Eugene Applebaum was a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist whose life was defined by leadership, mentorship, and generosity. Born on November 16, 1936, in Detroit, Gene was the second son of Joseph and Minnie Belkin Applebaum, Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. He was raised in the close-knit predominantly Jewish neighborhood, colloquially known as Dexter-Davison, where community and tradition shaped his early values.
A scholarship to attend Fresh Air Camp (now Tamarack Camps) gave young Gene a formative experience of independence and belonging. That opportunity, made possible by a generous donor, sparked a lifelong commitment to giving back and inspired his dream to one day help others as he had been helped.
After graduating from Wayne State University with a pharmacy degree in 1960, Gene opened his first drugstore, Civic Drugs, at the age of 25. That single store grew into Arbor Drugs, a groundbreaking chain known for its customer-first approach and innovation including computerized prescriptions and in-store photo labs. Gene led Arbor with four key principles: serve your customers well, stay focused, keep shelves stocked, and avoid distractions. By 1997, Arbor Drugs had 208 stores and over $1 billion in annual sales.
Success never distanced Gene from his roots. He remained deeply connected to the city that shaped him and worked tirelessly to uplift Detroit.
In 1998, Gene sold his Arbor Drugs, to CVS, allowing him to focus on philanthropy full-time supporting healthcare, education, the arts, and the Jewish community, all with a dedicated focus on strengthening Detroit and Southeast Michigan.
Success never distanced Gene from his roots. He remained deeply connected to the city that shaped him, working tirelessly to uplift Detroit.
Gene was the ultimate mentor and motivator, always seeking ways to empower others. Whether launching a new community initiative or guiding emerging leaders, he believed that with hard work, integrity, and a big heart, anything was possible.
Marcia Applebaum shared Gene’s values and brought her own sense of compassion, purpose, and commitment to their shared philanthropic vision. Raised in Rochester, NY, she moved to Detroit to be near family, an enduring theme in her life. For Marcia, l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation) wasn’t just a saying, it was a way of life.
Marcia and Gene met at a high school basketball game and were married six and a half years later. Together, they raised two daughters, Lisa and Pamela, and built a life rooted in family, hard work, and service. While Gene took the public lead, Marcia was the steady force behind the scenes, always supporting and giving.
Marcia’s quiet strength and unwavering support were the foundation of the Applebaum family’s success and generosity.
Marcia’s own philanthropy was deeply personal. She most often gave anonymously, prioritizing dignity and independence to those she helped. Her empathy was especially evident in her care for vulnerable older adults, whom she believed should never be alone.
Marcia’s quiet strength and unwavering support were the foundation of the Applebaum family’s success and generosity.
For 56 years, Gene and Marcia were devoted partners, role models of integrity, generosity, and enduring love. Their legacy lives on through the lives they touched, the institutions they strengthened, and the family they nurtured with pride and purpose.
Applebaum Family Philanthropy seeks not only to follow in Gene’s footsteps, but to make deep and lasting imprints with many of the organizations and efforts that he committed much of his energy and philanthropy to.
This is evidenced by the hands-on engagement and partnership of Applebaum Family Philanthropy’s Legacy in Action.
