Robert Appel Obituary, Death – APPEL–Robert J. It is with profound sadness that Weill Cornell Medicine mourns the loss of our dear friend and colleague, distinguished leader, and esteemed benefactor Bob Appel. Together with his beloved wife Helen, Bob was a generous and devoted champion of Weill Cornell Medicine. Bob was an integral part of the Weill Cornell community for more than 20 years, and we are a better institution because of his commitment and leadership. Elected to the Board of Fellows in 2004, he was a vice chair of the board and member of the Executive, Membership & Governance, and Development Committees.
Anyone who knows Bob knows that he put his heart into everything he did – and Weill Cornell Medicine was fortunate enough to be the beneficiary of his boundless energy and commitment. Universally beloved by his partners on the Board of Fellows as well as by our faculty, students and staff, Bob’s impact was widespread and significant. The Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute, established through his and Helen’s generosity, will stand as an enduring legacy to his devotion to medical research and making the world a better place. His tireless efforts as chairman of our “”Discoveries that Make a Difference”” campaign, which surpassed all goals in raising over $1.6 billion, are a testament to his passion for Weill Cornell Medicine and how philanthropy can advance medicine in extraordinary ways.
Bob’s leadership and commitment left an indelible mark on Weill Cornell Medicine, and for that we’re eternally grateful – and forever changed. A consummate ambassador, Bob wholly embraced our institutional vision and community spirit-all with his legendary sense of humor and candor. Bob’s commitment extended to our parent university as well as our clinical partner – providing him deep insight into the power of academic medicine. An alumnus of Cornell University, Bob was a trustee emeritus of Cornell’s Board of Trustees and a member of NewYork-Presbyterian’s Board of Trustees – two roles that gave him great pride. Above all, we will remember with gratitude his kindness, generosity and friendship.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Helen, their daughters Susan and Debra, and the many who were lucky enough to call him their friend. Considering how special Bob was, we know that’s a long list. Jessica M. Bibliowicz, Chairman, Weill Cornell Medicine Board of Fellows, Sanford I. Weill, Chairman Emeritus, Weill Cornell Medicine Board of Fellows, Dr. Augustine M.K. Choi, Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean, Weill Cornell Medicine
