My friend Neilson Caplain passed away yesterday. Neilson was a great man and a wonderful conversationalist.
He was an author, historian, collector, preservationist, past President of the Fall River Historical Society, and a true gentleman. He wrote regularly for The Hatchet and loaned me many items related to the case and Fall River. He also wrote regularly for the now defunct Lizzie Borden Quarterly.
He will be tremendously missed.
Neil’s obituary appeared today in the Fall River Herald News.
Neilson Caplain
CAPLAIN, Neilson M., 96 years old of Fall River died on Thurs., Nov 15, 2007 at Sakonnet Bay Manor in Tiverton. He was the beloved husband of the late Hattie (Kossoi) Caplain.Born in Jamaica, NY he was the son of the late Samuel Jacob and Nettie (Zoline) Caplain. A graduate of Erasmus High School in Brooklyn, NY he attended New York University and was the Founder and President of U.S. Ring Binder of New Bedford where he worked for 30 years.
He was a member of Temple Beth El of Fall River, a Trustee of Charlton Memorial Hospital, Founder of the Fall River Marine Museum, Worshipful Master of the Watuppa Masonic Lodge, a member of the American Philatelic Society and Past President of the Historical Society of Fall River.
Considered to be a Lizzie Borden Aficionado he was a contributing writer for the magazine called “The Hatchetâ€.
He leaves his two sons, Ronald and his wife Claire Caplain, and Scott and his wife Susan Caplain all of Fall River; as well as 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
A graveside service will take place today, Nov. 16, 2007 at 12 o’clock noon at Temple Beth El Cemetery, North Main St., Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: The Lown Foundation, 21 Longwood Ave., Brookline, MA 02446. Shiva will be observed at his late residence, today from 1-4 P.M. and Sun., 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. The family was assisted with arrangements by SUGARMAN-SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL.
