Jerome “Jerry” Applefield

Jerome “Jerry” Applefield (August 31, 1930 – August 22, 2025)

Jerome Applefield, a passionate educator, gifted athlete, and independent thinker, passed away peacefully at 94. Born in Irvington, NJ, Jerry graduated from Rutgers University before embarking on a dynamic and unconventional professional journey.

He began as a high school social studies teacher before becoming a stockbroker at Delafield & Delafield, a New York Stock Exchange member firm in West Orange, NJ, rising to branch manager. A maverick by nature, Jerry wrote extensively about the stock market, published investment newsletters, and provided independent financial advice. He later taught economics at Boston University and alternative education programs in Plymouth, MA, focusing on underserved communities.

Jerry was an avid traveler and remarkable athlete, having played minor league baseball, played on the New Jersey All-State baseball team and even pitching against the legendary Whitey Ford. He was also known for playing an exhibition game at Sing Sing Prison.

A man of strong convictions, Jerry held progressive political views and advocated tirelessly for social justice and human rights.

He is survived by his partner of 12 years, Judi Gordon of Middleborough, MA; his daughter and son-in-law, Deb and Craig Milley of Sharon, MA; his grandsons Jacob and Isaac Milley of Washington, D.C., and Boston, respectively; his son, Jon Applefield of Arlington, MA; his daughter-in-law, Julia Applefield Alvarez of Toulouse, France; and grandchildren Alexandre, Anna, and Ernesto Applefield-Alvarez of Medellín, Colombia; Giza, Egypt; and Paris, France, respectively.

Jerry will be remembered for his intellect, independence, compassion, and unwavering belief in education and justice.

Services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 24, 2025. Please reach out to the family for details.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ACLU.org (American Civil Liberties Union Foundation) or go have a catch with your kid.