Memorial for Joe Appalucci

This is the memorial for Joseph L. Appalucci.

Joe was born in a poor, Polish-Italian neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 1, 1930.

But he climbed the ladder of success and became the Partner and Creative Director of Lieberman-Appalucci, the largest advertising agency in Northeast Pennsylvania.

He was a syndicated cartoonist and artist, and he designed his own home.

He served as a U.S. Marine for two years during the Korean Conflict within 1949-52 and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with one star and the United Nations Service Medal.

He loved his wife of almost 60 years, Eileen, and their three daughters.

Due to his knowledge of history and his experiences in Korea, Joe was a deeply cynical man. He despised hypocrisy and that carried over to political and religious leaders. But he and I became very close friends, and one day he asked if he could paint me. That painting is linked as a PDF.

The Holy Spirit pursued Joe, and on Thursday evening, July 16, 2021, he laid Joe bare.

His memorial service was attended by a wide spectrum of people, and I used his painting of me to explain the gospel. I spoke about his placing me inside the cross as my only hope. A bright Muslim woman came up to me afterwards and said, "I think he painted you as carrying the cross." I thanked her for her insight and I also see that as part of the meaning as well.