Joseph and Ann Margaret Apuzzo announce the unexpected passing of their beloved son, Joseph Arthur Apuzzo, on March 24, 2025. Joseph was 37 and affectionately known as “Joe the Actual Bear” and the "Mayor of Brewster."
Born in The Bronx, the family later moved to Brewster, which has been their home for more than three decades. Joseph excelled academically and professionally, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany, NY. He studied History and minored in Music, an interest that was dear to his heart and shaped how many knew him. By trade, he was an accomplished land surveyor, having completed his journeyman work in practical application over eight years. He was studying to take his state certification exams. He also pursued Outdoor Education with a passion fueled by his genuine interest and love for the natural world.
Joseph’s interests and hobbies were vast, including the full gamut of wilderness orientation and survival. He was a lifeguard, a canoe instructor, and trained in Wilderness First Aid, belaying, and rappelling, and in the construction, inspection, and certification of high ropes courses and zip lines. For many years, he was a member of the Outdoor Education department at Green Chimneys, where he guided, trained, and protected countless young people and adults in their exploration and discovery of the wilderness and the world.
He was also an avid musician. He wrote music and lyrics and played the guitar, mandolin, ukulele, piano, and tuba. He was also a vocalist who shared his talents in numerous venues. Joseph also enjoyed cooking, LARPing, blacksmithing, and trained and instructed in German Longsword weekly.
Joseph was deeply loved by his parents, family, and friends. He is survived by his aunts and uncles, several cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless others. Although an only child, he shared a close-knit group of friends who were like brothers. Their genuine love and commitment to each other is inspiring. That bond survives today as an example of how we should live. The special moments were countless, whether it was out on a boat with his mother on the waterways of the Great Swamp, sharing their wonder and interest in all manner of flora and fauna, or spending time with his dad discussing matters great and small—life with its many surprises, disappointments, and wonder—along with history, world events, and myriad esoteric topics. He truly was an intellectual, able to speak on many topics. His impact, the wisdom he passed along, and his memory will endure always.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Friends of The Great Swamp (FROGS), a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1990 on the premise of preserving and protecting the Great Swamp watershed through education, research, and conservation.
Visitation will take place at Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, NY 10509, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Visitation hours are 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.
