Larry Apperson, founder of Princeton’s Cornerstone Community Kitchen and a beloved TASK volunteer, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Apperson, a former Air Force pilot and retired IBM executive, leaves behind a legacy of remarkable service, having dedicated over two decades to volunteer work to benefit the TASK community.

Inspired by his experiences at the soup kitchen, and with the encouragement of TASK’s Chief Operating Officer Paul Jensen, Larry set out to create a similar service in the Princeton area.

A long-time member of Princeton United Methodist Church, Apperson’s vision took root when he rallied fellow congregants and community members to join him in establishing Cornerstone Community Kitchen (CCK) in the basement of the church on Nassau Street. What began as a simple idea grew into a thriving community resource, thanks to Apperson’s determination and his ability to inspire others to work toward a common goal.

Apperson’s daughter Sharon DiStase says CCK was the crowning achievement of her father’s life: “My dad was the most caring, determined person I knew. CCK became his true life’s calling, and he embraced that mission with every ounce of effort he had.”

“He changed so many lives through his kindness.”

CCK Board Member Tim Ewer and CCK CEO Susan Davelman recall Apperson’s unwavering focus and how he managed to bring others along to achieve his vision.

“Larry was an expert at politely twisting your arm,” Ewer remembers, fondly.

Their memories harken back to the early days when Apperson first approached them with the concept of a weekly meal service at the church. Today, that concept has blossomed into a beloved institution that serves the wider Princeton community.

Every Wednesday, Princeton United Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall is transformed into a welcoming dining space, where people from Princeton and the surrounding area gather to enjoy a hot meal prepared by TASK and served by CCK volunteers.

The tables, draped in white cloths, quickly fill up with a diverse array of diners — young families, seniors and extended families who make CCK a regular part of their week. The meal service, held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., typically serves around 75 guests and roughly 50 meals to-go. Announcements are made in English, Chinese and Spanish, reflecting the cultural diversity of central New Jersey.

But CCK offers more than just a meal: patrons can shop for gently used clothing and pick up fresh produce and groceries, all free of charge. The clothing store, managed by CCK board member Jeanette Timmons, is stocked with donations from the community. Meanwhile the grocery section, overseen by CCK “team leader” Les Seifer, is filled with items donated by local and regional partners such as TASK, Mercer Street Friends, JFCS, Wawa, Panera Bread, LiLLiPiES and others.

“We also invite representatives from community resource organizations to attend our meals so that our guests can connect to other services in the area,” says Davelman, highlighting CCK’s role as a hub for support and outreach.

TASK COO Paul Jensen remembers Apperson’s unwavering dedication and energy, recognizing Cornerstone Community Kitchen as a vital resource for Princeton: “Larry’s legacy will live on in the community for years to come.”

To acknowledge his service, TASK will posthumously honor Apperson at our annual community BBQ in September. This will be the second award that TASK has bestowed on Apperson, who received the Chuck Inman Memorial Award in 2019.