Herbert Lee Caplan
CAPLAN: Herbert Lee Caplan, a distinguished attorney and tireless advocate for civic integrity, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the age of 93. Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1931, Herb’s life was defined by a deep commitment to justice, public service and the preservation of community rights and spaces. After earning his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Chicago, Herb was admitted to the Illinois Bar, where he built a long and respected legal career. His sharp intellect and unwavering principles earned him the admiration of colleagues and clients alike. A veteran of the Korean War, Herb returned home to Chicago with a renewed sense of purpose. He went on to serve as first assistant to the Illinois attorney general and later as corporation counsel for the City of Chicago where he played a pivotal role in shaping public policy and defending the public interest. Beyond his legal work, Herb was a passionate leader of community benefit initiatives. He founded Protect Our Parks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding Chicago’s public green spaces. Under his leadership, the group became widely known for its legal challenge to the use of Jackson Park as the location of the Obama Presidential Center. This was one of many causes Herb championed out of a steadfast belief in the public trust and the preservation of historic landscapes. Herb was a dedicated volunteer in the Chicago Public Schools, where he brought the U.S. Constitution to life for elementary school students. Herb believed deeply in the power of education to cultivate informed, active participants in civic life, and his efforts left a lasting impression on the students he mentored. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to public service and legal scholarship, Herb established the Herbert L. Caplan Prize at the University of Chicago Law School. These awards go to honor students who demonstrate creative legal thinking and purpose, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations of legal minds. Herbert was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen Caplan; his parents, Louis and Esther Caplan; sister Belle Pirchesky; and his great- niece Emily Bamberger. He is survived by his brother-in-law Nathaniel Pirchesky; his nieces Marcie Schneider, spouse Otto, Elizabeth Bamberger, spouse David; great-nieces Jamie Robinson and Elissa Bamberger; and great-grand-niece Hazel Robinson, who will remember him for his wisdom, humor, warmth and principled resolve. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation, PO Box 734985, Chicago, Illinois 60673-4985, making checks payable to “Northwestern Memorial Foundation,” including Herb Caplan in the memo line, or online at Northwestern Memorial Foundation | Northwestern Medicine to support pancreatic cancer research, or donate to a park preservation charity of your choice. In accordance with Herb’s wishes, private services were held. For information, please contact Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 847-256-5700. PJC
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