Community Mourns Deli Owner Killed In Freak Fathers Day Accident

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Residents in Orange and Rockland counties are mourning the tragic death of business owner and community stalwart Anthony Apostolico in a freak accident on Fathers Day.

He was traveling north on the Palisades Parkway with his son and daughter when a large tree fell onto the road just south of Lake Welsh Drive and crushed their pickup truck.

Police said Apostolico, 48, died at the scene. His 20-year-old son Vincent A. Apostolico, who was driving, was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center and is listed in critical condition. A second passenger, Elizabeth M. Apostolico, 17, was transported to Westchester Medical Center for treatment of leg injuries. They are Chester residents.

The parkway was closed for hours. State Police were assisted by the New York State Park Police, Stony Point Fire Department, town of Highland EMS, Rockland County EMS, and Hatzolah EMS.

Apostolico went to North Rockland High School, graduating in 1991, The Journal News reported.

Volunteers from the Stony Point Fire Department were among the emergency responders to the accident. Chief Kevin Armstrong spoke to lohud.com afterward. "We knew each other," the chief told reporter Nancy Cutler. "It was kind of a shock."

People in West Haverstraw, where Apostolico owned and ran the Italian Food Center for about 30 years, left flowers and candles in front of the deli, News 12 reported.

They poured out their sorrow on Facebook and television. "North Rockland won’t be the same without you, Anthony! May God hold you close and there will be a long line at the deli you will run in Heaven. Longer than to get into Heaven!" wrote one.

They told Tony Aiello of CBS New York that Apostolico was known for his warmth, his community involvement and his great food.