5 things to know about Louis Appell Jr.
Louis Appell Jr. — one of the most prominent businessmen, civic leaders, and philanthropists in York — died Monday.
Here are 5 things to know about the York native.
He was the son of a radio king
Louis J. Appell, Louis Appell's father, launched a radio station, WSBA-AM (910), in York, in 1942. It eventually grew into Susquehanna Radio, one of the U.S.'s largest chains of radio stations including stations in San Francisco, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta.
His family supported York city arts
In 1926, Louis Appell Jr.'s father, and his grandfather, Nathan Appell, purchased what is now known as the Capitol theater. At that time, it was known as The Jackson. They remodeled it before it reopened in 1927. Prior to that, the pair built the Strand Theatre, which opened its doors in 1925, according to the Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center website.
READ: A private patron: Louis Appell Jr. (Part I)
READ: A private patron: Louis Appell Jr. (Part II)
He prioritized the family business
Louis Appell Jr. was president and CEO of Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff, a fifth-generation family-owned business, for 50 years. He retired as president and CEO in 2001 but remained chairman of the board.
Others recognized his influence
In 2008, the York Daily Record included Appell on its list of the 25 most influential people in York County.
"If we had to single out one single most influential York countian, it would be Mr. Appell," the newspaper said. "His charitable contributions could fill a book, and his influence as a businessman is legendary."
He was tuned into education
Powder Mill Foundation, of which Appell was president, donated the former Lafayette Club building on East Market Street to York College in 2015. The building is set to become the new home of the college's Center for Community Engagement.
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