Our Staff

Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult journey. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met. We are here for you.

Peter Applebee 

Peter Applebee, a licensed Funeral Director, is the owner and operator of Applebee Funeral Home.  He is the third generation owner of his family’s landmark business at the Four Corners in Delmar.  He has operated Applebee Funeral Home since 1980.

Peter is a lifelong resident of Delmar and has been a licensed funeral director since 1968.  Peter attended Bethlehem Central Schools graduating from Houghton Academy (Allegany County, New York) in 1964.  In 1966 Peter enrolled in the now-named “Simmons Institute of Funeral Service” in Syracuse.  Peter was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving from 1969 to 1971.  

Peter remains an active participant in the Bethlehem community.  He is a life member of the Delmar Fire Department for over 35 years serving as the department treasurer, a fire police and fire department lieutenant. Peter is a member of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and in 2008 was recognized by the Chamber for the more than 100 years of operation of the funeral home. He is a long time member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.

Peter has been married to the former Nancy Sharkey for over forty years and is the father of two sons and the proud grandfather of three granddaughters.

John Rutski

John "Jay" Rutski, a licensed Funeral Director for over twenty 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 intends to continue the tradition of serving families with the most professional and compassionate care.

Jay lives in Delmar and is active in many community activities   He is currently serving as the Lieutenant Governor of the Capital Division, New York District Kiwanis and is past president and longtime member of the Delmar Kiwanis club.