Peter John Kaplanis

A Legacy to Uphold

Peter John Kaplanis, born February 1, 1935 in San Francisco, passed away on May 2, 2020

after a lengthy, but valiant, battle with heart issues, strokes, and finally cancer. He spent the last two weeks surrounded by his family. He is survived by wife, Joan, daughters Kristen (Rick), Melina (Ted), and Cami, and grandchildren Victoria, Anastasia, Riley, and Alexis. He is predeceased by parents John G. and Vasiliki Costa Kaplanis, and brother George.

Peter made and kept life-long friends in all areas of his life, from elementary school and George Washington High School in San Francisco, to USC and Phi Delta Theta, his law practice, and of course, the Greek community. He was a member of St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena. His long association with AHEPA began with his father. He joined the Pasadena chapter and helped breathe life and interest in AHEPA through his “Peter talks.” He loved the research and relished the opportunity to share Greek history with his fellow Ahepans.

Peter was very proud of his association with USC and graduated in 1956 with a B.A. in Sociology and

Psychology. He was a leader in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and eventually met Joan van Barneveld, his wife of 61 years. After a two year stint in the United States Army, he returned to USC for Law School, graduating in 1961. He continued his association with USC through many alumni groups.

Peter and Joan got married in 1959 at St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles and headed up the coast for a

honeymoon and visit of the San Francisco family and friends. He began his law career at several large firms in Los Angeles before creating his own firm, Kaplanis and Grimm, with his partner, Trevor A. Grimm. They were a perfect match and remained partners to the end.

Peter and Joan lived in Pasadena and San Marino for over 60 years, raising their three daughters and being active in the local communities. He loved his four grandchildren and they loved their fabulous Papou with him being at all their milestones events. He loved tradition of family holiday get-aways; the desert in the spring and Ojai in the summer were two of his favorites. He took the grandchildren for frozen yogurt every night in the desert and we had special family dinners under the giant tree in Ojai. The family has many memories and lessons that won’t be forgotten.

Dad was like superman and the energizer bunny wrapped in one. But finally, after the heart surgeries, strokes, blood poisoning, and cancer with chemo and radiation, his body couldn’t keep up. He fought to the end.

It has been an honor and privilege to give back the time, caring, and love he gave us our whole lives.

We will miss him immensely, but know he is now at peace.

He was honorable, honest, generous, respected, and trustworthy.

A life well lived and a legacy to uphold and share.

He loved his career and being an attorney.

He loved traveling the world with our mom.

He loved caring for others.

But, most of all, he loved his family.

We will fight on in his name.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to one of the following:

* Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino

https://www.huntington.org/donate

* University of Southern California Gould School of Law

https://gould.usc.edu/alumni/giving/

* St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, CA

https://saint-anthonys.churchgiving.com/