Carl Appel

Carl Appel, 92, of Yonkers, died Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville. Born in Polaniec, Poland, he was a son of the late Harry & Esther Eichen Appel. Carl came to the US in 1934, at the age of 13. He did not speak a word of English, yet graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School on time. Just after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army Air Force, rose to Technical Sergeant, and directed a squad of airplane mechanics in Texas and Hawaii. Following the War, he attended business college and entered the insurance business. He developed and acquired agencies and was well known in the industry, receiving important awards through his career. He continued working into his early 80's. Privately, with his wife of 70 years, Rose Silverstein, Carl focused on his world-wide family, and Jewish life. For many years, he served as President of his synagogue. He was involved in Jewish education, the YMHA organization, fund raising for the State of Israel, and was a delegate to the World Zionist Congress. He was a pragmatic, liberal Democrat to the core, but with some sensible, conservative balance. He profoundly respected the individual, insisting that each person have a voice; he was dedicated to freedom, respect and dignity for all human beings. He lived his life as an example for all to heal the world. Carl loved to sing the Hebrew prayer, "May the one who makes peace in the universe grant peace to all, and let us say, Amen!" Carl is survived by his three children: Joseph Appel (Patricia Beidler), David Appel (Sally Fillmore) and Sharon Appel, five adoring grandchildren, Naomi, Jonathan, Jacob, Elizabeth and Julia, as well as many nieces and nephews locally and around the world. In addition to his parents, Carl was predeceased by his wife Rose Silverstein Appel who passed in December of 2013, and three brothers and two sisters in earlier years. A graveside service officiated by Rabbi Norman Listokin of the Garment Center Synagogue in New York City was held at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, NY, on Monday, July 14, 2014. Contributions in Carl's name may be made to United Jewish Appeal or a charity of one's choice.