Richard D. Applegate

Richard “Rick” David Applegate, 79, of Lower Allen Township, passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2026. Born on June 22, 1946, in Delano, he was the son of the late Dorothy (Brill) Applegate and Ralph Applegate.

Rick served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Iwo Jima. Following his military service, he went onto a long career with Bell Telephone, where he worked until his retirement.

Rick loved vacations at the beach, especially trips to Chincoteague and Assateague Island National Seashore in Virginia, where he enjoyed crabbing, fishing, and being on the lookout for marine life. He enjoyed finding discarded items in disrepair and fixing them up – everything from old sewing machines and vacuum cleaners to snow blowers. A lifelong do-it-yourselfer, Rick rarely called for outside help with home repairs (except plumbing, he hated plumbing) and believed in learning how to solve problems and work through challenges on your own — a mindset he passed along to his daughters and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jim Applegate; and his sisters, Shirley (Applegate) Steimling and Marianne (Applegate) Simpson.

Rick is survived by his daughters, Pamela Applegate-Frasch and Karen Applegate Gownley; his sons-in-law, Steve Frasch and Jimmy Gownley; and his beloved grandchildren, Stella Gownley, Anna Gownley, Elise Frasch, and Eric Frasch.

Funeral and memorial service information will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Hospice.

Rick loved the music of Bob Dylan, especially the quote: “An' here I sit so patiently waiting to find out what price you have to pay to get out of going through all these things twice.”