Donald F. Appel's Obituary
Donald Francis Appel born in Joliet, IL, August 10, 1926. At rest peacefully July 28, 2016, Age 89, at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL, with his family by his side.
His parents; Frank P. & Rose C. (nee Zettinger) Appel of Joliet, IL; his Grandson Jeffrey R. Appel of Pinellas Park, FL; and (4) Step Great-Grandchildren preceded him in death.
He is survived by his loving family; his beloved Wife of 66 years, Floreine Therese (nee Hickey) Appel; his (2) loving Sons, Ron & Ruth (nee O’Leary) Appel of Dunedin, FL; Gregg P. & Mary Ellen (nee Ivers) Appel of Seminole, FL. Dearest Grandfather to (6) Grandchildren; Michelle (nee Appel) & Mark Day of Clearwater, FL; Eileen M. Appel of Caseyville, IL; Jennifer Appel of Elwood, IL; Donald F. Appel of Pinellas Park, FL; John P. & Natalie E. (nee Vida) Appel of Pinellas Park, FL; Emily M. Appel of Columbia, IL; and (4) Step-Grandchildren; Steve & Karen (nee Grenchik) Vitanovec of Joliet, IL; Noah J. Levine of Dania Beach, FL; Gabriel E. (Gabe) Levine of Seminole, FL; and LaShanda Walker.
Donald was a cherished Great-Grandfather of 12 Great-Grandchildren. Don was born and lived most of his life in Joliet, IL until 2000. Don & Floreine moved to the Sunshine State, purchased a condo and fully retired in Largo FL. They have since lived in a few Assisted Living Residences. He was a member of St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church in Largo, FL. Donald was a very dedicated, caring and sacrificing Father & Grandfather. As a young man, to help his Mother & Father financially, he left high school during his junior year. He was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army on Nov. 13, 1944, achieving the rank of Staff Sgt. during World War II, serving in Central Europe for the 171st Army Postal Unit. He was awarded many Medals, Stars and Ribbons. Don was Honorably Discharged on August 21, 1946. When the war ended Don returned to Joliet and was employed with the U.S. Postal Service. He worked 39 years of dedicated service to the community of Joliet. After he retired from government service, Don worked for the next 10 years for The First National Bank of Joliet, IL. He was a distinguished member of numerous community organizations: Life VFW Member with VFW Post #4256 Madeira Beach, FL, VFW Cantigny Post #367 Joliet, IL, American Legion, Holy Name Society, Joliet Knights of Columbus #382, and St. Matthew’s Young at Hearts Club. Donald devoted his life to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Wounded Warriors, in his name would be appreciated. The family of Donald F. Appel invites all relatives and friends to join them for visitation on Wed. August 3, 2016 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at St Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, at 515 Fourth Street S. in St. Petersburg, FL. 33701. At the conclusion of visitation, a Life celebration Catholic Mass will be presided by Father Kevin Queally, T.O.R., Parochial Vicar. Following the Mass, all are welcome to attend a full Military Honors Internment at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd. Largo, FL. 33774
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