SCARBOROUGH – Gerald “Jerry” Francis Applebee, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on Sept. 30, 2024, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a long illness.
Born in Washington D.C. on August 31, 1940, Jerry was the son of Francis and Virginia Leach Applebee. He graduated from Scarborough High School in 1958 and attended Tufts University, where he majored in engineering. He spent his freshman year at Lee Academy.
As a teenager in the early 1950’s, Jerry served in the Scarborough Ground Observer Corps, in which volunteer citizens monitored air traffic along the coast. As a young adult, he worked for L.R. Higgins in Scarborough as a project estimator, grade foreman, and in job sales.
Jerry was a seasoned and successful commercial Real Estate Broker. It all began in 1965 when he obtained his Real Estate Broker’s license. He co-founded Peterson Realty, which eventually expanded to 7 locations and 70 agents throughout the greater Portland area. More recently, he was associated with The Real Estate Store and Applebee Commercial, both in Scarborough. Jerry served on the Greater Portland Board of Realtors, on the Ethics committee, and as treasurer. Over the course of his career, he was involved in many key housing and condominium developments, most recently including portions of the Haigis Parkway in Scarborough.
Jerry was an avid golfer with a true love for the game. For 33 years he was a member of Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth, which was the site of many wonderful memories, not the least of which was a hole in one on number 15 (1 of 2 lifetime aces). The next time you visit Purpoodock, look for his name on the winner boards for several club tournaments. He was active in the Maine State Golf Association, Southern Maine Seniors, and Maine Seniors Golf Association. He cherished his annual golf trips with his buddies to Arizona, Mississippi, Utah, and Ireland. Hilton Head Island, with over 26 championship courses, was his and Donna’s favorite vacation destination.
In his earlier years, you could often find Jerry skiing at Sugarloaf Mountain, snowmobiling, motorcycling, and dirt biking with his sons. He played a mean game of Texas Hold’em and also enjoyed a game of gin rummy.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Donna Carlisle Applebee; sons Scott Applebee of Scarborough and Todd Applebee and his wife Traci Gerow of Westbrook; grandchildren Morgan Applebee of South Portland, Tyler Applebee and his wife Alyssa Applebee of Durham; great-grandchildren Griffin and Kylie Applebee; cousins in Enfield; and life-long friends, including Earl, Glenn, Lin, Paul, Sam, Tom, and many more.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Monday Oct. 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Black Point Cemetery in Scarborough. A celebration to honor Jerry’s life will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Purpoodock Club, Spurwink Ave in Cape Elizabeth. All are welcome.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Those wishing to send a tribute in Jerry’s memory may do so at http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.
We are so grateful for the compassionate, wonderful care Jerry received from TH and Gail.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to
Gosnell Memorial
Hospice House
11 Hunnewell Rd
Scarborough Me 04074
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