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John was a retired teacher who worked for the Martins Ferry City School District. He loved teaching and helping students in any way he could. John was a pillar of the community, always helping and serving the town he loved. He was a member of the Bull Town Reunion Committee, Mackey Community Center, lifelong firefighter with the Liberty Fire Station, he was instrumental in starting the 300 Club fundraiser for the Liberty Fire Department, a member of the Martins Ferry Booster Club, worked every football game and filmed over 800 basketball games, was a member of the Sedgwick House Museum Board, Forrester’s Club, Polish Club and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Martins Ferry. John was one of the founding members of the Martins Ferry Hall of Honor and was inducted himself. John never met a person he didn’t know or like and was always willing to help anyone when needed. He loved his Purple Riders as he said: “Once a Purple Rider, always a Purple Rider.”

He was preceded in death by his sister Sharon Beck, his brother Robert Applegarth, his mother-in-law Dorothy (Mesich) Collette, his sister-in-law Paula (Matthews) Collette and his fur baby Gracie.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of over 40 years, Rose Anne (Collette) Applegarth, his only daughter Abbi (CJ) Besece, his only grandson and the apple of his eye Jhett Alexander, his brother Donald (Tracey) Applegarth, his brother-in-law Joe Collette, several nieces and nephews, and his special friend Lori Nieb.

There will be no public wake, however a memorial service will be held at a later date at the Liberty Fire Station, 500 Center Street, Martins Ferry, OH 43935. Wilson Funeral Home – Heslop Chapel, 415 Walnut St., Martins Ferry, OH 43935 is assisting the family.

To share online condolences, please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com.