Lewis Appelbaum passed away at his home in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 surrounded by close family and friends. He was born March 19, 1939 to Harold and Gertrude Appelbaum and spent his childhood in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Hobart College and NYU with an MBA. His long career began at Ford Motor Company where he worked for 18 years and then became a Ford Dealer in Mechanicsburg, PA. He owned and managed K&H Ford and several other automobile dealerships over the years including West Shore Kia; eventually selling those two to Fred Beans/McCafferty; which they are today.
After the car business, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to real estate and he was principally responsible for the development of the neighborhood Hampden Summit in Mechanicsburg. Over the years he also owned and managed properties all around the country.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Regina (Gruskin) Appelbaum. They travelled extensively and loved the southwest. They had homes in Tucson, Arizona where they spent almost 30 winters. One of their favorite interests were rocks and gemstones and thoroughly enjoyed the annual mineral and gemstone convention in Tucson. He was always a city boy living in the country.
He is also survived by his son Steven and wife Susan (Gilbert) of Charleston, SC., his son Neal and husband Garth Hawkins of Woodbury, TN, his daughter Phyllis and her husband David Sienkiewicz of Mechanicsburg, PA, and his sister Myra Sarney and her husband Elliot Sarney of Wayne, NJ.
Lewis approached life fearlessly and enthusiastically in all of his endeavors. Whether it was business or interests or relationships, he immersed himself with passion and set high standards – both for himself and the people around him. He and his unique approach to life will be missed.
He has requested a private cremation. His life will be celebrated at a later date around his birthday in March.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to Homeland At Home, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg, PA 17110, 717-857-7400.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Applebaum family.
9 comments on “Lewis Appelbaum”
Dear Regina &Phyllis, Steven & Neal,
I’m so very sorry for your loss…
Regina & Phyllis — I miss the time we spent together at the store over the years. You are special to me and I’m sad that you’re in pain…all of you. Even though I didn’t meet Steven and Neal, you spoke affectionately of them to me.
Lew was always confident and upbeat when I saw him with you.
Wishing all of you well and sending much love
Jill
Gina,
I’m thinking of you during this difficult time. My deepest sympathies to you.
I remember the time Ann and I, along with Karl and Nancy visited you and Lew at your place on the Maryland Eastern Shore. We also enjoyed our stay at your place on Daniel Island.
Nothing quite compares to the love of a spouse. Wishing you peace and comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lew was the owner of K&H Ford, when I worked there. It was one big family in those days. I enjoyed working at that dealership, because of Lew’s encouragement. I will miss him.
Lew was my friend and partner. He always had great advice if I was in need of it. I will miss him and my condolence to the family.
So sorry to hear about your dad, Steve. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry to hear that your Dad passed. Sounds like he was he was a successful accomplished businessman and a great Dad. I know you will miss him
I am so grateful for you Steven And very thankful for the time I worked for Your Dad at K & H Ford. He is with Our Heavenly Father now in Paradise. Rest in Our Lords Arms We come in this world age a baby and when the time is right Our Heavenly Father brings us Home. For all Souls belong to God The Father Love 💕 to all. Your Friend for ever. Linn McCaffery
So sorry to read of your Dads passing…sounds like he had a wonderful and full life with your family! Love and prayers, Julie Baldwin Powell🙏🙏🙏
So glad we had the chance to meet him.