Obituary of Patsy D'Apolito

Patsy “Pat” D’Apolito, 96, of Peapack, NJ, passed away on February 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy woven through family, community, and nearly a century of cherished memories.

Born in Peapack to Guiseppe and Carmela (Capozzoli) D’Apolito, Pat grew up in the small town he would proudly call home.  He graduated from Bernards High School in 1947, where his love of sports and his natural leadership were already clear. He captained both the football team and the Gladpack baseball team, was an Officer serving as Treasurer of his graduating class while setting the tone for a lifetime of enthusiasm for athletics and teamwork.

After high school, Pat attended Seton Hall University for a year before returning home to help run the family business. The D’Apolito clothing and tailoring shop, first opened in Peapack in 1928, became a cornerstone of the community. As the business evolved and moved to Far Hills, it took on the name Joseph D’Apolito & Son, a reflection of the partnership between Pat and his father. Pat devoted his career to the shop, helping it thrive for an extraordinary 95 years.

Pat served his country with pride in the National Guard and was a parishioner of St. Brigid Church in Peapack for much of his life. His commitment to community extended far beyond work and worship. In his younger years, he was a talented bowler and a member of the Professional Bowlers Association, traveling to tournaments across the country. When his children were young, he coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and even drove the school bus for St. Brigid’s School, roles he embraced with the same dedication he brought to everything else.

Later in life, Pat discovered a passion for golf. He became a familiar face on the course at Harker’s Hollow Golf Club, where he earned the senior club championship. In 2000, he achieved a memorable victory at the Caribbean International Pro-Am I, a highlight he spoke of with pride and joy.

Pat was predeceased by his wife, Beverly D’Apolito; his daughter, Victoria Anne (Thomas); and his first wife, JoAnne, the mother of his children. He leaves behind his children, Linda Marie (Terry), Joseph Albert, Patricia JoAnne (David, pre-deceased), and John Adam (Jennifer), along with his grandchildren Margaret, Andrew, Katherine, Corina, Julia, and Nicholas. He is also survived by his siblings Maria Gravel, Anthony D’Apolito, and Madeline Anacker, who shared in the long family story that shaped his life.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 7, at 10:00 AM at St. Brigid Church, 129 Main Street, Peapack.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.