Fred J. Apolito "California Fred"

Fred aka Fortunato Joseph Apolito entered the world on September 24, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York born to Frank and Raffaela Apolito. He grew up on 6th Avenue in Brooklyn and attended Harren High School in Manhattan. He was 93 years old when he went to be with the Lord on January 30, 2023. He passed away peacefully at his home in Saugus surrounded by family.

Prior to spending a short time in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman 2nd Class, Fred went to a technical school in New York to become a TV cameraman but only spent one day behind the camera. He met his sweetheart, Frances in Brooklyn. After Frances’ family moved to Los Angeles, they reconnected and were married on November 7, 1953 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Hollywood, California.

Fred owned a carpet cleaning business before he joined College of the Canyons in November 1971 where he worked as a warehouseman. He was loved and adored by many at the college. Fred retired from COC in December 1993.

Many called him California Fred, and he was also known as Papa Fred, and Boo Boo Papa. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was faithful to God and his family, and he was a wonderful role model. Fred was funny and enjoyed making others laugh. He was generous, kind, supportive, loving, and a class act. He enjoyed cooking, baking (his peanut butter cookies were legendary), birdwatching, feeding the birds, dancing, and listening to Frank Sinatra’s music.

Fred leaves behind his children, Ann Marie Pino, Terri Gibbs, Barbara Apolito, Francesca Apolito, Frederick (Angelica) Apolito, Raelea Apolito, his grandchildren, Christina LaGabed, Tiffany Phillips, Justin Gibbs, Leanna Schatzberg, Travis Kimble, Blake Barnes, Jordan McKimmey, Arielle Apolito, Diego Apolito, great-grandchildren, Kylie Norwood, Jake Norwood, Elijah Phillips, Sarah Phillips, Camille LaGabed, Melanie LaGabed, Michael Schatzberg, Olivia Schatzberg, Harley Perez, his brother Stephen (Katherine) Apolito, his sisters, Terry Albanese, Phyllis Citera, plus several nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Fred joins his wife, Frances, daughter, Lorraine Apolito, granddaughter, Jamie Lynn Kelley Norwood, brothers, Tony Apolito, and Frank Jr. Apolito, sisters, Rose Munos, and Jean McArdle, and his parents in Heaven.