Mason Aprile, 86

By Staten Island Advance Staten Island Advance
on March 16, 2013 at 4:27 AM, updated March 16, 2013 at 4:35 AM

Mason Aprile, 2008Family Photo

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Mason Aprile, 86, a lifelong Dongan Hills resident and the loving patriarch of ?his family, died Thursday at home.

A graduate of New Dorp High School, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stationed in the Pacific theater of operations. He served on LSTs (landing ship tank) and attained the rank of petty officer.

After the war, Mr. Aprile served in the Merchant Marine for two years, then was a conductor for the NYC Transit Authority, also for two years. He worked as a marine stoker-oiler on the Staten Island Ferry for the Department of Marine and Aviation from 1951 to 1965. He was an inspector for the former Air Pollution Control agency, now the Department of Environmental Protection, from 1965 until his retirement in 1986.

"He was very active in community service, and very generous with his time and money," said his son, Arthur. "He was very independent, and well known in Dongan Hills as the mayor of his block on Cromwell Avenue."

Mr. Aprile enjoyed cruises, dancing the cha-cha and jitterbug, and spending time with family. He enjoyed hosting his own birthday party on New Year's Day each year for family and friends.

A good cook, his chicken marsala and macaroni and meatballs were famous. For the last 12 years, he enjoyed fine dining and trips to Atlantic City with his friend, Susan Boan, family said.

Mr. Aprile was a former commander and longtime member of the Huttner-Pasqualini Post, American Legion, and the Legion's county sergeant at arms, commander and vice commander. He was a founding member and former president of the South Shore AARP, and a member of the Staten Island Elks and the Varsity Club.

He gave generously of his time and energy to worthwile causes. He was a Meals on Wheels delivery volunteer from 1986 to 2000; launched the Respite program for Alzheimer's caregivers in 1989-1990; and was a 55 Alive safe-driving instructor for the AARP from 1995 to 2012.

At the Staten Island Little League, he served as an umpire, and was a coach for the Staten Island Pee Wee Football League.

Mr. Aprile was a lifelong parishioner of St. Ann's R.C. Church, Dongan Hills.

His wife of 25 years, the former Jennie DePompo, died in 1975. His son, Allan, died in 1993. He also was preceded in death by his companion of 25 years, Mary Sorensen, in 2000.

"He was beloved and cherished by the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who blessed his life; they all called him Pop-Pop," his son Arthur said.

Also surviving Mr. Aprile are his sons, Anthony and Albert; his brother, Robert, and his sisters Fanny, Clara, and Christina.

The funeral will be Monday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Ann's Church. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

IN MEMORY OF MASON APRILE US NAVY WWII