Obituary of Philip R Appenzeller

Philip R Appenzeller, 60, of Cape May passed away quietly, surrounded by his family, on September 15, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Philadelphia, PA; he lived in South Philadelphia & Delaware County before moving to Cape May, part time, twenty-five years ago. Philip joined the Merchant Marines in 1971. Upon returning to Philadelphia, he became a member of IBPAT District Council 21 working out of Local Union 703 as a Union Painter. He held many positions in both the Council and the Local getting elected to a full time position as Business Representative of Local 703 in 1990; where he maintained that position until he retired almost five years ago. During that time he was elected five times to a National Delegate position in IBPAT serving on two committees. Philip joined the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 82, Cape May, upon retirement and quickly rose in the ranks achieving many awards and citations and was currently Flotilla Vice Commander. In 2010 he was awarded "Auxiliarist of the Year" from Division 8 for his outstanding performance and dedication. In 2011 he was awarded the Cutterman's pin from the outgoing OIC of USCG Cutter Ibis, a highly coveted pin rarely awarded to an auxiliarist. Philip is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa (nee Kelly); son Philip R Appenzeller Jr (wife Elizabeth); son Kevin P Hughes (wife Tina); beloved daughter Kristin M Hughes; along with four cherished grandchildren: Phillip R Appenzeller III, Lexie Appenzeller, Lizzy Appenzeller, & Ariana Nicole Jones. He is also survived by his sister Rosemarie Ouellette; aunt Sissy Hannon; aunt Mary Alice Sloan; uncle Harry Sims; his loyal pet Loki; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; cousins; and many friends. Services will be at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at the Evoy Funeral Home, 3218 Bayshore Rd, N Cape May, NJ 08204; where friends may call from 10:00 to 12 noon. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Philip's memory to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fund, c/o John Gallagher, Treasurer, USCG Flotilla 82, 1519 Yacht Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204.