IN MEMORY
JOHN V. APPELBE
Obituary | Condolences
APPELBE, JOHN V.
Age 67, of Hilton Head Island, SC, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, PA, died on Sunday, June 7, 2015, at Hospice House in Savannah, GA. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jule (Steverman) Appelbe; and parents, F. Clark Appelbe and Helen Appelbe. Loving father of Scott (Maria) Allen Appelbe of Phoenix, AZ; grandfather of Cali Appelbe and Ben Lewis; brother of F. Clark Appelbe, Jr., Timothy (Noelle) D. Appelbe, Mary Patricia (John) Dagenhard, Thomas (Patricia) W. Appelbe, and Catherine (Michael) A. Horvat; stepfather to Ernest R. Lewis, Jr., Donald Lewis, and Christopher Lewis; with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Named after both his grandfathers, John was a 1966 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Navy, a graduate of La Roche College, and an employee of the USPS in Savannah, GA. John will best be remembered for his kind and generous heart. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, 45 Beach City Rd., Hilton Head Island on Friday, June 12, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. Memorial Contributions in John's name may be made to the Yana Club, 107
William H. Bruun
Yesterday, during one of Florida's Potent Thunderstorms, a Bolt of Lightning hit just as I read of John Appelbe's 'Passing'. The news hit me like that lightning bolt hit out back! I was truly stunned, and still am.
A former fellow Manager at Clear Channel (while we were starting the Company) and I were talking about the Passing of a former Office Manager; he sounded uncharacteristically melancholy about the news. Seems as we keep living, those who go before us hit us harder, and harder. A Mortality reminder, probably.
Remembering John's often rambunctious nature, balanced with his ever keen mind, brings back some great thoughts of his brilliant eyes, constant smile, and truly great laugh! We exchanged 'best wishes' at Year's End, happily signing each other's Yearbook's, thinking more of Summer that was upon us than anything else! Life seemed endless, we were just simple, happy kids, and School was Out for the Summer!
Life was never really all that simple, or perfect, but being young gave us a distinct advantage; plus, we had each other to help us through all the 'rough edges' that came along. Did all those practice moves 'Ducking and Cobering' really matter if Kruschev decided to 'hit the button'? And, where was this place we started hearing about, where was Southeast Asia, was it called Vietnam...
The Joy of Life we share is a Miraculous Gift, when one of us 'Passes On', it leaves an undeniable feeling of losing part of ourselves. But just as John (and everyone who has 'gone on before us') will always have a place in our hearts and minds, we carry on remembering the laughter and fun we shared at Mt. Lebanon High School.
Susan Devlin
BILL, how beautiful....your tribute to John was so thoughtful. Your putting life in focus a little as we enter the 4th quarter...well that was more than eloquent. The memories shared at Mt . Lebanon High "can never be replaced" as you said....so I hope we get out and share 49 years worth in 2016. Thank you for this contribution to our IN MEMORY!
Lyn K. Morander (George)
It is said that we never really die until te last person who knew us - or knew of us - dies. On that bases, John will live for quite awhile...
Beautuiful tribute, Bill.
Susan W. Witt (Beam)
Bill, what a wonderful moving comment, Losing friends is never easy.
Chuck Jordan
Bill, I don't think that any of us could have summed up John any better! It reminds us of how lucky we are to still be here with our families and friends, we are so blessed to be able to look forward to next years reunion but at the same time I'm sure that John is blessed in eternity.
William H. Bruun
My Thanks to all, for the most kind words. Anyone who was in our Class with 'Jocko' Kline, knows how much John carried on behind the 'Laser-like' Glare of Mr. Kline! (See Yearbook Photo of Mr. Kline w/Laser Projector).
Thank You Sue Devlin, for the REMARKABLE and Tireless Job of keeping up with all of the Graduates of 'The Class of 1966, at Mt. Lebanon High School'. Applause, please...
Bill Bruun
Carol Machajewski (Szeg)
Bill and All 1966 graduates:
I remember John more after graduation. At our 20 year class reunion, he introduced me to Jule. She graduated in 1965. I was surprised to see her because we both worked for a marketing company from our homes. They announced they were getting married the next month. I saw her often because we passed work back and forth (before the big computer age). John was always the kindest man and he loved Jule so much. The company pretty much closed and they moved to Hilton Head. John was a great stepfather to Jule's sons. Then I heard the shocking news that Jule had passed away. A very sad day for all who knew her. I know John was lost without her. Now they are together again. I believe John passed away from a broken heart. Both Jule and John became great friends and I miss them.