Highland Park, IL — Edward “Ed” Lawrence Kaplan, beloved innovator, mentor, and family patriarch, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, at the age of 82. A lifelong Chicagoan, Ed was born on November 19, 1942, to Meyer and Bee Kaplan, who preceded him in death.
Ed’s life was defined by an extraordinary blend of entrepreneurial brilliance, community commitment, and devotion to family. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol (née Kozin); his brother Mark and sister Felicia; his sons Marty (Amy) and Alan (Michelle); and his cherished grandchildren Jessica, Brett, Drew, Sydney, Dylan, and Danielle. He was also a dear brother-in-law to Janice Gordon and a proud uncle to Sandy, Paul, and Ellie.
As co-founder and longtime CEO of Zebra Technologies, Ed was a pioneer in the tech industry whose inventions helped shape modern identification and tracking systems. His leadership earned him accolades such as the High Tech Entrepreneur of the Year, and he held numerous impactful advisory roles, including service on the Chicago Booth Advisory Board.
But Ed’s contributions extended far beyond business. He was a passionate advocate for education and innovation, launching the New Venture Challenge at the University of Chicago—a program that has sparked the creation of hundreds of successful startups. At the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), he founded the Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship, a lasting tribute to his belief in nurturing the next generation of changemakers.
Despite his towering professional accomplishments, Ed remained deeply grounded. His greatest joy came from his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Known for his generosity, humility, and boundless curiosity, he found happiness in simple pleasures—traveling the world with Carol, cheering on the Cubs and Bulls, enjoying live jazz at Ravinia, and above all, being surrounded by those he loved most.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 12:15 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. A livestream of the service and information about shiva can be found online at.
To honor his legacy of generosity and innovation, memorial contributions may be made to the Kaplan Institute at IIT, select “Kaplan Institute” from the dropdown), or to a charity of your choice.
Edward L. Kaplan leaves behind a legacy of purpose-driven leadership and unwavering love. His influence will be felt for generations—in classrooms, boardrooms, and around countless dinner tables where his wisdom and warmth will be sorely missed.
