Michael Applefeld

Michael David Applefeld, beloved husband, father and grandpa, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, of multiple complications resulting from a traumatic brain injury he sustained in July 2024. During those magical two years, Michael inspired everyone around him in the same way he did throughout his life—through his quiet determination, his extraordinary love of family, his sweet smile and his wry sense of humor.

Michael’s favorite song was Frank Sinatra's "My Way," the spirit of which he wholly embodied. Without calling a lot of attention, he focused his energy on the people and things that mattered to him. He favored quality over quantity, simplicity over complication, humility over grandiosity.

The son of Irving and Roslyn Applefeld, Michael was born on April 16, 1938, and grew up with an abundance of friends, many of whom remained close companions for his lifetime. At City College, he discovered his love for lacrosse, specifically tending goal, a skill he would continue to hone while attending Washington & Lee University, where he was awarded the first-ever TW Martin Award for the player who displays the most spirit, desire and dedication to the game. After graduation Michael traveled to Melbourne, Australia as part of the U.S. Touring Lacrosse team in 1959, an experience that gave him enduring perspective.

A man of deep principle and integrity, Michael made his mark not through sweeping statements but through the countless ways he showed up every day. He was in his element building intricate model ships, doing 1,000-piece puzzles at the dining room table, taking long walks, poring over football stats or tending his garden. He gave just about everyone in his circle a nickname—something to be treasured.

He started his career at City Finance but left in 1980 to found Catherine Realty and open an office in Pikesville where he became the unofficial town mayor, walking a mile daily to make his bank transactions in person and stopping along the way for his afternoon chocolate bar. He renovated buildings with meticulous care across several Baltimore city neighborhoods and became a beloved landlord to all his tenants.

Michael declared his home an "NFL free zone" after the Colts left, then returned as the Ravens’ biggest fan, evoking all his superstition to cheer the team through two Super Bowl wins. His fascination with history manifested itself through his extensive stamp collection and his love of museums—including a six-hour visit to the British War Museum during a family trip to London for his 80th birthday, that naturally required an immediate follow-up because it wasn’t enough time. Not to mention, the Applefeld family tradition of going to see a war movie every Father's Day.

He didn’t sweat the small stuff, and he came through big, every day, for those he loved. Above all, Michael’s greatest joy was his family. He married his lifetime love, Susan, in 1962 and together they created an idyllic life on Carthage Road where he was an ever-present husband and father. Home every night for dinner, proudly on the sidelines of son David's countless football and lacrosse games, embarking on adventures big and small with daughter Cathy, hosting friends for barbeques. He and Susan shared many passions, including an appreciation for opera and classical music, and a love of travel, which took them around the world.

Later, he would delight his four grandchildren with stories, tickles and his alter-ego the "pinch crab" in the pool during family beach trips to the Bahamas, Jamaica and Bethany. He cherished traditions, beaming when he would light the Hanukkah candles, lead the family during Passover seder, or take the family for the annual outing to see The Nutcracker.

Michael leaves a poignant legacy: Better the world by making kind everyday gestures, by keeping your word and by simply being present. He is survived by wife Susan; son David Applefeld (Cathy) and daughter Cathy Applefeld Olson (Brent); grandchildren Ashley and Bryan Applefeld, and Olivia and Jacqueline Olson; and sister Barbara Goldman (Mark).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Michael’s favorite charities: Shriner’s Children’s Hospital (donate.shrinerschildrens.org) or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (ushmm.org).

Services at Sol Levinson's Chapel 8900 Reisterstown Road Pikesville, MD 21208, on Monday, August 31st, 2026, at 2:30 pm. Interment Arlington Chizuk Amuno Cemetery.