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Obituary for James W. Abplanalp

James W. Abplanalp (1932-2012) | Services for James W. Abplanalp, 79, of Willoughby, will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at Willoughby United Methodist Church, 15 Public Square, Willoughby. The Rev. Donald R. Perks of Willoughby United Methodist Church and the Rev. Beverly L. Wrobel of Mentor United Methodist Church will co-officiate at the service. Mr. Abplanalp passed away Thursday, May 10, 2012, at Mentor Way Care Center. Born July 8, 1932, in Warren, Pa., he had lived in Willoughby since 1960. Mr. Abplanalp was a United States Air Force veteran and a member of Willoughby United Methodist Church. He graduated from East High School in East Cleveland, and attended the former Fenn College (CSU) in Cleveland. He enjoyed spending time with his family and pets, the outdoors, gardening, and was also an avid history and science buff. Mr. Abplanalp was an electrical engineer consultant, working for many large corporations throughout the Cleveland area, retiring in 1997. Survivors are his wife of 57 years, Jocelyn V. (Frost) Abplanalp; children, Jana Abplanalp of Willoughby, Jill (Gary) Smith of Willoughby Hills, Jolene (Anthony) Gray of Euclid, Jay (Joyce) Abplanalp of Hilliard, and Joni Abplanalp of Euclid; grandsons, Nathan Damm, Jay Abplanalp II, Jordan Abplanalp, Corbin Gray and Dylan Gray; brother, Robert Abplanalp of Enterprise, Ala., and sister, Barbara Abplanalp-Garner of Concord Township. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, and their families. His infant son, James W. Abplanalp; parents, Walter H. and Mildred C. (Emerson) Abplanalp; and sister, Patricia Fry, are deceased. Final resting place will be in Western Reserve Memorial Gardens, Chester Township. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the Lake County Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Blvd., Unit E, Mentor, OH 44060, or Hospice of the Western Reserve, Inc., 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.