Bernard "Bernie" Apel

Bernard "Bernie" Apel, 89, of Monroe Township, N.J., passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in the Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Ave., Princeton, N.J. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a service to follow at 1 p.m. Extend condolences at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com. Born in New York, N.Y., Mr. Apel lived in Westfield, N.J., and Bridgewater, N.J., before moving to the Clearbrook Community in Monroe Township in 2008. Bernie was honorably discharged as a seaman first class after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, most notably in Normandy and Okinawa. His working career began in the linen service trade. From there, he was employed as a taxi driver and eventually began a limousine company in New York City, from which he retired at age 81. Bernie and his wife, Pat, were members of the Co-Weds group of the Presbyterian Church of Westfield and the Clearbrook Walking Group. He was predeceased by three sisters, Jean, Ceil and Dorothy; and a brother, Abe. Surviving are his wife, Patricia J. Apel, and two daughters and sons-in-law: Suzanne and Gary Weiner of Franklin Park, N.J., and Tiffany and Frank Guadagnino. Memorial contributions in his memory to Jewish Family and Vocational Service of Middlesex County, 52 Concordia Shopping Center, Monroe Township, N.J. 08831 or Habitat for Humanity, 120 Main St., Hightstown, N.J. 08520 are appreciated.