Keith Appicelli, age 79, of Onekama, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2021, with his family at his side.
Keith was born on February 8, 1942, to the late Pete and Marian (Kendrick) Appicelli in Detroit, Michigan. Keith spent the summers during high school in Onekama with his family, where in 1957, he met Carole Lemonnier, the love of his life. After graduating from Dearborn High School in 1960, he decided to make Onekama his permanent home and moved north. Keith and Carole married April 20, 1963, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Onekama. Later that year, Keith and his uncle, George Appicelli, purchased the Parkdale Garage property and established Appicelli Sales & Service. Keith eventually became sole owner of the business, which operated in Manistee for 58 years. While towing services and auto repairs were the main focus, the business offered numerous other services over the years – a full-service gas station, new and used car dealership, as well as camper, snowmobile and handheld power equipment sales and service. Their son, Chris Appicelli, joined the business full time in 1992, and he and his wife Sharon took over the operations in 2016. Keith was a hard worker; he dedicated his life to the business and was determined to provide services to those in need, no matter the circumstances or time of day. He was always around the shop for after-hours conversations with friends and customers. On the rare opportunity when Keith wasn't working, he enjoyed spending time tinkering in the shop, working on outdoor projects, boating, and antique cars.
Keith is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carole; daughter Cathryn Appicelli Needham; grandsons Connor and Chase Needham; daughter-in-law Sharon (Kott) Appicelli; sisters-in-law Karen Lemonnier and Charron (Doug) Richley; brother-in-law Bill Diesing; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Keith was preceded in death by his son Christopher Appicelli; his parents Pete & Marian Appicelli; his in-laws John & Norma Lemonnier; and his brother-in-law Jonathan "Jack" Lemonnier.
A funeral mass for Keith will be held Tuesday December 14, 2021, at 12:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Onekama with Father Ruben Munoz officiating. The family will receive friends at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee on Monday evening, December 13, 2021, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, and again on Tuesday morning at the church starting at 11:00 AM until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Tight Lines for Troops or to Repo's Rescues.
Please feel free to share a memory or photo with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee, Michigan.