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Gerald M. Appel, 77 of Auburn Twp., passed on May 3, 2025. He was born on September 21, 1947, in Cleveland to the late Sidney and Dorothy Appel (nee Mittleman). 

Jerry was a devoted husband to Phyllis “Tracy”, a loving father to Courtney (Aaron) Evenchik, Benjamin (Jakana Thomas) Appel, and Chad (Denny Johnson) Appel, and an over-indulging grandfather to Rabbi Betzalel (Hindi), Shayna, 

Zacharia, Max, and Noah. He is also survived by a sister, Bonnie (Gary) Hildebrand, brothers-in-law Mark (Jill) Friedman and David (Enid) Friedman. 

After attending Cleveland Heights High School, he received his accounting degree from THE Ohio State University and became a certified public accountant A funeral service will be held on May 5, 2025 at 11am at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel at 1985 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights followed by interment at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Solon. 

Family will receive friends immediately following interment at Temple Israel Ner Tamid,1732 Lander Rd., Mayfield Hts. until 4:30pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Friendship Circle of Cleveland, 27900 Gates Mills Boulevard, Pepper Pike, OH 44124-4734, or a charity of your choice.

loved sharing political and school memories with Manly.

He wanted me to do an illustration of him and Marilyn Monroe. I did.

In addition to being classmates at Belvoir Elementary School, Manly and I were piano students as children with Ann Kultii.  We saw each other at piano recitals organized by our teacher, and on one occasion we were asked to play Handel's Passacaglia, a duet for four hands, at a student piano competition for the Ohio Music Teachers Association held at the Public Library in downtown Cleveland.  We were eleven years old at the time, and we rehearsed at my parents' house for about three weeks.  We were rewarded for our efforts by taking first place in the competition to the delight of Mrs. Kultii and our parents, and we were mentioned in a Cleveland Press (remember them?!!) account of the event. 
Manly was a fine pianist, and we corresponded by email and occasional phone calls over the years.  Many times he overcame serious health issues in his later years, always with a positive attitude. 
A life well lived!!!

I'm shocked and saddened at the passing of Manly Simms. He was quirky, talented and fun.  Also a good friend. Lost track of him the past couple of years and so sorry I dis. Our conversations were lively and fun. Manly you will be missed

I was so sorry to hear of Manly's passing. Ever since middle school at Wiley I admired his musical talents. When I heard him play the piano, it gave me goosebumps. Rest in peace my friend.

Shocked and saddened to learn of Manly's death.  I remember him from Heights and from our last meeting out here in Los Angeles a few years ago.  Manly was a freedom fighter who never shied away from his convictions.  I admired that quality in him.  Condolences to his family!  RIP!

Per Stanley P. Greenberg:

Deceased Classmate: Manly Simms
Obituary Link: https://www.legacy.com
Date Of Birth: April-22-1947
Date Deceased: February -10-2025
Age at Death: 77
Cause of Death: Brief illness
Classmate City: Cleveland
Classmate State: OH
Classmate Country: USA
Survived By: Eliane Bossanelli (Boston, MA), Leonard Simms (Buffalo, NY), Dennis Simms (Cleveland, OH), Heather Skomba (Chicago, IL), Mario Simms (Boston, MA), and Marlon Simms (Orem, UT). He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Simms. he was a proud grandfather of 6 grandchildren.

I remember Manly from our days in the Heights High Orchestra. During those years he was an accomplish pianist and was always strong willed. He will be missed by his former friends and family.
 

We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Yelsky family over the loss of one of our own. Retired Communications Officer Harvey Yelsky worked at the Mayfield Heights Police Department from 1973 to 2004. There are dispatchers and officers still with the department that had the pleasure of working with Harvey and indicate he was always keeping them entertained on the night shifts with his sense of humor. He also collected police patches from all over the world which are currently affixed on the wall in our police museum. Services will be held in South Carolina. The picture below was taken in 1995. Rest in peace

David's wife Valery forwarded this to a classmate who sent it on to me. It confirmed what I already knew from my relatively brief relationship with David; he was a special person.

David Keith Brown passed away on February 11, 2023, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 
Born on September 15, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, David led a life dedicated to history, preservation, and the arts.
David graduated St. Margaret Mary Elementary, Cleveland Heights High School, the University of Illinois (BA), and Baruch College (MBA) in New York. 
David founded an historic preservation business in New York City, restoring interiors of some of the city's most treasured landmarks; the Reading Room at the New York Public Library and the ceiling at the American Stock Exchange. He consulted at the Ellis Island National Monument and worked on numerous churches throughout Manhattan, including West End Collegiate Church, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, and Grace Church. His dedication to preservation extended beyond national borders-he sent an employee to collaborate with restorers working on the Sistine Chapel frescoes.
In 1987, David and his wife opened the Valery Taylor Gallery, selling European Old Masters and Spanish Colonial art.
In 1999, he envisioned a new way to bring art and history to wider audiences through digital media. His venture, Museum Planet, combined photography and detailed cultural insights into interactive guides for cities rich in visual heritage across Europe. Initially conceived as CD/DVD guides before transitioning into iPad applications, this project reflected David's ability to merge technology with historical appreciation.
David was an avid reader with a deep passion for history. It was not uncommon for him to reach out to discuss a newly discovered article or book-always eager to explore ideas further. A natural skeptic, he rarely accepted information at face value and was known for his inquisitive mind and pursuit of deeper understanding.
David is survived by his wife, brothers Michael E. Brown and Thomas Brown, and sister Connie (Brown) Newport.

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