by Scott L.
Member since:
May 11, 2006

Obituary: Rob Appell, In His Own Words

November 05, 2009 08:54 PM EST
views: 311 | rating: 10/10 (25 votes) | comments: 71

Robert C. Appell, Jr.

Robert C. Appell, Jr. of Park Avenue, Rochester, New York, died on Tuesday (November 3rd, 2009) at 12:15am in Blossoms South.

There will be no calling hours, funeral service or memorial. No flowers or memorial contributions are requested.

Rob was born on May 3, 1957 in Seneca Falls the son of Robert Sr. and Eleanor A.  He was employed for many years, 1976 through 1999, at the former WSFW AM & FM radio station in Seneca Falls as an on-air personality, where he was most noted for creating and hosting The Rock Shop, the longest running hard rock/heavy metal specialty program in the state, which ran for 18 years. Rob was also active as a newscaster, sportscaster and talk show host in addition to his many other duties at WSFW, where he went by his professional name of Bob Appell. Rob also owned and operated two businesses: Rock Shop Productions, a band/musician management agency based in Seneca Falls, and Cadillac Delivery, a delivery service doing business in Auburn.

Of noteworthiness, Rob was also a published author with several of his poetry creations printed in compilations. He was recognized as one of the one-thousand best poets of the twentieth century bu the International Society of Poets and was nominated as Poet of the Year in 2000 and 2001. In addition, Rob was in the process of writing a full-length novel and already had created several theatrical plays & television pilots. Rob appeared in a few motion pictures including The Lady in White filmed in Ontario and Wayne counties and The Legend of Cryin' Ryan filmed in Seneca county and Syracuse.

Rob was predeceased by his father, Robert Sr. A. in August of 2004 and is survived by his mother Eleanor A., his sister Michele S., his two loving Nephews Michael Jay S. and Matthew Robert S., paternal uncles Ray A. and Elmer A., maternal uncles John R. and Howard R., his maternal aunt Barbara B., many cousins and several friends including Becky S., Darin R., Jeffy and Cindy D., Ken T., and his very dearest and closest friend Scott L.

 

**This was written by Rob, I'm not quite sure when. The only alterations I made were to shorten last names for privacy and fill in the blanks he left for final information***

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Comments: 71

dee b. Nov 5, 2009, 9:15pm EST
Thank you for sharing this Scott. It seems he had many accomplisments in his life, which were not surprising. He was a very articulate individual. What amazed me most about him, was how he was able to bounce back from adversity. He was a man of courage and fortitude. He never ceased to amaze me. His courage and strength was to be respected.
I as well as many here on Gather who remember him, will not forget him. His post will be will be sorely missed.
I hope you are hanging in there Scott. I know life has thrown you a few curveballs, and it can't be easy. But I do know such things can make one stronger in the end. Take care, and thank you again for sharing this.
Scott L. Nov 5, 2009, 9:18pm EST
Rob had a lot of successes, including his celebrity on Gather. Unfortunately, he wasn't always good translating that into self-esteem.
Elizabeth O. Nov 5, 2009, 11:42pm EST
Success and celebrity don't translate into self-esteem. If someone has self-esteem then success, etc..adds to it. But when someone doesn't have it, it doesn't matter what they achieve, how popular they are, or anything else they attain, they never feel good enough........and its through no fault of their own, it goes way back to their childhood.
Peter Joseph Swanson Nov 8, 2009, 10:13am EST
yeah - just ask Judy Garland.
dee b. Nov 5, 2009, 9:23pm EST
I find that surprising in a way Scott. Its hard to fathom someone with his abilities, not to have any self esteem. But I guess there are those who cannot see what others do.
Elizabeth O. Nov 5, 2009, 11:46pm EST
That's not surprising to me at all, Dee. They look in a mirror and don't see what others do.....they usually see a lonely sad child looking back at them. Its not their fault, they can't help it.
Charles A. B. Nov 7, 2009, 12:20pm EST
I am like that at times. I would say most of the time.
Peter Joseph Swanson Nov 8, 2009, 10:14am EST
We all have many faces. The "professional" one is usually the one we forget about first when alone.
Lynda F. Nov 5, 2009, 9:26pm EST
Awe ty Scott ... I was looking in the paper for it but haven't seen anything. Is it going to be in the paper? I've talked to a LOT of people today and many knew him as Bob Appell WSFW's Rock Shop icon.
Long blond hair , dark shades, AND that darn long pinky nail painted black.
RIP BOB you will be missed
Kathy D. Nov 5, 2009, 9:28pm EST
Thank you so much for sharing this, Scott.
Beth G. Nov 5, 2009, 9:28pm EST
This was really interesting, and I learned a lot hear I hadn't known before. Ah Rob, he will be missed!
sheila h. Nov 5, 2009, 9:41pm EST
Rob was accomplished..he was successful and he left his mark on the hearts of many many
friends...that is immortality,to be remembered ..and he will be fondly remembered..
Thank you ,Scott..
Steph-in-NE ..... Nov 5, 2009, 10:05pm EST
Thanks for letting us know He will be missed,
I am so sadden with all my loses this month first my dad 10/20/09 then my mom 11/03/09 now to hear this Rob please be in peace my dear friend
Cheryl W. Nov 5, 2009, 10:14pm EST
Thank you for sharing this, Scott. Rob will be sorely missed.
dee b. Nov 5, 2009, 10:23pm EST
Scot I came accross this while rummaging through some of my past post here on Gather. Rob's passing made me think about how fast our work, can be easily deleted here on Gather. So I went and printed up a few things, that I never took the time to copy. As I was going through them, I came across one poem I wrote some time ago here on Gather, and thought maybe perhaps I would share it with you. I thought perhaps with all you are dealing with, maybe in some small way it may help.

Memories of a loved one

I am as close as a whisper

I am the presence you feel

I am as near as your shadow

I am watching you from above

I am etched in memory now

I am still within your heart

I am and always will be a part of you

Dee B
Scott L. Nov 6, 2009, 5:24am EST
Do things really get deleted? That's terrible, I'd hoped that Rob's writing on Gather would be a permanent memorial.
dee b. Nov 6, 2009, 6:04pm EST
I had heard (can't remember from who or where now) that if an account is inactive for a certain period of time, it gets removed. Now this may be wrong. As I never inquired of the proper people to get this confirmed. But I myself wanted to make copies just in case. Perhaps you can ask Gather support about this, and find out for certain.
Cristina S. Nov 7, 2009, 4:51am EST
Scott - all you need to do is sign in on Rob's account occasionally, if it's all about being inactive for a long time.
Sue * Nov 5, 2009, 10:33pm EST
Thank you Scott.
Connie L. Nov 5, 2009, 10:41pm EST
I knew he was very intelligent and had probably done a lot of living, sometimes I think that wears out a person's body both inside and out like as with Elvis and Michael Jackson. It is like people like that might die at 50, but really lived the life to amount to them being around 70 or more. I saw where you had found some upliftment with a country song, I am glad you are finding things to help you heal. He was creative and I knew this too when I first saw his posts. I thought though this man is on his last legs, and I did not know why I sensed that exactly, but probably was from his being so articulate about himself, and him writing this also kind of makes me think he decided he was going to quit life and just let be what would be without proper medical care. I think he learned from a young age how to survive as he told the story about homeless in high school and taking showers at the school, but never letting his classmates know he was homeless. At that young of an age becoming a survivor was quite a feat and required a lot of internal strength. This has stuck on my mind more than the usual as I never had connections with him, I just from time to time would come across his articles or comments and always knew he was clever, intelligent and very popular on Gather. He enjoyed life in spite of all his adversities and I admired that in him. Another story he wrote that made me think he was just getting sick and tired of being "sick" was when he said he was so tall his feet would dangle off the bottom edge of his bed and now at least with just one leg, it was one less dangling body part. He always had a witty way of looking at things, but this also struck me as saying, how sad he was at having just the one leg.
Scott L. Nov 6, 2009, 5:26am EST
I think you hit the nail on the head Connie. It's funny how some people have 'forgotten' what Rob went through in his younger years.
Netty B. Nov 5, 2009, 10:51pm EST
Thanks for sharing this Scott.
lynn a. Nov 5, 2009, 10:57pm EST
Thank you for posting this. I'm glad to know that he did have some years he could consider himself successful. He had a lot to be happy about in the way of success. I'm sorry these last couple of years threw him such a curve. I will miss him.
Elsie Duggan Nov 5, 2009, 11:17pm EST
Scott, thank you for posting this, it is so small and short to describe such a great and large man, he lived a life , in the fast lane for awhile, and I think he missed that very much. I loved all the stories he wrote, they would make a wonderful book, I will miss him with all my heart, he was a very special person to me, and we had a loving relationship, and I will sure miss his teasing me on my poetry, his wit always brought a smile to my face when I needed it most, I love him, and that won't change because he decided not to stay here any longer, and I do think that is how it was, don't you?
Scott L. Nov 6, 2009, 5:27am EST
Elsie I totally agree. I think Rob definitely missed the "fun years". And I don't begrudge him anything. I know he would not have been happy down the road he was headed.
Dorothy H. Nov 5, 2009, 11:22pm EST
Oh my. I'm so sad about this.

Rest in peace, Rob. Rest in peace.

I'm glad he had such a good friend in you, Scott.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Nov 5, 2009, 11:32pm EST
Thank you for posting this Scott.

I will miss Rob terribly.

Take care of yourself.
Elizabeth O. Nov 5, 2009, 11:47pm EST
Thank you Scott. He was a wonderful man.
Ed Da Head Toker Nov 6, 2009, 1:30am EST
Thanks Scott.
I miss him.
Turkey Casserole Nov 6, 2009, 2:11am EST
wow, I didn' t know he was a radio personality... you know... seems like everyone has been dying lately... so sad, a friend of mine just passed not too long ago... life is such an unknown terrain ... we are here today... then... gone...
Lori Cee (rest in peace, jJack.) Nov 6, 2009, 6:20am EST
i was hoping you'd post this. thank you.
Marianne R. Nov 6, 2009, 7:19am EST
Wow, he did quite a lot during his life. Kind of disturbing that he wrote his own obit. Makes me wonder why, ya know? Thanks for sharing this.
Oxnard Oasis Nov 6, 2009, 12:07pm EST
Yeah, that's what I said.
Leo Lemmer Nov 6, 2009, 1:42pm EST
Yes, sad. He must have been living in much pain.
Katie R. Nov 6, 2009, 11:39am EST
I can't believe this. :(
Audrey F. Nov 6, 2009, 11:44am EST
Thank you, Scott, for posting this. I will miss Rob very much.
Oxnard Oasis Nov 6, 2009, 12:07pm EST
Why would somebody write their own obituary?
Leo Lemmer Nov 6, 2009, 1:43pm EST
Psychic pain and knowing....
Tom Gerace Nov 6, 2009, 4:18pm EST
Scott- I was very sorry to hear about Rob's passing this week. He was such a wonderful person to know and a great friend to many here. I had the opportunity to talk with him a few times and was impressed by the risks he took in his writing, his desire to genuinely connect with people, and his willingness to help others.

My sympathies to you and everyone else who knew Rob well and were fortunate enough to call him a friend.
Laura C. Nov 6, 2009, 4:57pm EST
I miss him already....

I wanted to let you know that I scheduled the internet radio show in his honer. I don't want to hijack your post with the info, i'll just say it's tomorrow evening.
Barbara B. Nov 6, 2009, 6:27pm EST
Thank you so much Scott for this tribute to my dearest loving
friend Rob Appell. We had a great relationship here on Gather
and I would send him gifts too. Ooooh my goodness, this just
doesn't seem real Scott. I will certainly miss Rob...

Just Me,
Barbie
Jennine D. Nov 6, 2009, 6:39pm EST
Scott I want to share this with you. When you see a pansey blooming it represents to
Think Happy Thoughts of me" This something I do for my grandson Gerrin and he loved the sunny and colorful faced pansies along with yellow dandelions. So plant some pansies next spring and imagine Rob in heaven with a little blue eyed blonde haird little boy sitting and talking as they enjoy the pansies we plant and the things even better they share in heaven. You gave a wonderful tribute. I will miss him here on Gather when I come back more often.
donna h. Nov 6, 2009, 7:18pm EST
Thank you Scott

I had wondered about Rob alot and he will be missed.
Linda T. Nov 6, 2009, 7:19pm EST
Rob was an inspiration to me because of his persistence on not letting the leg amputation stop him from living. He hid his true emotions well. I hope he has finally found the peace that he longed for.
Paula Love Nov 6, 2009, 7:22pm EST
I knew this is exactly how his obit would be.. he never admitted to himself how great some of his accomplishments were. He did not have a good childhood yet he still mentioned his family in a way that would not show that -- almost as letting them know he maybe didnt forgave them but at least was "okay" with them. I truly do believe he knew his time was short so thats why he wrote his own obit. He was so tired of life not being what it was supposed to be for him anymore. I think he would have gave up long ago if not for you. He had to make sure you were happy and taken care of... he knew once you married, you were finally happy and would be okay. I hate that he never pushed himself into the world to find his own happiness, but that was Rob... he cared about himself very little compared to what he cared about others. He had a hard shell on but underneath was as soft as tissue that could dissove in a moments wetness. Oh I will miss him so.
Karen M. Nov 6, 2009, 7:59pm EST
In short, Rob was an amazing man with an equally amazing best friend from everything that I have heard. Thanks for keeping us all informed. By the way, what happened to Shimmer? That was such a nice thing you did for Rob. He was so excited about that darn cat... Take Care Scott and come around more often, it will be like we still have a piece of Rob with us through you. *hugs*
Thank you, Scott. Only you could post this the right way. Nobody else.

Yes, things get deleted here unless someone else copies them - in this case, I do believe if Rob were to leave his posts to anyone, it would be you. Who else would it be?

If you copy them, it would be done with his blessing, something I don't think he'd give to anyone else. You've been the best thing/friend in his entire life, including his family.

RIP, Rob and thank you, Scott,

Marilyn
Nancy O. Nov 7, 2009, 2:44am EST
wow I am so shocked at this news ....so sorry to family and friends of Rob for their loss ....Thank you for posting this ....and I am sorry for your loss
donna f. Nov 7, 2009, 11:21am EST
I am absolutely stunned. I loved our Rob, and was quite surprised at his professional history...wow..the things we don't know about each other till it's too late is staggering. Peace to you Scott, I know you'll miss him most of all.
Charles A. B. Nov 7, 2009, 12:25pm EST
Thanks Scott for posting this. Rob has been very supportive of me and in the short time, that I've been on Gather. I don't know Rob as much as others might and I don't know anything about his past, but I know as of late, he's had a rough time. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Mariana T. Nov 7, 2009, 9:27pm EST
I can't believe Rob is gone - awwww - I just found out and I'm sooo sad - Scott he did love you and I'm glad you let us know - I've been down here in bayouland and haven't been on Gather much. He was a great guy - still is as I hope he's one of my guardian angels - all that good energy has to go somewhere - I hope he gets into my brain. May he rest in peace. Salud
Tiffany G. Nov 7, 2009, 11:09pm EST
I am so sad to see Rob is gone! I have lost 3 people this month 2 of whom were 23 and 25 years of age in tragic accidents and omg its so hard,.. Rob was a great gu and is tuly missed!
*LORA* M. Nov 8, 2009, 3:29am EST
Thank you for sharing. I learned some new things of Rob. I had a conversation awhile back with him and it was very interesting. He was very helpful. I am sorry to hear of this. I have been away from this site and learned of this through a friend. I will pray for the family.
C A. Nov 8, 2009, 10:00am EST
Thank you for this, Scott.
vickey w Nov 8, 2009, 10:07am EST
Thanks so much for posting this... He was such a likable person.. I don't think he ever said anything bad about anyone....He will be missed...
**AngelEyez** a. Nov 8, 2009, 10:07am EST
Thank you for sharing this with us all scott..I will miss rob very much.
**AngelEyez** a. Nov 8, 2009, 10:08am EST
although I have not been on gather in months,I always looked forward to when I would get on and read a post made by him
Peter Joseph Swanson Nov 8, 2009, 10:15am EST
Thank you for posting this (and I'm glad I found it !!!!!!!!!!!)
Jean E. Nov 8, 2009, 1:56pm EST
Love to Rob A ~ his spirit will always be alive through the words he has written and the laughter and tears that resulted ~ love ~j
Nancy D. Nov 8, 2009, 2:05pm EST
Sorry, I didn't know Rob. He sounded like a good guy. God Bless his family in this time of sorrow.
Robyn F. Nov 8, 2009, 5:29pm EST
scott i am so sorry.......my condolences to you and his loved ones....
Ashley B. Nov 9, 2009, 9:08pm EST
I had no idea. I've been absent from Gather a lot myself lately due to health issues, busy life, and just general sadness, but when I was here, I enjoyed his posts and his uncanny ability to look adversity right in the eyes. His words always brought a smile to my face and heart. He was inspiring in many ways to a lot of people, myself included. I missed "seeing" him around here and now I know. Thank you for sharing this information, and I am so sorry. My condolences...
Barb (Gather Site Ferret) Carlson Nov 10, 2009, 4:56pm EST
I just found out. I'm sorry to hear he's gone. :(
Danielle P. Nov 11, 2009, 7:44pm EST
Rob touched me in many ways and always commented on my posts. I enjoyed my friendship with him immensely. He taught me a lot. It was so good to read all he had done before. I didn't know any of his accomplishments except his awesome writing that I read here on Gather.
He was an awesome soul and will be sorely missed.
Picture Me 3D Mel Nov 16, 2009, 1:22pm EST
Thank you Scott for sharing this information!! I have been away for some time and went to find Rob and read some of his magnificent words only to find out that he has passed on. I am truly sorry for his loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you/family/friends... A great man has left his mark on the world in more ways than one. He will be truly missed by thousands of people.
Bill's Spirit Nov 16, 2009, 3:25pm EST
Thanks for sharing this info, Scott.

I'd heard that Rob had suddenly passed and I shied away from the discussions because I wasn't close. It is sad. I wish his demons hadn't been so harsh.
Christine Z. Nov 17, 2009, 11:39am EST
Thanks for sharing Scott! I had no idea until today - guess I need to sign on and keep up with my "friends" more often! :(
Solskin Iam Nov 17, 2009, 7:49pm EST
rob was my cheerleader in my efforts to save my foot...... he kept me going..... i never got a chance to tell him it had healed............i love you rob.....
Tanya P. Nov 20, 2009, 8:16pm EST
I just ran a search on him for an update, which brought me here. I had a 'feeling' he'd moved on. He'll be greatly missed. Thank you for posting this. My prayers are with you, as I know from reading here on Gather how much you loved him, an he you; like family.
Nyota *Star* Nov 20, 2009, 8:48pm EST
Thank you Scott.
Janie E. Nov 24, 2009, 2:04am EST
Just heard about Rob's passing yesterday. I sent him a get well card and I don't even know if he read it. This was after I had to have my comp fixed and I was away for 2 weeks.

Alot of us knew him as "The Cookie Monster". That's what I used to call him. Rob's passing has left alot of us brokenhearted. We will miss him so much. God bless you and Rob. Godspeed, Rob! We love you!!

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