Richard Apple

Richard M. Apple, 86 passed away peacefully on Friday morning, February 12th at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Watertown, NY, Richard was the son of the late Maurice and Iva (Murphy) Apple. A 1952 graduate of Clifton Fine High School, Richard received his Associates degree in Electrical Technology in 1954 from Canton ATI. During his time in his hometown of Wanakena, NY, Richard enjoyed many hours helping his dad at the Ranger School making maple syrup, hunting, and fishing for rainbow trout in the surrounding wilderness area.

In 1954, Richard began his employment at General Electric. After 2 years of service in the Army, he returned to GE and continued his career at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, eventually retiring after 46 years as a Senior Applications Developer in 2001.

During his time at KAPL, Richard met and later married Carol (Handy) Apple. They enjoyed many activities together including bowling, skiing, boating, water skiing, and a love of music. During their 55-year marriage, they built a beautiful family together, raising their children on the family farm in Princetown, NY and enjoying countless family gatherings with their children and grandchildren.

While he was exceptionally proud of his career at KAPL, Richard’s true love involved haying on the family farm. Many hours were spent by his children and grandchildren riding on the Ford 860 tractor with their Dad/Papa, learning the best ways to mow, rake, ted, bale and stack the hay. He perfected his hay process, eventually successfully passing this on to his grandchildren David and Tucker.

Never one to hire someone to do what he could do himself; he became expert at many trades including farming, plumbing, electrical, machinery repair, construction, and even electronics. Richard loved to work with his family, share his extensive knowledge, and always share the exact way that was best to get the job done.

In addition to his interest in hunting, fishing, and farming, Richard was an amateur radio operator who went by the call sign K2UTI. He enjoyed many hours communicating with his mother and others over the radio waves. He was a member of the Schenectady Amateur Radio Association and ARRL. His involvement in the family farm naturally led to his association with the Farm Bureau and to his role as Schenectady County representative to the Dairy and Field Crops Advisory Committee through Cornell Cooperative Extension. His interest in photography captured countless family memories.


Richard’s family was always most important to him. He enjoyed any gathering of the family, and regularly would ask all to pause for a moment and document occasions with family photos. His pride in the achievements of his children and grandchildren were known to all. If anyone needed his assistance, he was always just a call away. His gentle and loving presence will be missed.


Predeceased by 2 of his children Joseph and Daniel Apple, Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Carol (Handy) Apple, his children Jeannie Toepfer (Tim) of Rotterdam, Nancy Damato (Ken) of Duanesburg, James Apple (Kelley) of Duanesburg and Katie Apple (Ryan DeBrino) of Princetown and grandchildren Clara Toepfer, Zachary Damato, Ben Toepfer, Sarah Apple, Tucker Damato, David Apple, Colin Apple and Maya DeBrino.

Private services for Richard will be held for the immediate family.

Interment will be held in Schenectady Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, 139 South Lake Avenue, Albany, NY 12208