John Day Applegate

John Day Applegate, 77, of Canton, Ohio passed away January 7, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 20, 1948 in Claysville, PA to the late Harry and Mildred (Mounts) Applegate.

He was a 1966 graduate of McGuffey High School in Claysville and 1968 graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. John was employed by Sikorsky Aircraft in Bridgeport, CT as a helicopter mechanic before serving in the U.S. Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1974 after serving a deployment in the Aleutian Islands, AK. He then went on to work as a mechanic for the United States Postal Service until his retirement.

John enjoyed camping, fishing, travel, chess, classic cars, football and baseball. He also volunteered at the MAPS Air Museum, and was a member of First Christian Church in Massillon.

He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (Douglas) Lee of Austin, TX and Amy Applegate (Alex Hessman) of Lansing, MI; sisters, Becky Applegate and Martha Applegate of Wheeling, WV; four grandchildren, Lauren Lee, Braden Lee, Otto Hessman, and Lola Hessman.

He is preceded in death by his son, Shane Applegate; brother, Woodrow Applegate; sisters, Jeanette Applegate and Anna Mae (Applegate) Swartz.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00am at First Christian Church (1020 Wales Road, N. E. Massillon, OH 44646).

In lieu of flowers, we know John would be honored if you made a donation to a charity of your choice.