Jeffrey Roger Applegate

Jeffrey Roger Applegate, 77, of Bay Head, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Jeffrey was born at Point Pleasant Hospital and lived his entire life as a proud Bay Head resident.

Jeff was a devoted man of service. He was a proud veteran who served 4 years in the Navy, over half of which he spent deployed in Vietnam. Following his return, he worked with his father and brothers in the family carpentry business before pursuing his college degree in Architecture from Drexel University, graduating in 1982. He subsequently worked with the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs as a building code enforcement official and retired after 27 years of service.

He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Bay Head. His drive to serve the congregation moved him to become a local and then district Lay Speaker for over 10 years. He loved being a youth group leader, chaperoning numerous youth retreats over the years. Jeff was a 60 year life member of the Bay Head Fire Company, having served as an active firefighter and fire police, including the role of Fire Police Captain. In his children’s younger years, he was a leader in Troop 6 and Pack 6 for the Boy Scouts of America in Point Pleasant Beach and was a registered chaperone for the Girl Scouts of America. His love of military history and sharing his knowledge led to years of volunteer service as docent at History House and in Battery Potter on Sandy Hook.

Jeff loved history and could never pass by a “brown sign.” He loved to read, build military models, and loved trains of all sorts. He was always working on a project and readily reminded his kids “have tools, will travel” - he was always ready to help. If you knew Jeff, you knew of his love of Hawaiian shirts and that he was always ready with a story.

Jeff is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Nancy E. (Herrman) Applegate and three children: Dr. Jeffrey R. Applegate, Jr. of Point Pleasant, Ann E. Cook (Timothy) of Bay Head, and Diane V. Fleming (Bart) of Cranberry Twp. PA. “Kukani” will be greatly missed by his 5 beloved grandchildren: Emma & Robert “Bobby” Cook, and Josie, Leo & Baby Boy Fleming (due in July). He is also survived by his younger brother, Fredrick H. Applegate, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Calvin

W., Sr. and Edna M. (Schildknecht) Applegate, and his older brother, Calvin “Skip” Applegate, Jr.

The viewing hours will be on Monday, May 12 th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home 2170 Hwy. 88 Brick. The Fireman’s Service will begin at 7:00pm. Religious & Veterans services will be held on Tuesday, May 13 th in the Funeral Home at 10:30 am. Family only cemetery services will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Gregory’s Pantry (804 Bay Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ) in Jeff’s memory. Colonial Funeral Home in Brick is in charge of arrangements.