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Judge Benjamin Apkin, 94

03/20/2012

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Judge Benjamin Apkin, 94, of 19 East Quincy St. died Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at his home. Born in North Adams on Jan. 14, 1918, son of George and Dora Weiner Apkin, he graduated from Drury High School and received his law degree from Suffolk University. Judge Apkin also earned masters' degrees from the former North Adams State College and from Boston University. An Army veteran of World War II, he served in the European theater from 1942 until his honorable discharge with the rank of staff sergeant in 1945. Judge Apkin was a judge in Northern Berkshire District Court for many years until his retirement. He was first appointed as a special justice by Gov. J. Foster Furcolo in 1957. He had maintained his private law practice until becoming a full-time judge in 1975. Early in his career, he served as the North Adams city solicitor for several terms. He was a member of Congregation Beth Israel and a former president of the congregation. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed running and gardening. He leaves his wife, the former Adrienne Goffin, whom he married on March 17, 1946; four daughters, Rochel Sourkes of Brooklyn, N.Y., Phyllis Nichols of Medford, N.J., Joan Apkin of West Newbury and Deborah Wineberg of Adams; a brother, Philip Apkin of Williamstown; 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral for Judge Apkin will be held Thursday, March 22, at noon at Congregation Beth Israel, 53 Lois St. Burial will follow in Beth Israel Cemetery. The family requests the omission of flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Israel; VNA & Hospice of North Berkshire or the charity of the donor's choice in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247.

Recollections & Sympathy For the Family Post Comment

Dear Family, I am so sorry for the passing of your father. The Judge was such a great man and a good friend to all. I remember all the times he spent with my dad. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
from: Nancy Ferris Bartlett	on: 03-27-2012

Judge Apkin was truly a great man. I mean this in every way the word great can be defined!!!! This world,would be a much better place, if there were more people in it, who shared the same principles,in living their lives as did Judge Apkin!!!! Joe Cookis
from: Joe Cookis	on: 03-22-2012

I will miss seeing, talking and just being with Ben. We would go out for lunches or just rides and we would talk about the one subject he loved best, “the law and its intricacies.” Every time I would see Ben he would always have a case to discuss, no names were ever mentioned, but the details were presented. He would always ask “what would you do in this situation?” I would give him my views and then he would give me his views. I found that Ben was a great theoretician of the law and as a judge he was a gentle practitioner of the law. I will miss our discussions but Ben, you made me a lover of the law. I am sure you are now discussing the law with the Almighty and asking Him his opinion and I am sure you will give Him your position on the matter. I will truly miss you, my dear friend……
from: Joe Gniadek	on: 03-22-2012

Uncle Ben was the best. I had not seen him in several years but he was always there. He was a huge influence on my decision to become a lawyer. After practicing now for 31 years, I am still trying to emulate him. We had fun times, too. From taping him snoring on our living room chair, to the way he would rate the cleanliness of our bathrooms, to his easy and gentle manner. He will be missed.
from: Richard Eisen	on: 03-22-2012

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