Robert Moses Yappel

Robert Moses Yappel, age 76-- Bob passed at noon on March 20th in the bedroom of his country home. He died being held, hugged and kissed by his wife of 47 years Gretchen Yappel, son Christopher Yappel, niece Kristine Kiley and friend John Eads.  It’s hard to describe Bob in words because he was so many things to so many people. He had been battling multiple myeloma for four years with the help of his wife. Bob would take treatment many times per week and would then typically drive himself to work. Bob was born on 10/01/1943 in Cleveland Ohio, the son of Anthony and Hazel Yappel (Decker). His father died at an early age and Bob was known by many to be the one who helped raise his younger siblings and to help his mother. He has a sister Judy Matushevski, brother Gary and late brother Terry. Bob went to Solon High School and excelled in football, baseball and track. In the Navy Bob spent four years in the South Pacific on a destroyer. He focused on electronics and played baseball for the Navy team. He worked a display business with his brother Gary in the 1970’s . In 1972 he got married, bought a farm and started an Art Festival. Bob and Gretchen created Cider Mill Farm. They were self-taught horsemen, often sitting up late at night reading The Blood Horse magazine and Thoroughbred Times. Cider Mill was a successful brood mare farm which foaled dozens of thoroughbreds that would later become racehorses. They founded the Yankee Peddler Festival with Frank and Betty Cajka, Gary Yappel and Marge Stock. He worked that job till his last dying days. He was an advocate for the arts and crafts community and was the president and leader of the Festival. He was so much fun to be around and he could strike a golf ball better than anyone. He was feared by the members of his golf league because of his skill with a club. He flew planes, drove racecars, threw knuckle and curveballs, snow skied and scuba-dived.  He could do about every trade including carpentry and electrical. He was the most thoughtful father and husband. He is deeply missed by his family especially his wife and son, Daughter-in-law Tricia, and grandkids Derek, Brynn, Brightyn, Waverly and baby Colten. A celebration will be held at a later time because of the world’s current events. We believe Bob is looking down on us, pain free and standing with those lost before him.

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