Louis Appell Jr., businessman, philanthropist, dies
UPDATED STORY: Louis Appell Jr.: A public private life.
Louis J Appell Jr. — one of the most prominent businessmen, civic leaders, and philanthropists in York — died Monday, according to his family.
He was 92, and celebrated his birthday on June 19.
He was the former president and CEO of Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff, a fifth-generation family-owned pottery business. He and his family also had owned one of the largest radio chains in the United States. And he was known for his philanthropy and dedication to York, supporting everything from the art community to the minor league baseball team.
His family reported that Appell died at about 6:45 p.m. Monday.
His life-long friend, John Zimmerman, former partner in the Wolf Organization, said Appell was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about three or four weeks ago.
"It's a very sad day for the community," Zimmerman said.
READ: Louis Appell lead York's revitalization effort
SEE: Louis Appell helped bring baseball back to York
Appell sold the business about a decade ago because none of the family members wanted to run it. He described it as "a difficult and carefully considered step."
"Louis J. Appell Jr. is one of the richest and most powerful figures in York County, but you might pass him on the street without realizing it," a 1993 York Daily Record article stated. He was a private person.
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He has been one of the movers and shakers in York, giving money to political candidates. He donated $725,000 to Tom Wolf's campaign ahead of the 2014 gubernatorial election. The Wolf and Appell families are close friends.
Years ago, Wolf, who was co-president of The Wolf Organization Inc., described Appell as a "respectful person." Appell showed genuine interest in Wolf when he was growing up.
"As a young person, I appreciated that because it was unique," he said in the 1993 article.
Appell also was a big supporter of the City of York.
READ: A private patron: Louis Appell Jr. (Part I)
READ: A private patron: Louis Appell Jr. (Part II)
Appell met with the younger generation to hear about their ideas for the future of the city. He was a big driver behind the latest developments in the city.
"He believed in York when no one else did," said Meagan Feeser, marketing director with Downtown Inc.
The organization honored Appell and his wife, Jody, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to improving life in York.
Feeser said it's hard to envision doing work without him.
"It's just a huge loss for the city," she said.
Check back later for more.
Staff writer Mike Argento contributed to this article.
Read more about Louis Appel Jr.:
Pfaltzgraff afficionados grab up legacy pottery pieces, fund archives
Dragon-style pottery pieces, picked up in York County, intrigue reader
Pottery put the other Foustown, the one in Manchester Township, on the map
A tribute to York's 'town father': Louis Appell (column)
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