Emilio "Herb" Aponte Jr.

Emilio “Herb” Aponte Jr., 89, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A funeral service to honor Herb’s life will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, January 17th at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by David Price and Craig Hearne. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Newport. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1 PM. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. 

Herb was born on January 31, 1936, in New York City, New York, to the late Emilio and Ramona Aponte. At an early age, guided by his loving mother, he developed qualities that shaped his life, a deep sense of discipline, curiosity, and humble service. Herb was never happier than when working with his hands. His lifelong fascination with the intricate mechanisms of clocks and watches started by his father’s example and led him to become a master watchmaker and repairman. What began as curiosity grew into both a career and a hobby. He was a charter member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, a testament to both his skill and his passion.

Herb proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, working in Aviation Photography, an experience he carried with honor throughout his years. Most of that time was spent at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, which led him to eventually settle down in Newport, NC.

During his lifetime, he developed a love for all things mechanized, especially watches and time pieces. Herb was an avid reader. He would read almost anything he could get his hands on, but most notably he could be found reading and studying his Bible and Biblical history. He had a love for trains, especially old steam locomotives. He loved military history, especially pertaining to aircraft and artillery. Other hobbies included working in his yard and typing sermon notes which he often shared with fellow church members.

A dedicated and respected member of the Newport community, Herb served on the Town of Newport Board of Adjustment from 1998 to 2021 and later as Chairman from 2021 to 2024. He approached this role with fairness, thoughtfulness, and a genuine desire to serve his town well.

Above all else, Herb’s life was rooted firmly in his faith. A devoted member of the Church of Christ, he lived out his beliefs daily, serving selflessly in many ministries at the Church over the last 68 years. His faith guided his actions, his service to others, and the way he treated everyone he met—with humility, kindness, and quiet strength. He truly loved and served God wholeheartedly.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his beloved sister, Alicia Garoutte of New York City, NY; daughters, Susan Cooper (Kyle) of St. Augustine, FL, Amy Furr (Bo) of Carolina Beach, NC, and Cara Latta (Barry) of Monroe, NC; foster son, Ray Robles (Veronica) of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Paige Furr (Dylan), Justin Cooper (Talyah), Christian Furr, Megan Torres (Ruben), Rachel Capps (Chris) and Jamison Latta (Megan); great-grandchildren, Makayla Cooper, River Adams, Dominic Torres and Damian Torres; and nieces, Felicia Estes (Kenneth), Leticia Crawford, Patricia Garoutte (Val), and Denicia Ferry (Billy).

In addition to his parents, Herb was preceded in death by his dearly beloved wife, Billie Ann Starnes Aponte, and his eldest foster son, Tracy Robles.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herb’s memory to the Church of Christ, 209 Barbour Rd., Morehead City, NC 28557.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.