Dr. Frank Apfel, a longtime resident of Southampton Village, died at his home on August 25. He was 90 and succumbed to cancer after being diagnosed three months ago.
Born and raised on Long Island, Dr. Apfel settled in Southampton with his wife, Peggy, in 1988. He worked in Queens Village as a dentist for more than 20 years, living in Hewlett prior to becoming a fixture and full-time resident on the East End. He graduated from Buffalo University after accruing credits by serving in the military. Dr. Apfel served as president of the Cobblefield Homeowners Association for 12 years. He and his wife were regulars at the Southampton Publick House and could be seen there almost every Tuesday.
Dr. Apfel served in three branches of the armed forces, with the Army, Marines, and ultimately as a lieutenant colonel with the Navy.
Survivors remember him as kind, optimistic, funny, and the brightest light in any room he entered. He always had a joke, a smile, or a radiant charm that made everyone happier than before they saw him, survivors said.
Dr. Apfel loved social games that brought everyone together. He was exceptional at Scrabble, chess, gin, and almost every card game. He leaves a legacy of social game players in the family and friends he taught to play games he hosted at family events.
He is survived by his wife of more than 29 years, Peggy; daughters, Maddie and Carrie; stepchildren, Brian, Meg and Danny; 18 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was buried August 29 in Calverton National Cemetery with full honor guard and distinction.
on Aug 31, 2015