Final Salute

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Calvin W. Applegate Jr., known to all as “Skip,” a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Skip passed away peacefully at home on November 16, 2024, at the age of 82.

Born in Point Pleasant on October 7, 1942, Skip was a man of great character, deeply devoted to his family, community, and country. He proudly served in the United States Navy, spending four years in the Seabees where he earned the Navy Expeditionary Medal for his service in foreign missions. After his military service, Skip returned home and partnered with his father to start C.W. Applegate Alterations and Repairs, Inc.

Following his father’s retirement, Skip continued running the business alongside his brother, Fred,  serving the communities of Bay Head and Mantoloking for over 50 years. He retired in 2018, having built a lasting legacy of dedication to both his customers and his community. Skip poured his heart into the business, always striving to provide excellent service and build meaningful, long-term relationships with everyone he served.

Skip was also deeply committed to public service. In 1958, at the age of 16, he joined the Bay Head Fire Department, and over the next six decades, he served in every rank of the department. His dedication and reliability made him a respected and admired member of the firehouse, where he was known for his selflessness and steadfast commitment.

A life member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Skip devoted much of his time to serving others. Over the years, he took on numerous roles, including youth group advisor, usher, trustee, historian, sexton, and administrative council member. He also served on many church committees, always bringing his passion for service and his deep faith. In recognition of his years of unwavering dedication, Skip was honored by St. Paul’s for his continuous contributions to the church and its mission.

As a devoted volunteer, Skip spent countless hours as a scout leader, instilling important values of leadership, responsibility, and community in the young people he mentored. He was proud to receive the God and Country Award for his service to the scouts.

Skip’s greatest joy came from his family. As a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was the cornerstone of his family, always offering guidance, love, and unwavering support. He cherished every milestone in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on in all who knew him.

Skip is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Maryann, his children, Tanya Lees (Michael), Calvin Applegate (Eileen), and Sharon Bryant (Jason); his grandchildren, Kayla Morgan (Kevin), Brooke McCarthy (Hunter Fairchild), Abigail Wyatt (Chris), Molly, Ava, and Charlotte Applegate, and Lillian and Jack Bryant; his great-grandchildren, Henry and Charlie Morgan, and Riley Wyatt; his brothers, Jeffrey Applegate (Nancy) and Fredrick Applegate (Sharon); as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Calvin W. Sr. and Edna Applegate.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Van Hise & Callagan Funeral Home, 812 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at noon at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 423 W Lake Ave, Bay Head, NJ 08742.  A reception will be held immediately following the service at the Bay Head Firehouse, located at 81 Bridge Avenue, Bay Head, NJ 08742.  All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bay Head Fire Department, PO Box 111, Bay Head, NJ 08742, in honor of Skip’s lifelong dedication to his community and service.

May he rest in peace, knowing he was loved and appreciated by all who knew him.