J. Leo Appel Jr.

November 30, 1928 - September 5, 2017

Rye - J. Leo Appel, Jr., 88, of Rye, died September 5, 2017 at Webster at Rye surrounded by his family. Leo was born in Boston, Mass., the only child of John Leo and Josephine (Gaquin) Appel. He was a graduate of Newton High School and Dartmouth College, and served in the United States Navy as a lieutenant junior grade during the Korean War. Upon his return, he followed his father into the automobile business, establishing Anchor Buick in Portsmouth, which he owned from 1955 until 1981. He was deeply involved with the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association, including serving as its vice president. Leo also served two terms In the New Hampshire State Legislature (1979-1982), representing the towns of Rye and New Castle. In “retirement” he was a member and chairman of the Seacoast chapter of SCORE, and he served for 28 years as chairman of the board of trustees for Webster at Rye, a skilled nursing and assisted living facility. He enjoyed playing tennis and was a longtime member of the North Church of Portsmouth. Leo is survived by his wife of 29 years Lee (Stanchfield) Appel and his children: Karen (Appel) Brown and husband Nicholas of Providence, R.I.; Dianne Appel of Albuquerque, N.M.; Gretchen (Appel) McFarland of Oklahoma City, Okla,; Wendie Appel and husband Todd Abernathy of Manchester, N.H.; and stepdaughter Lynn (Stanchfield) Curcio of Exeter, N.H. He was predeceased by a stepson, Mark Stanchfield. Leo also cherished his ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visiting hours are 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017, at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, followed by a reception 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. at Webster at Rye. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leo's name to the Rannie Webster Endowment Fund, c/o Webster at Rye, 795 Washington, Road, Rye, N.H., 03870.