SOUTH PORTLAND- Peter “Pops” Joseph Applin was born September 11th, 1965 in St. Paul Minnesota to Elizabeth(McCafferty) and Harold Applin Sr. He was born the second youngest of nine children – older brothers Stewart, John, Harry, Bob, Michael and Frank, older sister Mary Beth and younger sister Edith. The family moved from Minnesota to Saco, Maine when Peter was a few weeks old. The family would move again, this time settling in Hammond, Louisiana when Peter was 7 years old.
A graduate from Southeastern Louisiana University, he received his Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice in 1987. He then went on to obtain his Masters degree in Library Science. A degree that he would use the rest of his life – first at OCLC and later owning his own successful library cataloging business.
In January 1986 he married his “Wheezy”. Peter met Claire(Garaudy) while both were working at DH. Holmes. Together they had three amazing kids- oldest daughter Candice, son Christopher and youngest Courtney.
In 1995 the family moved to Columbus, Ohio, where they would spend the next 15 years building a home together. Here he would play the role of father, coach, friend, teacher and biggest fan. A fierce family man, he made sure his family never went without. Whether helping with homework, coaching softball teams, or getting his butt whopped by his kids at cards, he was always there. Always present and always willing to help.
After a brief time living in Houston, Texas, Peter, Claire and Courtney moved back to Maine to be closer to family, Candice, her husband Matthew and his two beautiful grand babies, Trinity and Emma.
While in Maine, Peter made the most of his time. Weekdays were spent at Candy Apples Daycare. A family owned business he started with his wife and daughters. There he was Pops; all the kids, his kids; all the families, his family.
Weekends were family time. From family game nights, vacations, holidays, day trips to the beach or park, he was there, enjoying every smile; every giggle; every “pease popsie”. He lived for his family and the joy that they brought him shown brightly on his face.
Late Friday night, on August the 20th, 2021, at the age of 55, Peter was taken from us. He passed peacefully with his son and wife of 35 years by his side. Funny, smart, caring and kind, the world lost a sweet soul but we lost our world.
Love,
Wheezy, Did-dis, Buckwheat and Coco
Services will be this Friday, August 27, 2021 from 6:00- 8:00 pm. at Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, located at 71 Maple Street, Cornish, Maine.
Peter was a caring man, who would not want anyone to feel uncomfortable, so casual dress is acceptable.
In lieu of flowers, his family has started a gofundme to help offset some of his medical expenses. Please donate if you are able: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donations-to-aid-peter-applins-family