It is with great sadness we report Ed Applebaum, of Lady Lake, FL, has succumbed to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) on Monday, January 19 at Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages. Ed was diagnosed with this devastating disease just six months ago. He bravely faced his illness and chose not to allow it to dictate his decline. As Tecumseh may have described it, Ed sang his death song and died like a hero going home. Ed was born in Philadelphia. He proudly served in the Navy during Vietnam. As a crackerjack airline mechanic, American Airlines was fortunate to have such a dedicated employee for forty-four years. Ed was a member of Harbor Hills Country Club for fifteen years and a charter member of the Property Owners of Harbor Hills. Ed may have retired in 2002, but that didn’t mean he was going to sit in a rocking chair all day. Oh, no! He was an avid tennis player and could be found on a court five times a week. He enjoyed taking care of his home and plants. His caring, loving nature was showered on his wife, Betsy, who shared his love of tennis. Theirs was truly a love match on and off the court for more than twenty years. Besides his beloved Betsy, Ed leaves a sister, legion of friends, neighbors, and extended family who mourn his passing. Betsy will receive friends and neighbors to share memories of Ed on Friday, January 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 6229 Topsail Road, Sunrise II Village, Harbor Hills.
