Ellis Kaplan, a long-time and beloved veteran New York Post photographer, passed away at the age of 78. He was found deceased in his Queens apartment, where he had lived since 1963 and cared for his mother until she passed away at the age of 101. Kaplan joined The Post in 1981 and quickly became a well-known figure in his home borough of Queens, with connections to judges, prosecutors, court officers, and lawyers. He was known for having the Queens courthouse “wired” and judges would often come to him with stories.
Many of Kaplan’s colleagues and friends fondly remembered him for his personality and his dedication to his work. The Post’s managing editor of news, Lia Eustachewich, recalled his colorful personality and his signature giant Hummer that he would arrive at scenes in. Kaplan was described as a quintessential son of Queens who was dedicated to his work as a photographer and was always on the frontlines of the tabloid wars during a bygone era. He was known for his expertise in Queens court and his dedication to his craft.
Some of Kaplan’s most recent work that made the front page of The Post included a photo of a Queens hoarder filling her front yard with trash, as well as a picture of a New York City cabbie’s widow demanding justice after her husband was killed during a robbery. In addition to photography, Kaplan had a passion for Queens history and collecting World War II rifles and historic weapons, which he would shoot at outdoor ranges on Long Island. He was also known for his sense of humor and for making reporters and photographers laugh during assignments.
Kaplan’s friends and colleagues remembered him as a Queens institution who will be dearly missed. Bruce Cotler, president of the New York Press Photographers Association, described Kaplan as someone who knew everything there was to know about Queens and had a distinct laugh that everyone will remember. Kaplan’s legacy as a dedicated and talented photographer in the Queens courts and his colorful personality will be remembered by all who knew him. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the New York Post and the world of photography.
