JOHN APPLEGARTH III

John was a retired educator working for the Martins Ferry City School District. He loved teaching and helping students in whatever capacity they needed. John was a pillar of the community, always helping and serving the city he loved. He was a member of the Bull Town Reunion Committee, Mackey Community Center, a lifelong fireman with the Liberty Fire Station, he was instrumental in establishing the 300 Club fundraiser for the Liberty Fire Department, a member of the Martins Ferry Booster Club, working every football game and filming over 800 basketball games, a member of The Sedgwick House Museum Board, Forrester’s Club, Polish Club, and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Martins Ferry. John was one of the founding members of the Martins Ferry Hall of Honor and was himself an inductee. John never met a person he did not know or like and was always ready to help anyone when needed. He loved his Purple Riders, as he said, “Once a Purple Rider always a Purple Rider.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Sharon Beck, brother Robert Applegarth, mother-in-law, Dorothy (Mesich) Collette, sister-in-law, Paula (Matthews) Collette, and his fur baby, Gracie.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 plus years, Rose Anne (Collette) Applegarth, his only daughter, Abbi (C.J.) Besece, and his only grandson, and the Apple of his Eye, Jhett Alexander, brother, Donald (Tracey) Applegarth, brother-in-law, Joe Collette, several nieces and nephews and special friend, Lori Nieb.

There will be no public visitation, however there will be a Celebration of Life at a later date at the Liberty Fire Station, 500 Center Street, Martins Ferry, OH 43935. Wilson Funeral Home – Heslop Chapel, 415 Walnut St., Martins Ferry, OH 43935 is assisting the family.

To leave online condolences please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com.