Age 86, on May 7, 2026, of Baldwin Borough
Beloved husband of Marian (Palazzo), having celebrated 64 years of marriage on May 5; loving father of Kenneth V. Appetta and Natalie (Karl) Heller; devoted Pap Pap of William “Tiger” Heller; son of the late Frank and Dorothy (Cramer) “Chiappetta” Appetta ; brother of the late Ronald (Bernice) Appetta. Also survived by Jennifer (Craig) Simpson Appetta, Duane Appetta, and the late Cynthia (survived by Ralph) Angerleri.
Jake was a Navigator in the United States Air Force on B-52 and KC-135s, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air National Guard. Jake then began his career in Information Technology for U.S. Steel, followed by similar positions at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC and finishing his career at the U.S. Department of Energy, NETL, in Pittsburgh and the Office of Legacy Management in Morgantown.
In his retirement, he loved spending time with his grandson, “Tiger,” taking him to airports and teaching him about airplanes, and to all the playgrounds in the area.
Jake also loved spending time with his family, traveling, including to Hawaii, California, and his favorite, “Viva Las Vegas.” He enjoyed a good margarita, Mexican food, and listening to Elvis.
Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, PA 15227 on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral prayer on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial in Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Thomas A’ Becket Church at 10:00 a.m. If desired, family suggests contributions to American Heart Association or ones favorite Military Organization in Jake’s name. Please send condolences to www.johnfslater.com