James Gaspari

James S. Gaspari, 79, of West Palm Beach, Fla., died Dec. 1, 2012. Born in New York City, he lived in North Brunswick for over 50 years before retiring to Florida.

Mr. Gaspari opened his own architectural and planning office in North Brunswick in 1967, James S. Gaspari, AIA, where he worked for 40 years before retiring in 2009. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and designed many commercial, religious, and residential projects all over New Jersey and in 14 other states. He served on the New Jersey State Board of Architects and Landscape Architects for 11 years and served for two years on the National Council of Architectural Registration Board. He was also an adjunct professor of the Landscape Architecture Department at Cook College of Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

He was a 1956 graduate of the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of Beta Sigma Rho Fraternity, Hexagon Senior Honorary Society, and the Architecture Society. He was a member of the track team, which competed at the International Track and Field Meet at Oxford and Cambridge in 1955, and was Ivy League champion in the shot put.

He served as a captain in the United States Army in Fort Bragg, NC.

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He was also an avid sculptor, painter, and musician. Many of his works competed in juried exhibitions and won prizes, including at the Trenton State Museum.

He was a member of Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, New Brunswick, for over 50 years.

Predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Florence (Miller), in 2000, he is survived by two daughters, Carol Gaspari (Robert L.) Lerner of Princeton and Jennifer M. Gaspari of Orlando, Fla.; his son, Charles M. “Chuck” (Kristen H.) of Delray Beach, Fla.; four grandchildren; and his companion, Glenna Gundel.

Services were held Dec. 4 with arrangements by Selover Funeral Home, North Brunswick.