Mr. Steven M. Appler

NEW HARTFORD – Mr. Steven M. Appler, age 58, passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly, on Sunday, October 9, 2022 in the comfort of his home. At the time of his passing, his son Steven was home with him, and he was also in the hearts of those he loved most. Born in Utica on August 7, 1964 he was the son of the late Thomas R., Sr. and Mary M. (Biller) Appler. Steve was a graduate of New Hartford High School/Class of 1982 and continued his studies at Mohawk Valley Community College. He began his career in construction in the 1980s operating as Appler Construction. He often partnered with his friend, Steven Goddard. Steve also was a sub-contractor with Rich Home Building and Development. He was so proud to offer his meticulous finish work and knowledge in the building of many of their custom homes. He was well known in the area as a master carpenter and his vision and passion were recognized by many. But in addition to his talents, he was also known as a man of his word, which spoke volumes. Steve soon found the right girl who helped turn his life in a very good direction. On May 13, 1995, he wed the former Anna C. Doggett, and they focused their new life on each other. The two shared and created many beautiful memories together as a couple, and Anna will be so lost without him, and she will hold his memory in the depth of her heart. Steve treated his responsibility of loving and supporting his family as paramount. He was the best man he could be, especially when it came to his wife and children. His kids, nieces, and nephews, were an integral part of his life. He was never known to miss any game or recital – he never wanted to miss a thing and he never did. Steve was so funny and had a warped sense of humor. He had the best smile, and when he laughed, his body became totally engaged. Music was Steve’s window to a world that many of us cannot fathom. He loved classic rock, which he would frequently listen to at the highest possible decibel! Steve and Anna were avid concert goers – and Steve insisted on always getting a floor seat. This was necessary because he needed room to dance to his own rhythm and sing the lyrics as loud as he could. He attended concerts right up to the end, with the Dead and Company being the last show he attended. When Steve was growing up, he and his family spent summers camping at Hinckley Lake on the island. They did this annually until the mid-1990s when he joined Anna as they moved their surroundings to First Lake. There was nothing better than the private beach, the dock, and his boats, a MasterCraft and a Sea Ray. He was a natural on the water and he skied with such passion… as a matter of fact, it was just last week that he had his last run on the lake. He was proud to be a member of the Hollywood Hills Property Owners Association. Whether it was at camp or at home, Steve and Anna had an extensive group of friends and incredible neighbors. For those of us who know the splendor of the Adirondacks, there’s nothing better than being close to the Earth, listening to music, and playing cut-throat games of pitch! Of course, both home and away, the rooms were filled with family, friends, and many of whom were one in the same. Some of the routines at camp included the 7:30 a.m. meeting at the dock for anyone wanting to experience the tranquility of an early morning ski on the lake. Memorable were the sunset and midnight booze cruises with James Taylor tunes, and because Steve was the coffee drinker – he was designated as the boat driver. Steve and Anna would spend many a wonderful night on the deck, in each other’s company, once again with the tunes always lurking in the background. A man always on a mission, Steve and his family took countless vacation getaways to the beautiful beach of Bermuda, Disney World, which he visited exactly one too many times, the Bahamas, and the excitement of Las Vegas, where he got to see some of the greatest musical performances, frequented the casinos, and he truly believed what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. The annual ski trip out west with Steve Sloan and friends were his most treasured ‘vacations’ and trips. He also loved skiing at Killington! A man of many talents, Steve also was an accomplished hunter. He would frequently prepare venison with family and friends. During the winter season, he became the “snow plow man,” and when that mission was complete, he headed to McCauley Mountain. He had an activity for every season, and only acted lost when he was idle! Steve and Anna’s homes mirrored as gathering places. Holidays with Steve were always another crazy and great time, as all events were blended with both sides of the family. There was no debating that his Christmas morning brunch was the best and everyone’s birthday needed to be celebrated. As you would imagine, with a great group of people surrounding him, and his humor, he held the “secret codes,” that were so comical, and some of them without definition! For example, “Sweet!” or “See Ya!” and the infamous “Swaa!” Steve was also a great dog lover, and counted on his canine companions as some of his best buddies. Steve and his black lab Myles, aka Mylo, were never on a leash! Mylo was named because of the many, many miles he and Steve traveled together. Myles also ventured alone sometimes, but always was found and wanted to be back with his beloved Steve. A member of Sacred Heart and Saint Mary’s Church, Steve believed in the Lord and had a deep personal relationship with Him. The outdoors was where he connected with his inner feelings and renewed his beliefs. Steve will live on in the heart of his life partner and wife, Anna; his beloved daughter, Casey Ann Appler and Ethan Cutler; and his son and buddy, Steven Mitchell Appler. His life began with the love of his siblings and their spouses, Karen A. and Paul H. Wentworth, and Thomas R. Jr., and Rosaria G. Appler. He was blessed during his life to share a strong and loving relationship with his mother-in-law, Patricia Doggett. He will also be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews, Chad (who was his godson with whom he shared a close bond) and his wife Theresa Wentworth, Thomas and Jessica Appler, Scott Wentworth and Mikayla Manner, Daniel Wentworth and Kayla Foley, Mark and Melina Appler, Kristyn and Valon Cami, and Kristina Appler; and the anticipated birth of Mark and Melina’s first child. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Dolores Golowski, John and Nancy Golowski, Mary Ann Ouimette, and Jeff Martin. Steve also leaves to memorialize him a host of extended family, including Harold, Devon, and Tristan Wentworth; and lifetime cherished friends, Thomas “Lou” Grimmer – with whom Steve “always had a safety meeting before anything was accomplished” – and his “work husband” and business partner, Steven Goddard. Although Steve had many wonderful friends throughout the years, it would be remiss not to mention the current crew: the Kennedys, the Loughlins, the Sellars, the Beatties, the Abrahams, and the list goes on! The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the New Hartford Police Department, Emergency Medical Technicians – especially Ben Toach – Edwards Ambulance, and the family and neighbors who showed such love, care, and support during his untimely passing. Visitation will be held on Monday evening, October 17, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Steven's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning, October 18, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart and Saint Mary’s Church, 201 Main St., NY Mills. Memorial contributions in Steve's honor may be considered to Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society online at https://www.anitas-sshs.org/donate; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mr. Steven M. Appler

August 7, 1964 - October 9, 2022