Dani Ray Apple

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dani Ray Apple. A wonderful brother, a loving father and step-father, a devoted husband, a dedicated, caring coach and mentor and an irreplaceable and loyal friend to any who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Donna, his son Matthew and his partner Amy Tumminia and granddaughters Kayla, Madison and Baylee; son Michael and his partner Jenny Preheim, his step daughter Michele and her partner Brandon Zimmerman , his sister Candy Elliott and his brother Jon and his wife Margaret, his nieces Luanne Stoneback and her husband Wade and daughter Casey, and Christi Hilt and her husband Ryan and their sons Alex and Kevin, and his nephew Jesse Elliott and wife Jill and son Quinn. Plus a multitude of friends and cousins and their families who knew and loved him.

“Bucko”, as he was affectionately known to his family, was born on Christmas Day in 1949 to Louis and Annabelle in Easton, PA. He departed this life in the early morning of April 19th , twenty years to the day of his mother.

He was a graduate of Wilson Area High School, Class of ’67, and Churchman’s Business School in downtown Easton. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from National American University in Rapid City, SD and completed a Graduate Program at Cornell University.

He was a proud and vocal veteran, from a family of proud and vocal veterans, serving in the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam era from 1969 to 1972.

Among his many interests and pursuits, sports were always at the top of the list. Watching, playing and coaching. He loved the comradery and the competition. He was an exceptional athlete, as many of his teammates would readily attest. Baseball, football, basketball, tennis and especially golf. He was also an avid fisherman.

But as soccer legend Pele put it, “Most important, be a good man.” And nothing is greater evidence of that in Dani’s life than the testimony of some of the boys he
coached back in Bath, NY upon learning of his passing.

Justin Tucker – “Dani was such an important mentor to me and I’m incredibly grateful for the impact he had on my life.”

Burt Turner – “Cornerstone of my childhood. Hugely influential on what honorable manhood is. A blessing to my generation.”

Geoff Peters - “He was so special and had such a huge impact on my life. I thought that moving away to Bath in 6th grade was the worst thing ever. As it turns out it led me to Dani Apple. At twelve years old you have no idea how your life is being shaped by others. I try daily with my kids and other kids to be like Dani. He is my idol. Such an amazing man. I’m so glad I knew him and I know he loved me.”

There can no greater measure of a man’s life than that. “For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi

We will miss his hardy laugh and big voice. We will miss his passionate commentary on politics and world affairs, including the highs and lows of his beloved Eagles and Phillies. We will miss his unhesitating generosity and support in the best and worst of times. But most of all we will miss his company and genuine love and friendship. Everybody should have a Dani Apple in their life.

Still we can find some comfort from a Native American prayer by Robin Drummond.

“I give you this one thought to keep -
I am with you still. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone -
I am with you still -
in each new dawn.”

An online guest book is available at www.myrtlebeachfuneralhome.com

Myrtle Beach Funeral Home, (843.293.4505), 4505 Hwy 17 Bypass South, Myrtle Beach, SC. 29577 is assisting the Apple family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.