Jerry J. Appelbaum M.D.

1927 - 2020

Appelbaum, M.D., Jerry J.
June 20, 1927 - May 24, 2020

A pioneer in occupational medicine, Jerry Appelbaum shaped the industry through over 25 years of service to Mountain Bell and Gates Corporation, and over 50 years of professional and educational leadership at the national, state, and local levels.

Jerry served as president of such organizations as the Colorado Society of Internal Medicine, the Rocky Mountain Academy of Occupational Medicine, and Denver Medical Society, and in leadership roles for numerous other organizations in Colorado and nationally. He was recognized for his ongoing service and contributions to the practice of medicine as a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Occupational Medicine, among many others, and he was certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Jerry served as a medical and occupational health consultant until age 91.

Jerry was devoted to the University of Colorado School of Medicine as Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine/Preventive Medicine and, most enduringly, a 30+ year member of the Admissions Committee, valued for his advocacy for access and equity in education.

He attended New York City's public Stuyvesant High School, Washington & Jefferson College (B.A.), Columbia (M.A.), and New York Medical College (M.D.). Jerry fulfilled his duty to his country by serving in the Army, which brought him to Fitzsimons Army Medical Center and to Denver, where he returned some 10 years later to practice medicine and raise his family.

Known for his infectious enthusiasm for life and deep-felt compassion for his patients, family members, and friends, there were no strangers in Jerry's life, only friends he had yet to meet. He is survived by children Dale, Leslie, and John, six grandchildren, and his partner Nancy.

A celebration of life honoring Jerry will be held Friday, June 18. Contact JLDAppel@gmail.com for more information. Donations in Jerry's honor can be made (attn. Tribute) to Denver Dumb Friends League (303-751-5772) or U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (866-998-7466). Jerry is interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery.