Kenneth Kaprowski

Obituary of Kenneth Kaprowski

Kenneth Kaprowski, a lifelong resident of NJ and cherished friend to many, passed away on Thursday February 12,2026. Born in Passaic, NJ Ken was raised in Wallington before settling in Mahwah, NJ and ultimately Manahawkin, NJ. He attended St. Mary's High School in Rutherford, NJ and William Paterson University. He built an outstanding career as a vice president of sales for Coca-Cola in Carlstadt, NJ serving the company for many years and subsequent roles in food and beverage before his retirement.

Kenneth was a proud member and facilitator of HOPE, a bereavement group located in Bloomfield, NJ offering support and compassion to others as they navigated difficult times. Ken was also active in the Don Bosco community and served as President of the Don Bosco Fathers Club.

A true lover of the Jersey shore, Ken enjoyed fishing and cherished the ocean from a young age. As a young man he worked on the Boardwalk, setting the roots for a lifelong connection to the shore. In his retirement he served as a substitute teacher in the Stafford Township school district, but loved his beach badge checker job in Beach Haven located on Long Beach Island, where his friendly nature and gift for conversation made him a favorite among beachgoers.

Ken was truly a social man with a genuine love for people. He never missed a chance to strike up a conversation or offer a friendly smile.

Kenneth will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to his community and loved ones. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Beloved husband of Kathy (Curtis) Kaprowski for 55 years. Loving father of the late Kenneth “BK" & Brett Kaprowski. Dear brother of Anthony Kaprowski Jr. and his wife Mary. Brother-in-law of Laura Leaman and her husband Robert, Carolyn Riebesell and her husband Arthur, the late Nancy Obrotka and her surviving spouse James, and the late Barbara LaMotta and her surviving husband Charlie. Uncle of Eric Kaprowski and the late Allison Kaprowski, Cassandra and Brian Leaman, Kristen McCabe, Kerri Riebesell, Lisa and James Obrotka Jr, Karen Contessa, and the late Kathleen Siegel. 

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday February 16, 2026 from 3:30pm – 7:30pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481. A funeral Mass is planned for Tuesday February 17, 2026 10am at St. Paul’s R.C. Church, 200 Wyckoff Ave. Ramsey, NJ 07446. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Kenneth can be made to the Covenant House covenanthouse.org or Shriners Hospital for Children donate.shrinerschildrens.org.

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