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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!