John W. Appleby

CHEVY CHASE, MD:  John William Appleby, 78, of Chevy Chase, MD, formerly of Hardwick, VT., passed away on May 30, 2026.

He was born December 30, 1947, in Long Island, NY; the son of the late Gordon and Stella (Mee) Appleby. In 1959 his family moved to Rutland, Vt, and in 1964 to Hardwick where his parents owned and operated the Corner Store.

John attended school in Rutland and later Hardwick Academy. Following his education, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country in Germany.  He was Honorably Discharged on August 29, 1978. Following his tour of duty, John went to work for the State of Vermont. Later he worked for the Border Patrol in Texas.  He spent the rest of his years living in Chevy Chase, MD, with his constant companion Fern Lapidus.

John had a passion for computers and computer-generated technology. He was an excellent photographer. Whether traveling in his car or on his motorcycle, he enjoyed taking cross country trips to many states and National Parks.  He would use his photos to document his travels. One of his favorite trips was traveling across the country taking pictures along Route 66. He also enjoyed finance, consulting and crafts.

Survivors include: his longtime companion Fern Lapidus of Chevy Chase, MD.; his siblings, Gordon (Kristi) Appleby of Mitchellville, MD., Jan Robinson of Payson, AZ., Cathy (Bruce) Mayo of Plainfield, NH, and Julie Desjardin; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Stella Appleby; a brother-in-law Don Robinson, a niece Darcy Forant, and his beloved dog Truffle.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street. Hardwick, with Pastor Avril Cochran officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Hardwick.

The family appreciates the wonderful care that John received from the VA Hospice Unit.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to: Volunteer Services VA Maryland, Health Care System, Hospice act 1053, 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, Md.  21201 (with a memo on the check to read: Account # 1053/ John Appleby).

Local arrangements are in the care of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com