Thomas Eugene Apfel Sr.

Dear Friends, Community Members, and Supporters,

We write to you today with heavy hearts and an immense sense of loss. On August 4th, our beloved father, Thomas Apfel Sr., passed away suddenly and peacefully. His departure came as a shock to us all, leaving us grappling with the unexpected and profound absence of a remarkable man who meant the world to us.

As we gather to remember and celebrate his life, we are faced with the reality of the financial burdens that accompany such circumstances. We hesitantly find ourselves reaching out to our community for support during this difficult time.

Our father, known for his vibrant spirit and his contributions to the Deaf athletic community, was a true inspiration. He proudly represented the Arizona School for the Deaf, leaving an indelible mark as a dedicated athlete who graduated in 1989. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the positive impact he made.

Thomas Apfel Sr. is survived by four children: Jillian, Juliana, Jr., and Ethan, his mother Linda Tenopir, and his sister Tammy Denley. The suddenness of his passing has left us with numerous responsibilities, including arrangements for his services, handling financial matters, and ensuring the stability of our family home, where Ethan, our youngest sibling, resides. Ethan recently graduated from high school in May, and with the upcoming months expected to be challenging for us, we want to ensure that we can navigate this period without the added strain of financial worries.

It's not easy for us to ask for help, but we believe that it's what our father would have wanted. He always valued the strength of community and the support that comes from friends, neighbors, and loved ones. We aim to honor his memory by focusing on the grieving process and coming together as a family during this difficult time, rather than being overwhelmed by financial concerns.

The funds raised through this GoFundMe campaign will be used to cover the costs of our father's cremation and services, as well as essential bills that have arisen unexpectedly. Additionally, we want to ensure that Ethan's living situation remains stable as he embarks on this new chapter in his life after high school.

If you are able to contribute, no matter how big or small, your generosity will have a lasting impact on our family. Your support will enable us to remember and honor our father without the added stress of financial uncertainty. We appreciate any assistance you can offer, whether through a donation or by sharing our campaign within your own network.

If you prefer to send your support directly, please reach out to Juliana at [520-977-1226]. Your kindness and support during this time mean the world to us. We are forever grateful for the love and strength our community has shown us, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing by our side as we navigate this challenging journey.

With sincere gratitude,

Jillian, Juliana, Jr., and Ethan

520-977-1226