OBITUARY: Longtime Melbourne Beach Resident Richard William Apple, 77, Passes Away June 1 at Home

By  //  June 7, 2023

was a member of the Melbourne Beach, Florida community for 25 years

Richard William Apple, 77, died peacefully in his home on June 1, 2023, in Melbourne Beach, Florida, surrounded by his immediate family. He was a member of the Melbourne Beach, Florida, community for close to 25 years.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Richard William Apple, 77, died peacefully in his home on June 1, 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.

A graduate of Monmouth University (then Monmouth College), 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.

In 1969 Richard married his high school sweetheart Gloria Savanarola. Shortly after the two wed, Lynda Apple, the first of their three children, was born. A few years later, the couple welcomed their second child Richard Apple, and in 1976 their third child David Apple was born.

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.

Out of the sea, he was an active volunteer coach and mentor rooted in the success of his communities. He loved baseball and was a lifelong Yankees fan until retiring to Florida in the late 90s, becoming a die-hard Tampa Bay Rays fan and continuing to pursue his favorite ocean passions.

He wore many titles in social circles amongst friends and families, many for his ability to entertain, the “Toilet Man,” which started as a gag gift and 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. His success provided a foundation for the family to travel and created a firmly rooted sense of entrepreneurism and autonomy that continues with all of his children today.

He 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, 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 a “party” to celebrate his life in the coming months in New Jersey, details to follow.

The family is deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from their friends far and wide.