Morris Applebaum

Morris Applebaum

Morris Applebaum, 78, passed away at home on November 10, 2020. He was predeceased by his mother, father, and first son. He leaves behind his wife, Arleen, sons Jordan and Michael, and two granddaughters, Alana and Taryn.

Morrie moved with his family to Southern California from Passaic, NJ, when he was 13. He graduated from Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College. A few years later, he chose optometry as his profession and was a great success at it. He tutored many of his classmates at the Southern California College of Optometry, where he went on to teach at after graduating Suma Cum Laude. Kaiser Permanente later recruited him to practice at their hospital in Bellflower, where he quickly became the chief of optometry. After continued success at Kaiser, the President of SCCO lured Morrie back to the college with several offers. Over the years, he taught various lectures and labs and rose to be Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and ran the college's clinic. He loved teaching his students and they loved and admired him in return.

When the Dean's position became available at the New England College of Optometry, he relocated his family- with their agreement- to Boston. After five years, with their sons now in college, Morrie and Arleen moved back to California so that he could finish his career at his alma mater. Sadly, less than a year later, he suffered a stroke and had to retire. After taking some time to recover, Morrie and Arleen moved to Sun City in 2001, where they joined several groups.

Morrie's favorite was the Performing Arts Club, as singing was one of the great loves of his life. He would sneak away his parents' opera records as a small child, to play them on his toy record player. He took singing lessons growing up and was a regular in the Pasadena Temple choir. His greatest treat was going to the New York Metropolitan Opera, where he could experience these world-class performances in person. During retirement, Morrie and Arleen pursued their passion for travel. In the last ten years alone, they enjoyed at least 20 international cruises and tours.

Morrie made friends easily and will be remembered for his kindness and generosity by his family, friends, and the many organizations and causes he supported. Donations in his memory may be made to the Coachella Valley Symphony.