John 'Jack' Nicholas Appelbaum, 92, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, with his family by his side.

Born to the late Grace and Sylvester Appelbaum May 13, 1931 in St. Louis, MO, he was the youngest of three children: the late Sylvester William 'Bill' (the late Joan) Appelbaum, Ann (the late William) Schlittler. Jack attended Roosevelt High School then proceeded on to Cardinal Glennon College Seminary for nearly two years before entering the U.S. Marine Corp stationed in San Diego, where he spent much of his time as the platoon photographer. After returning to St. Louis, he attended St. Louis University at which time he met his beloved Carol. Upon graduating, he began his career as a Math teacher and Counselor with the Ritenour School District, ultimately devoting 30 years and retiring from Ritenour as the Principal of Marvin Elementary in 1986. Upon his retirement, he continued to teach the next generation of educators for an additional 10 years at the University of Missouri St. Louis.

Jack is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Carol (Sprenke) Appelbaum, his five sons and six daughters: Dr. John K. Appelbaum, Ann (Gene) Vaccaro, Lisa Appelbaum, Susan (Howard) Small, Paul (Dr. Lee Thompson) Appelbaum, Andrew (Rebecca) Appelbaum, Emily (Scott) Rhoad, Lois Campbell, David (Ashlea) Appelbaum, Sarah (Edward) Hopcraft and Daniel (Jamie) Appelbaum; twenty-nine grandchildren, Dr. Eric (Dr. Nital Patel) Appelbaum, Jason (Christiané) Appelbaum, Alaina (Jasper) Dekker, Christine (Rigo Correa) Vaccaro, Anthony Vaccaro, Rachel Vaccaro, Nicholas (Nicole) Appelbaum, Abigail Small, Henry Small, Luke Wilhelm, Drew (Dr. Juliette Gerardo) Appelbaum, Ian Appelbaum, Grace Appelbaum, Joseph Appelbaum, John Appelbaum, Hannah (Dr. Kevin) Sartin, Eli Rhoad, Rebekah Rhoad, Samantha Campbell, Sydney Campbell, Thomas Appelbaum, Claire Appelbaum, Lila Appelbaum , Jacob Hopcraft, Isabelle Hopcraft, Benjamin Hopcraft, Mia Appelbaum, Elisabeth Appelbaum and Lucy Appelbaum ; ten great-grandchildren, Aiden, Nora, Quinn, Gia, Lina, Oz, Noah, Sarah, Isaac, Isaiah; numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by two infant grandchildren, Theresa and Fredrick Rhoad.

He showed kindness to all he met and had a special place in his heart for children of all ages. He adored his grandchildren and they him, especially when he indulged them by taking photos with a number of modern-day filters resulting in many giggles and belly laughs. He had a quick wit, loved puns and often shared silly stories of his childhood. He was a 'Jack' of all trades who could fix anything and had a strong work ethic—whether it be with building his home and barn, working on cars, bee keeping, camping or his love of photography—and passed those skills along to his children. The 'Grandpa waffles' he made with a secret ingredient were a special request, and if you were fortunate to celebrate his birthday with him, you knew you'd be treated to graham cracker pie, one of his favorite desserts among many.

A devout Catholic, he donated his time in numerous ways at both St. Kevin and Holy Trinity parishes in St. Ann (Parish Council, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, RCIA, PSR, etc.). The family wishes to thank the staff at The Sarah Community for their loving (but difficult) care for the past two years.

Family will receive friends on Friday, April 19 at 9:30 a.m., prior to a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Maryland Heights, MO.

Jack's legacy of education continues through the donation of his body to St. Louis University School of Medicine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Alzheimer's Association–Greater Missouri Chapter or Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry.