John Robert Apfelthaler
Born on March 7, 1943, in McKeesport, PennsylvaniaPassed on September 3, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida
“Dad”
He never looks for praises
He’s never one to boast
He just goes on quietly working
For those he loves the most
His dreams are seldom spoken
His wants are very few
And most of the time his worries
Will go unspoken too
He’s there…. A firm foundation
Through all our storms of life
A sturdy hand to hold to
In times of stress and strife
A true friend we can turn to
When times are good or bad
One of our greatest blessings,
The man that we call Dad.
…Karen K. Boyer
On Tuesday, September 3, 2025, John Robert Apfelthaler passed away at the age of 82. He was a son, brother, uncle, loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend.
John was born on March 7, 1943, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania and grew up in Elizabeth Township, Pennsylvania. He attended Elizabeth Forward High School and later joined the United States Air Force in 1964, working in communications. He was stationed at Clark Air Force Base on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It was at a Christmas party in Manila that he met his future wife, Patrocenia Castones. He was smitten and it was love at first sight. On October 6,1965, they were married. They began their family soon after and welcomed a baby boy whom they named John Paul.
In 1968, the family moved to Florida where John was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base. After receiving an honorable discharge, he started work with Southern Bell and remained with them through their iteration to BellSouth and the merger with AT&T. He retired from AT&T in 1998. On his birthday in 1973, John and his family were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Patricia Lynn.
John was a hard worker and an unassuming force. His devotion to his family was immense, always providing unconditional love and support. He was a humble man who never failed to lend a helping hand or a provide a caring heart. He attended church with his family every Sunday and did a great deal of volunteer work for the church and the schools his children attended. He spent a lot of time with his family going on vacations and to extra-curricular events his children were involved in. He supported his wife, Pat, one hundred percent, and her desire to stay connected with her heritage. They helped start the Filipino-American Association, where he served one year as President, and later began the Filipino Community at Ascension Catholic Church.
John was a quiet and shy person until you got to know him. He was a loyal friend, adoring husband, and a fair and loving father who loved to joke around and play pranks. Although not an engineer, he had the mind of one. John learned at a young age how to fix things electrical and mechanical. Friends called him “McGyver” because he could fix anything, and in such a professional manner. He was always there to share his talent, not only with the family, but with many friends in need.
He was a builder, and in his retirement, enjoyed creating beautiful masterpieces out of wood for his grandchildren, whom he loved deeply. John leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity. We are honored to have had him as our father, and he will be missed dearly. There will never be another to replace him in our hearts.
John was preceded in death by his mother Ruth Taylor Apfelthaler; his father William J. Apfelthaler and his wife Patrocenia (Pat) Apfelthaler.
He is survived by his sister Barbara Apfelthaler Albright and brother William L. Apfelthaler; his children John P. (Sonja) Apfelthaler and Patricia Apfelthaler (Eric) Hanson; two grandsons Paul Tyler Apfelthaler and Adam Gregory Apfelthaler; along with several cousins and many nieces.
His Funeral Mass will be held at Ascension Catholic Church, 2950 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Following the Mass, there will be a celebration of life reception.
