Howard Paul Apple

Howard P Apple, 82, of Winter Park, FL, died from complications of Parkinson’s disease in the early hours of Friday, December 16, 2022. Howie was born in Elgin, IL, on August 17, 1940, and moved with his family to Excelsior, MN, when he was 6 years old. After receiving a liberal arts degree in physics at Carleton College in Northfield, MN, in 1962, Howie sought an advanced degree in electrical engineering at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland. At that time, applying engineering principles to aspects of medicine was a new concept, and for Howie, a brand-new challenge. His Ph.D. was earned in the developing science of Biomedical Engineering at Case, where he studied cybernetic systems. Stimulated by Case’s research environment, he joined the Engineering Design Center and immersed himself in biomedical engineering; he found another area of interest in technical management, developing engineering projects along with the teams to support them. Also while in Cleveland, he became interested in Gestalt psychology and joined the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland’s post-graduate program. He became a successful consultant in organizational behavior. From 1974 to 1982, he was Clinical Engineering Director and Electrical Safety Officer at University Hospitals in Cleveland. He established and managed biomedical equipment maintenance and safety programs for the hospital. In 1982 Howie was recruited by Florida-based Critikon, Inc, a Johnson and Johnson company, for his experience in computer-based patient monitoring, and he moved with his wife and young son to Tampa. He was a co-inventor on the first noninvasive automated blood pressure monitor, the Dinamap; he helped develop the Protectiv Safety I.V. catheter, an innovative safety design that protects the healthcare worker from the risks associated with accidental needlestick injuries. He was awarded a management sabbatical at J & J’s Corporate Office of Science and Technology to earn an Executive MBA at Columbia University. In 1984 he was recruited as Vice President of Research and Development at Summit Technology, Inc, of Waltham, MA, the developer of the first FDA-approved laser vision correction system in the U.S. He subsequently moved back to Florida as VP of R&D at LaserSight Technologies in Orlando, where he spearheaded a next generation laser vision correction product resulting in the LSX model, a faster, easier to use system. His interest in laser vision correction led him to consulting with a California-based startup company designing a laser-based vision screening and diagnosis device for children. The final stage of his career was as CEO and President of his own consulting business, Apple Medical Incubator, Inc., to encourage and enable medical product design and development, including strategic planning and technical due diligence on late-stage medical product development projects, as well as industrial market research. He retired in 2020. Howie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in early 2010. As a long-time runner and bicyclist, he immediately started researching exercise for Parkinson’s and initiated the Pedaling for Parkinson’s indoor cycling program at the Crosby YMCA Wellness Center in Winter Park, FL. in 2012. He himself participated in the program, which continues today, until his disabilities overcame his dedication. Howie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah Coleman Apple, of Winter Park; their son, Jason Coleman Apple and grandchildren Holden and Louise Zobel Apple of San Francisco, CA; his sister Jean Apple Owen; and four nieces and a nephew. Debbie sustained him during his long battle with PD and continues to volunteer and support Pedaling for Parkinson’s in his memory. Howie’s long and varied career was the direct result of his Midwestern work ethic and his enduring belief in life-long learning. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Parkinson Association of Central Florida and sent to PO Box 3337, Winter Park, FL 32790-3337. A celebration of life will be held in February.

Howard Paul Apple

August 17, 1940 - December 16, 2022