Martin Sherman Appel

Martin Sherman Appel, age 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday December 6, 2025, in his home in Los Angeles, CA. Martin “Marty” was born on March 15, 1933, to Philip and Pearl (Goldman) Appel, in Chicago, Illinois, along with his brother Jerry.

Marty was always ahead of his time in academics and graduated from Sullivan Highschool early, then went onto Northwestern University to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in 1953 and then stayed at Northwestern University to earn his Juris Doctor in 1956. While in college Marty met his future wife Audrey who he was married to for 62 years, until she passed in August of 2018.

Besides being a prolific Attorney at several firms (Rudin, Richman, and Appel, plus Pacht, Ross, Warne, Bernhard, Sears) where he also made partner, Marty had many career achievements under his belt in many areas of life; he worked at Troop Meisinger Steuber & Pasich, Limited Liability Partnership. He was a Phi Alpha Delta, and a Beta Alpha Psi, Author: “Motion Picture Service Company: A Service to the Motion Picture Industry”, 27th University of Southern California Tax Institute, in 1975. In 1981 Marty was part of the 33rd University of Southern California Tax Institute. “The Personal Service Corporation – Tax Planning Tool”. Then became the Executive Vice President, Motion Picture Television and Tax Institute in 1979, and the Commissioner, to the Internal Revenue Advisory Committee in 1983 and 1984. Eventually Marty became the President of the Motion Picture Television Tax Institute in 1994. He was also the Gubernatorial Appointment to the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities in 1995. Martin S. Appel also was listed as a reputable lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell.

There are also many ways that he reached out to his community in which he believed in and wanted to make a difference. These memberships included Board of Directors for the Jewish Federal Council Greater Los Angeles since 1980. Member of the President’s Commission Mental Retardation, since 1986, United States Olympic Committee, and on the Board of Governors Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Northwestern has always been near and dear to his heart, so he was a member of the Northwestern University Law School Board of Directors.

Traveling was a big part of Marty and Audrey’s life. So much so that they traveled to most of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and many other places around the world. Cruises were also a favorite of theirs to experience and enjoy the many adventures that they could endure. While going to all these places, since they were both avid golfers, they would hit the links and try out all the different golf courses. If you were around Marty just a little bit, you would know that he was also a sports fanatic. He played what he could, but he watched either on TV or in person as many sports as possible. It took a little time for him to transform into a Los Angeles sports supporter, but those Chicago teams were always held close to his heart.

Martin and Audrey had four children Lynne Appel (and partner Mike Feldman), Leslie Appel (passed in 2018), Leanne Appel-Oudenaar (and husband Fran Oudenaar), and Richard Appel (and wife Maria). He leaves behind six grandchildren Michelle Gerson (and husband Brandon), Sean Appel (and wife Ericka), Hillary LaMarche (and husband Lee), Kyle Appel-Oudenaar, Dylan Appel-Oudenaar, and Jake Appel-Oudenaar. He also leaves behind 3 great grandchildren Dalia Gerson, Remy Gerson, and Rowan Appel. Marty also has a brother Jerry (and wife Sharon), all of whom he loved and was a part of their lives in many ways.

Services were held at Hillside Memorial Cemetery on December 9, 2025.