Our Staff

John "Jay" Rutski, a licensed Funeral Director for thirty five years has been serving our community's families at Applebee Funeral Home since 2003.

A native of Kingston, NY, Jay studied Mortuary Science at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. Upon completion in 1988 he returned to his hometown where he served his residency at Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home.

In 1993, Jay returned to the Capital District, working for the well respected Frederick Funeral Home in Albany, NY. Throughout his career Jay has been privileged to work with and learn from some of the most highly regarded funeral professionals.  Jay has continued the tradition of serving families with the most professional and compassionate care and in 2023 purchased Applebee Funeral Home with his  longtime friend and co-worker Tom Pratt.

Jay lives in Delmar and is active in many community activities   He is a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar where he serves the parish as a lector and altar server and is past president and longtime member of the Delmar Kiwanis club.

Tom has been a licensed funeral director for 22 years.  Before purchasing Applebee Funeral Home in 2023 with his friend and co-worker, Jay Rutski, he worked part-time for Peter Applebee for over 15 years and full time for Mark & Jane Levine at Levine Memorial Chapel.

Tom is a graduate of La Salle Institute ’90 and HVCC ’03.  He is a US Marine Corps Veteran, a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church as well as a member of the book Club.  Tom has been married to Jennifer Pratt for 30 years and they have 3 children; Mackenzie, Delaney, and Brady.  

Peter John Applebee, 78, passed away suddenly at his residence in Delmar on December 27, 2024. 

A stalwart of the Bethlehem community, Peter was former owner of Applebee Funeral Home and was the third generation of his family to own the landmark business at the Four Corners in Delmar. Peter was a lifelong resident of Delmar and earned a degree in mortuary science from the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse. Peter was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving from 1968 to 1972. He was a life member of the Delmar Fire Department and was active for over 35 years serving as the department treasurer, a fire department lieutenant, and a member of the fire police. He was well known for generosity and support of various community activities including local churches and youth sports.

Peter was a true blue fan of the Yankees and Giants, an avid golfer, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of classic cars. He loved all things sailing and traveled a number of times to the Caribbean to participate as a crew member in the St. Maarten Regatta. He also enjoyed international travel highlighted by numerous trips to Italy.

Peter was predeceased by his parents Paul and Jacoba Applebee. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Nancy Applebee; their sons, Peter Scott Applebee (Krista) of Delmar and Brian Applebee (Jennifer) of Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He was the proud grandfather of Caitlin, Paige, and Claire Applebee. He is also survived by his brother Paul Applebee of Port Charlotte, Florida, his half-sister Joyce Murphy of Albany and several beloved nephews and nieces.