Clifford M. Apgar, Jr.

West Sand Lake - Clifford M. Apgar, Jr.,79, died peacefully at home Tuesday, April 12, 2016, after a long and wonderful life. His loving family was by his side.

Born in Easton, PA, September 22, 1936, Cliff was the son of the late Clifford and Virginia Apgar. He was raised in High Bridge, NJ until 1950 when his family moved to Averill Park. He graduated from Averill Park High School, Class of 1954 and from Union College in 1961 with an BA degree in economics.

Cliff joined the Management Training Program at State Bank of Albany in 1961 and spent most of the next 32 years in Commercial Lending. He retired from Norstar Bank of Upstate NY (new name and ownership) in 1992 at the age of 55 with the title of Group Sr. Vice President and Sr. Loan Officer. Three days after retiring, he accepted an offer from Albany Savings Bank to be the Executive Vice President and Sr. Credit Officer overseeing all commercial, retail and mortgage lending. He retired for a second time in 1999 about 2 years after Albank (new name) was acquired by Charter One. He then joined Fred Eaton, a former colleague and good friend, to review commercial loans for a number of local banks and continued to work on a part-time basis for the next several years.

In anticipation of Cliff's retirement, he was encouraged to pursue a hobby. He spent much of his free time pursuing rare and collectible books throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England states. His interest in cooking and in culinary history led him to begin collecting 19th century American cookbooks. He became known as "The Cookbook Guy". He developed a comprehensive collection containing 724 books. The strength of the collection is from the Colonial Era through 1900 but a selection of important works from 1900 to 1960. His collection, "The Apgar Collection of American Cookery" was recently acquired by the Bowdoin College Library in Maine.
During his lifetime Cliff served and enjoyed his association as a member and past-president of the Empire Chapter of Robert Morris Associates; former member of the Board of Trustees of the Albany YMCA; active member of Living Resources of Albany; and the New York State Business Development Corporation. He was also a member of the Fort Orange Club.

Cliff was the much loved husband, for 54 years, of Joyce (Underwood) Apgar. He was the loving father of Carrielynn (Robert) Apgar and the loving grandfather of his "pride and Joy" Alexandra Grace. Known as "Pop Pop", he loved it when Alexandra came to visit and giving her rides on the Toro and always looked forward to her drawings and cards. She was the light of his life.

Cliff is also survived by his loving sister, Linda (David) Hastings, beloved nephew Wade (Linda) Hastings; brother-in-law Herrick (Carol) Underwood, beloved nieces, Susan (Jeffrey) Bowen, Elizabeth (Bill) Eagleson, Martha (Todd) Bowles and several grand nieces and nephews.

Along with spending time with his many long-time and faithful friends in the banking community he also looked forward to get-togethers with his lifelong high school and college friends. Cliff loved receiving funny cards especially from his sister-in-law, Carol. Who could send the best card was always a challenge. He is remembered for his love of life, his great sense of humor that was revealed in his poetry, his reunion parties, the Adirondacks, and his love for his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cliff's memory to: The Brown School IGNITE Program (Individualized Goals Nurtured in a Team Environment) 150 Corlaer Avenue Schenectady, NY 12304

A celebration of Cliff's life will be held at a later date.  To sign the guest book or , light a candle, visit www.brycefh.com. 

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