Richard William Apple
Born on May 13, 1946 in Elizabeth, New JerseyDeparted June 1, 2023 in Melbourne Beach, Florida
Richard William Apple (77) died peacefully in his home on June 1st, 2023, in Melbourne Beach, Florida, surrounded by his immediate family. Richard was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1946 to Robert and Sophie Apple and was the younger brother of Robert “Bobby” Apple. In 1969 Richard married his high school sweetheart Gloria Savonarola. Shortly after the two wed, Lynda J. Apple, the first of their three children, was born. A few years later, the couple welcomed their second child Richard D. Apple, and in 1976 their third child David W. Apple was born. A graduate of Monmouth University (then Monmouth College), class of ‘71, Richard was a successful executive for Anaconda Mining and Hess Oil before starting a successful executive recruiting firm, R.W. Apple & Associates, based in Manasquan, New Jersey. He and Gloria ran the business and family together for 25 years. They retired to Melbourne Beach, FL in 2001. Their success provided a foundation for the family to travel and created a firmly rooted sense of entrepreneurism and autonomy that continues with all his children today.
Richard had a zest for travel and exploration and, most notably, loved to snorkel and explore marine destinations with Gloria worldwide. The ocean was a centerpiece of his life, with a love of fishing, clamming, and crabbing – and doing these activities meant most to him when done with family. Out of the sea, he was an active volunteer coach and mentor rooted in the success of his communities. He loved baseball and had been a diehard NY Yankee fan until retiring to Florida in the late 90s, becoming a diehard Tampa Bay Rays fan. Rich was far from just an avid spectator of sport – he played hockey well into his 30’s and was a fanatic handball player throughout his life and well into his 60’s. He cherished his “handball buddies” far and wide.
He wore many titles amongst friends and family, many for his ability to entertain; the title, “Toilet Man,” which started as a gag gift became iconic and a centerpiece to so many legendary parties and events. However, he was most notably known for his big laugh and personality, always planning the next joke and time with friends and family.
Richard embarked on a long battle with a rare form of CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy), slowly hindering muscle growth and fine motor skills leading to additional challenges, including the location of an inoperable benign brain tumor that played a significant role in his death. As a member of the Melbourne Beach, Florida community for close to 25 years, a native of New Jersey, and a successful career that led them to live in areas all across the country, Richard’s impact is coast to coast and even to well-traveled places like Australia, and New Zealand where they still have friends today. Richard is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gloria Apple, and children Lynda, Richie, and David, and eleven grandchildren and grandnieces, Emily, Reese, Curran, Kelly, Samantha, Kaylee, Greta, Camille, Emma, Jacob, and Ethan. Richard was superseded in death by his father, Robert, his mother, Sophie, and brother Robert Jr.
For those who know Rich, it comes as no surprise a memorial or funeral would not be his speed. Nevertheless, the family is preparing two “parties” to celebrate his life and honor those friendships in the coming months, in Florida on June 28, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm at Rich and Gloria’s Home in Melbourne Beach and in New Jersey on July 27, 2023 from 4pm to 8pm at Avon-By-The-Sea Municipal Marina; 2 Main Street; Avon, New Jersey. The family is deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from their friends far and wide!