man he attended North Bergen High School.  Immediately after graduating high school with the class of 1972, Patrick felt it in his heart to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy.  While serving in the US Navy, Patrick was stationed in the Mediterranean Sea aboard the fast combat battle support ship, USS Seattle AOE-3.  While aboard the USS Seattle, Patrick was assigned to refueling and resupplying other US Naval military vessels.  Patrick served honorably and proudly in the US Navy from 1972 until being discharged honorably in 1975.

Upon returning home from his service with the US Navy, Patrick went to work at Highway Body Works in North Bergen where he built and painted trucks of various sizes.  Patrick left Highway Body Works after several years and accepted a position at Hudson County Motors where he enjoyed a successful career selling truck parts.  Patrick worked for Hudson County Motors for thirty-five years until his retirement two years ago.  While at Hudson County Motors, Patrick was truly well loved and respected by his colleagues and clients.

As as young man in high school, Patrick met an attractive young lady by the name of Barbara Warner. One night in June of 1971 Patrick and Barbara triple dated with Barbara’s sisters and their boyfriends. Patrick and Barbara hit it off wonderfully and continued dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on June 1, 1975, the two exchanged wedding vows and became husband and wife at Bethany Lutheran Church in North Bergen, NJ.  

The newlyweds settled in their hometown of North Bergen and remained there until 2008.  While residing there, the couple welcomed their three sons: Matthew, Patrick, and Nathaniel.  They called North Bergen their home for twenty-eight years and raised their family.  In 2008, Barbara and Patrick moved to Totowa, NJ where they have been ever since.  

In his spare time, Patrick could always be found in his workshop.  There he would hone his skills in woodworking and carpentry.  He enjoyed tinkering with all types of gadgets and relished in refinishing furniture.  He was also an avid golfer and had an extensive collection of logo golf balls.  

Aside from all his talents, hobbies, and interest, Patrick’s real passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Patrick than spending time with his children and especially his grandchildren.  He and his wife Barbara cherished forty-nine years of loving and loyal marriage together.  Patrick was a truly dedicated family man whose unwavering commitment to his loved ones shaped every aspect of his life. With a tireless work ethic, he wanted to ensure his children could pursue their dreams and attend college without financial burden.  He worked tirelessly six days a week throughout his life. 

Patrick was not only dedicated to his family, but also to his Lutheran Faith.  He and his family were parishioners of Bethany Lutheran Church in North Bergen for many years, St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Secaucus, NJ and most recently St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne, NJ.  While a parishioner of St. Timothy in Wayne, he volunteered as an usher and was on the church’s vestry.  He was also closely and intricately involved in the Heart ‘n Hands Mission sponsored by the church. 

Patrick was a true gentleman, he was a quiet and reserved man, often blending into the background in social settings, yet those who knew him well appreciated his sharp wit and unique sense of humor. He had a knack for delivering perfectly timed dad jokes that would catch friends and family off guard.  He was quick to drop whatever it was he was doing to help others around him.  He was truly loved by his friends and neighbors.

Patrick will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather.  He touched the lives of everyone around him and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.

Patrick is survived by his wife Barbara of Totowa, NJ, his three sons; Matthew and his wife Erica of Stirling, NJ, Patrick, Jr. and his wife Allison of Fairfield, NJ and Nathaniel of Totowa, NJ, and four grandchildren; Kaitlyn, Emma, Matthew, and Michael.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in Patrick’s name to Hearts 'n Hands Mission, St Timothy Lutheran Church 395 Valley Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470.