William S. Appleton M.D.

APPLETON, William S. M.D. Eminent Harvard Psychiatrist, Author, and Educator

Dr. Appleton passed away peacefully, at the age of 91, on Oct 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A long-standing member of the Harvard Medical School faculty, Dr. Appleton authored numerous scholarly publications and maintained a private practice in Cambridge.

Born May 7, 1934, in New York City, to Morris, a pharmacist and Harriet, a school clerk, Dr. Appleton, a graduate of The Bronx High School of Science, earned a B.A. from Hunter College and an M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. He went on to complete his residency in psychiatry at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center and join the Harvard Medical School faculty. Dr. Appleton built upon his scholarly ideas, bringing them into the public domain with popular books, media appearances, and a long-running column in Cosmopolitan Magazine. In recognition of a lifetime of service to the field, he was honored as a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Appleton, Bill to his friends, will be remembered for his deep and broad-ranging interests, including: ancient and Renaissance art, fiction, antiquing, Pavarotti, Sinatra, and the Red Sox. Known for his irreverent sense of humor and youthful spirit, he lived with gusto and aplomb. In his last years, Dr. Appleton was a model of adaptability, courage, and stoicism in the face of challenges and continued to find delight in his family and revel in life.

Dr. Appleton was predeceased by his adoring second wife, Linda Ann “Lindy” Hess. His first marriage ended in divorce. He is survived by five loving children from his two marriages: Amy, Lucy (Andrew Barraclough), Bill (Jane Donahue), Sam (Katie) and Eliza (Ryan O’Malley). He was a proud grandfather to Charlotte Sarraille, Ben Sarraille, Isabelle Appleton, Kate Appleton and Leo Appleton. He is also survived by his beloved brother, Joel Applebaum (Linda).

A private Memorial Service will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Jimmy Fund.