William Apetz

Charlotte, NC-(formerly of Lake Junaluska)-Dr. William L. Apetz, 90, died July 16, 2010 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law. He was born July 5, 1920 in Walden, New York to Mr. and Mrs. William Leonard Apetz. In addition to his parents, Dr. Apetz was predeceased by his wife of more than 63 years in September 2009, Mary Neblett Apetz. He is survived by his son Dr. Edward Apetz (Linda) Greenville, NC and daughter Mary (Dr. Robert) Sturge of Charlotte. Also surviving are his 5 grandsons Christian Apetz (Ashley) of Peabody, Mass, Patrick Apetz, Williamstown, NJ, Matthew and Andrew (Whitney) Sturge, Charlotte, NC, and Daniel Sturge of Boone, NC and one great granddaughter Jadyn Apetz of Petaluma, Calif. He is also survived by his sister, Mrs. Grace Downer, Beach Haven, NJ. Dr. Apetz completed degrees from Glassboro State College, Rutgers University and Temple University. He served in the US Air Corps during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Following his military service he dedicated his life to education serving as principal and superintendent. He was the inaugural president of both Gloucester County and Sussex County Community Colleges. Dr. Apetz taught for Trenton State College and Rutgers Graduate School. He served as chairman of several Middle Atlantic States Association Evaluating Committees. He also served on numerous boards and foundations. Following retirement Dr. Apetz worked for the Foundation for Evangelism and the Intentional Growth Center, both located at Lake Junaluska, NC. Service to others was paramount to Dr. Apetz through his work at various levels of public education and the United Methodist Church. He was a role model who touched the lives of countless students and faculty members. If asked about what was most important to him he would readily speak about his wife who was the love of his life. A service of celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 21, 2010 in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home Reverend Dr. Robert Sturge officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Dr. William and Mary Apetz Scholarship Endowment Fund at either: Gloucester County College Foundation, Tanyard Rd., Sewell, NJ 08080 or Sussex County Community College Foundation, One College Hill, Newton, NJ 07860.

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