Joseph John Appleton

Joseph John Appleton, "Joe," 30, died on October 3, 2023 at his home in Glen Burnie, MD.

Born in Reading, PA on August 15, 1993, he was the son of the late Brian Appleton, Sr. and Kathleen (Reedy) Appleton. He was the loving husband of Bailey (Swann) Appleton.

As a child, Joe was active in many organizations and sports. A natural athlete, Joe engaged in swimming, baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and tennis to name a few. He held various roles in his family's church including altar server, was involved in Boy Scouts, and took piano lessons. One of many memorable moments for Joe in high school was when he participated in the Kairos retreat with his class. Joe was an instrumental student voice and advocate when his high school, Holy Name, completed a merger with Reading Central Catholic to become Berks Catholic. Joe was in the first graduate class at Berks Catholic High School in 2012, where he served as their co-class president.

Joe went on to attend Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Cyber Security. During his time at The Mount, Joe was voted Mr. Mount his freshman year and served as the SGA Vice President for the Class of 2016 his sophomore and junior years. Joe won a scholarship as a rising senior to participate in a prestigious program at the University of Cambridge in London, England to study in the International Security and Intelligence program. He was a member of the university Dance Team and was a meritorious winner of the highly competitive COMAP math modeling competition. One of the most important things Joe gained from his time at Mount St. Mary's was the strong brotherhood he found in his friends who he loved dearly.

Joe was passionate about technology and exploring new interests. He enjoyed his job with DCS Corporation where he was a software engineer and thrived in the environment that challenged his thinking. When not at work Joe enjoyed creating digital artwork, hiking, gardening, playing piano or listening to music and spending time with Bailey and his friends. Having recently become a homeowner, Joe also enjoyed dreaming up home improvement projects. He was a wonderful storyteller and enjoyed entertaining others. Joe was best known for his spontaneity, joyous spirit, and contagious laughter.

In addition to his wife and mother, Joe is survived by his brother, Brian Appleton, Jr., husband of Maya Vaidya Appleton; maternal grandmother, Jeannette Reedy; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition to his father, Joe is predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Joe Reedy; and paternal grandparents, Melvin and Kathleen Appleton.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Barranco Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Church of St. Benedict, 2020 Chestnut Hill Rd., Mohnton, PA. Family and friends may call Friday from 12 to 1 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's name to Berks Catholic High School, 955 E. Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA.