Charles Richard Applegate, 89, of Vero Beach, passed away on April 10, 2014.
He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia; two daughters, Constance A. Whidden, and Deborah A. Applegate; two granddaughters, Cynthia W. Russo (Antonio), and Kimberly W. Fusco; great-grandchildren Nicholas Russo and Sofia Russo; sisters, Ruth A. Buffett and Lois Ann DeStefano; and many nieces and nephews.
Applegate was born March 1, 1925 in Freehold, N.J., to C. Richard and Mary Thompson Applegate, II. He graduated from Freehold High School and the Peddie School in Hightstown, N.J., before attending Princeton University where he was in the Officers Training V12 Program.
During WW II he served in the US Marine Corps and was sent to the South Pacific, Okinawa, and China,. It was during this time that he received a Purple Heart for his unselfish service to the Corps. Upon his release from active duty he married Patricia Palmer. During their marriage of 67 years they had homes in Colts Neck and Harvey Cedars, N.J., before moving to Vero Beach in 1973.
Applegate was a third generation apple and peach grower, owning and operating Wemrock Orchards, Inc. in Freehold for over 25 years with his father. He was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church in Freehold, the First Presbyterian Church in Redbank and presently a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach. He was also a former member of the Freehold Rotary Club, Garden State Fruit Growers Association and the Battleground Country Club in Freehold.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or VNA/Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A memorial service with military honors will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 23, at the First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach, Dr. Timothy Womack officiating, with a reception following at the church. Interment will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Freehold.
