Judge Benjamin Apkin, 94
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.