Daniel J. Appel

03/15/1924 - 04/15/2025

BORN

03/15/1924

DIED

04/15/2025

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Columbia University

Daniel Appel Obituary

Daniel Joseph Appel, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away at 101 years old on April 15, 2025. Born in New York City in 1924, his dedication, self-sacrifice, perseverance, and loyalty embodied the "Greatest Generation." Dan volunteered to serve in the Army during World War II and, as an infantryman in the Third Army, landed at Omaha Beach and was later awarded the Purple Heart by General George Patton for battlefield injuries in Northern France. His time in Europe during and after the war inspired a lifelong passion for travel and an insatiable curiosity about the wider world. After graduating from Columbia University with BS and MS degrees in civil engineering, Dan began a distinguished 40-year career with the HNTB Corporation as an innovator in bridge and highway design on major projects. Among these were the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Washington Capital Beltway (I-495), I-95 and its reversible lane system, and Richmond's Powhite Expressway. Industry roles included Chair of the Council on Federal Procurement of Architectural Engineering Services (COFPAES). His professional impact remains today. A gentleman in every respect, the knowledge, devotion, and support Dan generously shared throughout his life will be keenly missed. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Charles and Sarah, and his sister, Gloria Greene (Edwin). Dan is survived by his loving wife of 78 years, Edith; daughter, Suzanne McGill (Murray); son, Richard Appel (Kimberly); grandchildren, Lauren Appel, Courtenay Dawson (Stuart), Katie Roy (Kevin) and Declan McGill (Melissa); and great-grandsons, Hamish and Flynn Dawson. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Dan's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

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Published by The Washington Post on Apr. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Appel

6 Entries

Mary Ellen Mehler

April 26, 2025

I remember Dan with admiration and fondness. What a wonderful man! Love and sympathy to Edith and all the family.
Mary Ellen Menler (friend through AAUW)

Suzanne Parrish

April 26, 2025

Deepest sympathy to you, Edith and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Trish & Ron Smith

April 26, 2025

Edith,
Ron and I are heartbroken at this news. Dan was such an integral part of our Gourmet Dinner Group. Conversation was always lively at his table. You both were an example of love and service and a true inspiration to us all. We send our best to you and your family.

Barbara Mann

April 26, 2025

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You said:
This is a draft that I wrote an answer to an obituary. please make it better:

What a moving description of Dan´s fascinating life. I remember two distinctive experiences with Dan: hearing about his critical contribution to the I-95 beltway which we have all depended on for all these years, thanks to Dan´s contribution. The second thing I remember was Dan moving to your new community and the number of books he wanted to move. I suspect he took as many as he could store. As I recall, the books included astronomy as well as many other subjects he could delve into. He was a very fascinating person to know and talk to.
ChatGPT said:
Here´s a smoother, more polished version of your note, keeping your warmth and personal connection:

What a wonderful tribute to Dan´s remarkable life. I have two vivid memories of him: first learning about his critical role in the development of the I-495 Beltway as well as I-95 - a contribution that has benefited so many of us over the years. Second, I remember his move to your new community at Greenspring and the impressive number of books he worked to bring with him. I suspect he moved as many as would fit! His collection covered everything from astronomy to a wide range of other topics he loved to explore. Dan was truly a fascinating person to know and to talk with.

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