Harold G. Merkel
A memorial service for Harold (“Harry”) G. Merkel, formerly of Shelter Island, Queens and Lecanto, Fla, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of the Isle cemetery. Mr. Merkel passed away on July 27, 2018, in Lecanto.
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Veronica “Vera” C. Mac Donald, age 93, passed away on August 25, 2019, in Greenport. There will be a visitation on September 12, 2019 from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Shelter Island Funeral Home. A private family service will follow.
Veronica was born on February 24, 1926 to Catherine and Antonio Coppola of Franklin Square, N.Y. She is preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Mac Donald. She will be greatly missed by her children; John Mac Donald and his wife Diane, Bruce Mac Donald and his wife Susan, Veronica Siller and her husband Gerry, and Nancy Hunter and her husband Bob. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren; Kristen, Meghan, Kim, Molly, Ally, Katie and Jason; and five great grandchildren, Riley, Grace, Wyatt, Austin and JD.
Veronica “Vera” C. Mac Donald
Veronica retired along with her husband to Shelter Island in 1986 after raising her family in Massapequa Park, NY. Friends and family remember her as loving, generous, wonderful woman. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved watching football, keeping up with local politics, spending time at the Senior Center (at the rowdy table) with her friends, cooking and gardening. In retirement, she enjoyed writing a column for the Suffolk Times, as well as being an active member of the Shelter Island Senior Center.
She was also honored by the League of Women Voters for her leadership in the formative years of the Shelter Island chapter. Veronica volunteered at the Shelter Island Library, and she assisted in hospice care.
In an article written about Shelter Island Seniors, when asked What did you do with your life? she mused: “I paid my taxes, I loved my husband and we raised our children. What more could any woman want.” We will miss her spirit.
The family wishes to send their gratitude to San Simeon by the Sound for providing care in her last years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to The Senior Citizens Foundation of Shelter Island at P.O. Box 352, Shelter Island, NY 11964-0352.
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Curtis Robert “Bob” Langdon of Shelter Island died on Sept. 1, 2019 at San Simeon Nursing Home in Greenport. He was 76 years old.
Born in Freeport, N.Y., on Aug. 31, 1943 to Elsie (nee Dunbar) and Curtis R. Langdon, he was raised in Baldwin and graduated from Muhlenberg in Allentown, Pa.
Bob was a combat veteran who served honorably in the United States Navy during Vietnam.
Formerly of Kings Park, he has been a resident of Shelter Island since 1985. Bob had been a banker for 30 years, retiring from North Fork Bank in Mattituck.
In his free time, he enjoyed golfing.
He is survived by his wife Patricia A. Castoldi, and sister, Beverly Hannah of Seaford.
The family has chosen to remember Bob’s life privately.
Memorial donations may be made to the Senior Citizens Foundation of Shelter Island, P.O. Box 352, Shelter Island, NY 11964-0352.
Helen Catherine Perrins Robertson
Helen Catherine Perrins Robertson, a former spouse of Islander Theodore R. Robertson of Big Ram Island and daughter-in-law of Walter C. Robertson, also of Big Ram Island, died of natural causes Aug. 14. She was 97.
Preferring her middle name, Cathy had a “come-as-you-are” spirit that overflowed with fun, love and affection for everyone and everything in her life, her family said. After the birth of two grandchildren, she adopted the nickname “Granny,” which fit her personality to a tee. Born Dec. 26, 1921 to Kodak patent attorney Newton Perrins and Mabeth Russell Perrins, she grew up in Rochester, NY, with her older brother Warren and younger sister Mabeth. A National Honor Society student, she graduated from Charlotte High School in Rochester in 1939.
Head-turning attractive, her family and friends remembered, Cathy finished Middlebury College in 1944 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Recipient of a six-month National Institute of Public Affairs internship in Washington, D.C., she then worked at the Social Security Administration followed by a job with Congressional Quarterly.
There she met Theodore Robertson, the publication’s business manager, whom she wed on May 29, 1948. Shortly afterwards, they moved to Chicago where their only child, Amy, was born.
Eventually, the family returned to the east, settling near Philadelphia where Cathy began a career as homemaker and civic volunteer. Among her appointments were president of the League of Women Voters’ first chapter in Whitemarsh Township, Pa. and chair of the township’s William Jeanes Memorial Library’s advance gifts fund drive.
From the 1950s through the mid-1970s, the destination for any family summer holiday or stay was always Big Ram Island, where Cathy’s father-in-law had a vacation home. Besides instilling a deep love for Shelter Island in their daughter, Cathy shared her love of music and theater with Amy, taking her to more than a score of first-run Broadway musicals and plays during the 1960s and early 1970s.
In 1974 Cathy began work as an assistant administrator with the Eagleville (Pa.) Hospital and Rehabilitation Center. That job, and a later move to Limerick, Pa., helped her start a new life in 1975 after separating from, and eventually divorcing, her husband.
While in Limerick, she was an active member of the Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in nearby Collegeville and as a re-enactor at the Goschenhoppen Folk Festival in Perkiomenville, which showcases the daily life of 18th and 19th century Pennsylvania Germans. In 2010 she moved to Maryland, residing first with her daughter and son-in-law and later in an assisted living home.
Interment of her ashes will occur Sept. 14 at a 10 a.m. service at the Emily French Cemetery. Survivors include her sister Mabeth Perrins Wilton of Sonora, Calif; grandchildren Trevor R. Johnson of Portland, Ore, and Victoria C. Johnson of Tucson, Ariz.; son-in-law Dennis A. Johnson of Silver Spring, Md.; six nieces; and two nephews. Predeceasing her are former husband Theodore; brother Warren Perrins; and daughter Amy. Memorials may be sent to the Maryland public radio station wamu.org; the Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Collegeville, Pa. (tpuuf.org); and goschenhoppen.org.
Lynn Marie Taplin
Lynn Marie Taplin, born on Dec. 18, 1952, passed away on May 29, 2019.
A beloved sister, wife, daughter and friend. Lynn, was preceded by her parents, Lois and Joe, sister Karen, and brothers Mark and Scott. She leaves behind her husband John, stepson Adrick, siblings George, Terry, Jill and Bruce, as well as several close nieces and nephews.
Lynn moved from Shelter Island to attend college, and then onto Minneapolis, Minn., where she opened a successful private family law practice, which she ran for 30 years. She was well known for her independence and strong passion for travel, visiting 35 different countries over the course of her life.
Married at 60, Lynn spent the last seven years of her life retired with her husband John in Costa Rica.
There will be a memorial service held on Shelter Island on Saturday, September 14 at the Center Firehouse at 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
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Jeffrey P. Van der Eems of Shelter Island died on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019. He was 56 years old.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept, 14 at 11 a.m. at The Shelter Island Presbyterian Church, officiated by the Reverend Robert Griffin.
The Shelter Island Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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Esteemed book editor and Islander Susan Kamil passed away on Sunday, Sept. 8 from complications relating to lung cancer. She was 69.
Susan Kamil
Renowned as a “brilliant editor” and “genius” by her friends and colleagues in publishing, Susan most recently served as the executive vice president and publisher of Random House.
Her wisdom guided the works of famed authors such as Ta-Nehisi Coates, Salman Rushdie, Ruth Reichl and Elizabeth Strout.
“Susan not only edited books, she edited lives,” said Bob Kohn, Ms. Kamil’s husband, with whom she shared a house on Ram Island Drive.
Susan’s passing has been widely mourned in the press by authors and friends. Salman Rushdie, author of the Booker Prize-nominated novel “Quichotte,” praised Susan’s “clarity and sharpness” and credited her insights with being “invaluable” to his writing process.
“Working with (Susan) has been the best experience of my writing life. She was also one of the loveliest human beings I have known … It’s a devastating loss for so many of us,” Mr. Rushdie said.
In another heartfelt tribute, writer and former Times restaurant critic Ruth Reichl lauded Ms. Kamil’s near-telepathic intuition and humility, adding, “Despite her powerful job and enormous reputation, Susan never lorded it over you. While many editors secretly yearn to write, Susan had no desire to see herself in print … She was a reader, in the fiercest sense.”
Born on Sept. 16, 1949, Susan grew up in Manhattan, studied English and American literature at Vassar College and received a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University. She began her book publishing career in the 1970s at Macmillan in the children’s book division, writing promotional book jacket copy. She went on to work in the subsidiary rights departments of publishing firms such as Harcourt Brace Jovanovich and Simon & Schuster, earning a reputation as an all-star rights negotiator.
Susan was then recruited to join Random House in 1991 by former publisher Joni Evans, who made her the executive editor of the Turtle Bay imprint. When Turtle Bay shuttered, Susan was invited to Shelter Island by friends and fellow publishers Carole and Richard Baron, who then had a house in the Heights. Over lunch at The Shelter Island Yacht Club, the three friends discussed Susan’s next move.
It was ultimately decided she would revive the iconic Dial Press, a then-shuttered imprint that had published writers such as Norman Mailer and James Baldwin in the 1960s and 1970s. Under Susan’s leadership, the imprint became a huge success.
“She started (Dial Press) from scratch and built a major empire for the Random House group,” said Ms. Baron.
Susan was appointed editor-in-chief of the Random House Publishing Group’s esteemed Random House imprint in 2008. Two years later, she was promoted to executive vice president and publisher.
“She was an extremely special person. It was always about you in a conversation, she was a nurturer … and a good friend” said Ms. Baron, who explained that Susan supported her while her husband, Richard, recovered from surgery.
Susan and her husband, Mr. Kohn, a copyright attorney and author, rented a house on West Neck Creek for three years before purchasing a home on Tuthill Drive. This past summer marked the first time they got to enjoy the home following some renovations.
“Every time we sat down in that house and looked out at Shanty Bay in Coecles Harbor, Susan would say,’This is heaven,’” Mr. Kohn said.
Susan is buried in Shelter Island Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, two stepchildren and two brothers.
Janet (Jane) O’Brien
Janet (Jane) O’Brien was born on May 14, 1937 in Glen Cove and died on Sept. 14, 2019 in Venice, Fla. She was the daughter of William J. Wanser and Ruth Anna Wanser. Jane had three siblings; William E. Wanser, Ruth Ann Wanser and Townsend Ambrose Wanser who are now deceased.
Janet (Jane) O’Brien
She was married to Joseph R. O’Brien. Their 60th wedding anniversary would have been on July 30, 2020. Jane is also survived by her loving daughter, Susan D. O’Brien, who also resides in Venice.
Jane grew up in Oyster Bay where so many Wanser families resided. She graduated from St. Dominic’s High School, and then continued her education at Mrs. Skinner’s school for legal secretaries. She loved to sing in the church choir and help the nuns at school. After she married Joe, they moved to Port Washington and during their 30 years there she taught quilting and was an active member of the Plandome Ladies Club. She later became a customer representative for Publishers Clearing House.
When they retired in 1996, they moved to Shelter Island. There Jane became a volunteer at Eastern Long Island Hospital, where she served for 12 years in community development and was an officer on the auxiliary board. She loved working at the hospital’s annual golf outing and enjoyed seeing the players each year. Jane joined the Lions Club on Shelter Island and later the Venice Lions after they moved there in 2011. She and Joe always loved the Island and in the years before their retirement they stayed there as guests of Janet Carlson and Connie Williams.
A memorial mass will be said at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on September 24 at 10 a.m. and her ashes will be buried in her family plot in Oyster Bay. If you wish to make a donation in her name, please send it to Our Lady of Lourdes Church or the Venice Lions Club.
Jeffrey P. Van der Eems
Jeffrey P. Van der Eems of Shelter Island died on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019. He was 56 years old.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Sept. 14 at The Shelter Island Presbyterian Church, officiated by the Reverend Robert Griffin.
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Valerie Grace Shepherd
Valerie Grace Shepherd, 70, of Shelter Island, passed away suddenly on Sept. 20, 2019.
The daughter of Bob and Arlene Schweinsburg, Valerie was born on April 16, 1949. Two siblings, Bobby Schweinsburg and Geraldine Schweinsburg Johnson predeceased her.
Raised on Shelter Island, Valerie attended Shelter Island High School, eventually marrying her childhood sweetheart, Gene Shepherd, on Nov. 2, 1968. Valerie and Gene continued to live on Shelter Island, where they raised three children.
A devout Christian, Valerie was an active member in the First Baptist Church of Greenport and in her beloved Shelter Island community. She was consistently willing to help a friend or stranger in need, her family remembered, often anonymously, offering an open heart or just a shoulder to cry on, and was always available to help.
Anyone who knew Valerie understood that family was her life, her family said.
She loved more than anything her dog, Roger, a good chocolate chip cookie and spending time with her many grandchildren. Spontaneous pool parties in the summer, watching Grandpa Gene churn homemade ice cream as children laughed and played gave her the most satisfaction, her loved ones remembered. A fixture of Shelter Island, Valerie will be sorely missed by many.
She is survived by her husband, Gene; son, Gene Jr.; daughters, Sarah and Martha; daughter-in-law, Deborah; son-in-law, Mark; and grandchildren, Tyler, David, Lydia, Emily, Mary, Matthew and Morgan.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Shelter Island Center Firehouse.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shelter Island Ambulance Foundation at P.O. Box 547, 12 Manwaring Road, Shelter Island, New York 11964.
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Jeffrey ‘Jeff’ P. van der Eems
Jeffrey “Jeff” P. van der Eems, aged 56, passed away on Sept. 6, 2019, at Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital in Manhattan of lymphoma cancer.
Jeff was born Nov. 5, 1962 in Kincardine, Toronto, of Dutch parents who had immigrated from Holland after World War II. He spent the first 10 years of his life in Streetsville, near Kincardine, and became a keenly skilled hockey player, and at the same age, his family moved to Malibu, Calif. and soon after settled permanently in Mission Viejo, Calif.
Jeff attended local schools where, at 17, he became a track star, running several miles a day through the California hills, eventually becoming 3rd in the United States for the mile; his time was 4:08.
After attending University of California at Irvine, where he achieved a degree in English Literature, he decided to attain his graduate degree in Master of International Business from Thunderbird University.
Jeff began his professional career as an analyst with Geneva Bank in California and New York City and then with Mitsui Bank. Preferring industry, he made the switch to PepsiCo headquarters in the mergers and acquisitions department and eventually became CFO of Pepsi UK, where the family moved and became full-time residents.
Jeff then became CFO of United Biscuits where, after taking the McVitie’s brand across the world, including India, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, he eventually became CEO. United Biscuits paid tribute by stating: “He was extremely bright and strategically brilliant. He championed young talent across the business and will also be remembered for his relentless passion and drive for the success of the McVitie’s brand.”
He left United Biscuits to start his own plural business as an industry adviser and investor sitting on six company boards, one primary school Governor’s board and the board of Build Africa, a charity devoted to educating girls in rural Africa. He so enjoyed the international aspect of his work and was inspired by his associates and the energy of starting and running successful businesses.
Jeff and his wife Beth began coming to Shelter Island in the 1990s and subsequently purchased a house in Hay Beach where they have been coming with their children ever since. Every year Jeff kayaked around Shelter Island and was the subject of a feature article in the Shelter Island Reporter.
As members of the Shelter Island Yacht Club, Jeff and Beth also sailed their Cape Dory Typhoon, “The Biscuit.” He loved every aspect of life on Shelter Island, in the U.K. and in the world. He will be very missed by all who knew him.
He leaves his son Willem, 22, his daughter Alida, 21, and his wife, Beth.
Robert M. Westover
Robert M. Westover of Cutchogue, formerly of Shelter Island, died suddenly on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019. He was 73 years old.
Robert is survived by his life partner of 39 years, Tom Speeches, his brother, Richard and Richard’s wife Tamara of Skaneateles, N.Y.
The family has chosen to remember Mr. Westover’s life privately at this time.
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The Honorable Judge William A. Sulahian of Shelter Island died on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019. He was 91 years old.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 16 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Shelter Island Center Fire House, 49 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island, New York 11964, where military honors will be rendered at 11:30 a.m.
The Shelter Island Funeral Home is serving the family.
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William A. ‘Bill’ Sulahian
William A. “Bill” Sulahian, a long time resident of Shelter Island, died peacefully in Eastern Long Island Hospital on Sept. 30, 2019 after a brief illness. He was 91 years old. A practicing attorney for more than 50 years, Sulahian served a term as Shelter Island Town Justice from 2003 to 2007.
Born in Weehauken, N.J. on Sept. 19, 1928, Bill Sulahian grew up in Rego Park, N.Y. before graduating from Roanoke College in Virginia in 1950. He entered service in the U.S. Air Force in 1951, where he piloted F-94 Starfire Interceptor fighter jets. He was honorably discharged from service in 1961 with the rank of captain. While still on active duty, Mr. Sulahian entered New York Law School, graduating with his juris doctor degree in 1961. In July of that year, he married his wife of 58 years, Patricia Mellem, in her native California.
The couple settled in Rockville Centre, N.Y., where Bill opened a private law practice after working for several firms in New York City. Mr. Sulahian’s thriving practice would eventually bring him to Shelter Island, and it soon became a second home for the Sulahians and their five children. Bill was quickly absorbed into the Shelter Island community. An avid golfer, Bill became an active member of Gardiner’s Bay Country Club and was proud of his several club championship trophies. He served as President of the Club from 1978 to 1980 and 1984 to 1987. Bill was also an active member of Lions International for over 50 years, first in Rockville Centre and later on Shelter Island. He was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship and Life Member status for his service to the association and those in need.
Bill Sulahian became a full time resident of Shelter Island in 2000 and was a fixture in his law office behind the Tuck Shop, a business owned and operated by his wife Pat for 43 years. In 2003, local Republicans asked Mr. Sulahian to be their candidate for Town Justice. He retired from the bench in 2007, having earned a reputation as a firm, fair and amiable jurist. He continued in the practice of law until his retirement in 2012.
Bill Sulahian is survived by his wife Pat, and his children, Gregory (Debbie), William “Billy”, and Susie Richards (Walter) of Shelter Island, and Marie Torry (Mason) of Gypsum, Colo., and Carol Hansen (Christian) of Rockville Centre. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren, Adrian Sulahian, Alexis Sulahian Heaney, Sara Fisher, Katie Goodleaf, John Goodleaf, Danny Anderson, Haley Sulahian, Scott Smith, Walter Richards Jr., Jane Richards, Karen Hansen and Madeline Hansen. He will be missed by his adoring great-grandchildren Weston and Ford Heaney and Hayden and Hadley Anderson. He is also survived by his sister Vivianne Lindemann (Mark) of Shelter Island. He is predeceased by his sister Doris Puelle (Fred).
A memorial service celebrating the life of Bill Sulahian will be held at the Shelter Island Fire Department’s Center Firehouse, 49 North Ferry Road, on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. All who wish to celebrate with us are welcome.
Donations can be made to Shelter Island Lions Club or American Legion Mitchell Post 281.
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Wallace “Jack” Ketcham of Shelter Island, formerly of Farmingdale, died at home on Sunday, Oct. 13. He was 86 years old.
He was the husband of Georgiana Ketcham and they were married for 64 years.
He was pre-deceased by their two sons, Scott John Ketcham and Mark Wallace Ketcham.
He was born in Amityville, N.Y. to Walburg and De Witt Ketcham, on Aug. 2, 1933.
Jack is survived by their daughters, Donna Reid and her husband Patrick; Jennifer Olsen and her husband Erik; and their daughter-law Kathleen Ketcham of Vero Beach, Fla. He is also survived by grandchildren, Scott Reid, Christian Reid (Liz), Kayla Olsen and Michael Ketcham and great-grandchildren, Avery and Alexander Reid and step-sister Lorraine Bundow as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by sister Shirley Bumen and step-sisters Carol Faby and Lois Meiser.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Isle Roman Catholic Church, 1 Prospect Place, Shelter Island Heights, with the Rev. Peter DeSanctis officiating.
U.S. Army honors will follow at the conclusion of the Mass.
The Shelter Island Funeral Home is serving the family.
From childhood Jack was a true animal lover — from chickens, to dogs and cats and horses. He leaves behind his best friend, Cinnamon, who was at his side till death. She was rescued after he lost Putter, his golden retriever, who replaced Tara, his black lab. Deni, his rescued Tabby Cat, continues to look for him. His kindness for animals was unheralded when he helped Helen Rosenblum, another animal advocate, build a shelter for the feral cats at the recycling center.
Jack attended Farmingdale High School, was a caddy at Bethpage State Park, went to night school at the “Aggie” School (now SUNY Farmingdale), studied architecture and electrical engineering. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged after serving in the 101st Airborne Division.
Prior to moving to Shelter Island, because of his football mania and as a high school team player and on an Army travel team while stationed in Japan, he was involved in starting the Farmingdale Midget Football teams that are still going strong.
In 1955, he joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and worked on several union jobs throughout Nassau County.
But deciding this was not his cup of tea, he formed Jack Ketcham, Inc., and was basically in the dormer business and custom building along with home renovations.
In 1968 he moved to Shelter Island, where he built custom homes, and formed Ketcham Properties, LLC. While purchasing a property for a spec house, he met developer Jeanne Garr and the rest is history.
In 1970, sponsored by Ken Lewis and Frank Hallock, he and Georgiana Joined Gardiner’s Bay Country Club. Of course he joined the American Legion, the Lions Club and Shelter Island Chamber of Commerce.
Shelter Island was his “home” and he just loved every aspect of living on Shelter Island. Fishing and cruising around the island’s bays, with the kids on “Carlotta,” his 33-foot Elco, which he docked at Tuthills’ Boatyard, was one of his greatest pleasures.
After reluctantly retiring from the building business, he bought and renovated a home in Whispering Pines, N.C. for winter retirement, five miles from the Pinehurst Country Club with a golf course on every corner. He always came back to Shelter Island on the date of the first golf tournament.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Jack’s name be made to the Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services Foundation or the Shelter Island Senior Center.
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Albert Edward Bevan, 89, of Shelter Island, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 at Stony Brook University Hospital after a brief illness.
He was born on March 24, 1930 in Scranton, Pa. to John and Martha Bevan.
Albert graduated from Technical High School in Scranton. He served as a staff sergeant in the Unites States Air Force stationed in Germany and Mitchell Air Base on Long Island. He graduated with a BA from Adelphi College, and received a master of education degree from Hofstra University.
As an educator, he started as an English/speech and drama teacher at Hicksville High School and later became a guidance counselor. After moving to East Hampton, he served as a guidance counselor for East Hampton High School from 1969 until he retired in 1985. He served as director and choreographer for several musical productions at the high school.
He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in East Hampton and, later, of Our Lady of the Isle on Shelter Island, where he served as Eucharistic Minister, choir member and lecturer.
He was married for 62 years to Florence “Tippi” Bevan, daughter of Florence and Frank Weber of Shelter Island. As a couple, they served the community for many years, including Meals on Wheels, and managers for the Shelter Island Food Pantry. They were honored by the community as Volunteers of the Year for 2008, 2016 and 2017, and the Lions Club Citizenship Award for 2017. They also received the St. Agnes Medal of Service in 2018 from the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
He is survived by his five children: Carole Fitts (Michael), Paul Bevan (Marybeth), Scott Bevan (Russell Ricard), Gloria Corona (Al), and Mark Bevan (Tammy), as well as 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Gerard Bevan, sister-in-law, Mary Bevan, and many nieces and nephews.
He died peacefully with his children, children-in-law, and grandchildren gathered around his bedside with his beloved Tippi.
The family received friends on Friday, Oct. 18 at the Shelter Island Funeral Home. His funeral mass was held on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Our Lady of the Isle with Father Peter DeSanctis officiating. He was laid to rest in the Shelter Island Cemetery.
At the request of Tippi Bevan and the rest of his family, donations can be made to: The Shelter Island Food Pantry or the Shelter Island Early Childhood Learning Center.
John Light, Ph.D. a resident of the Waterford Tower in Columbus, Ohio and Shelter Island, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019. He was 88 years old.
John J. Light, Ph.D.
John was born on Dec. 4, 1930 in New Philadelphia, Ohio to Edith Griffith and John McKinley Light. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Roxanne Light Du Vivier, and their daughter Anya Light Du Vivier.
John graduated from New Philadelphia High School, served in the United States Navy, worked as an industry technician and was a Manpower Training Supervisor and teacher in the New Philadelphia Public Schools before moving to Southern Ohio to start an adult, evening, technician education center for the State Department of Vocational Education.
As a working professional and adult learner, he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from Kent State University, and his Ph.D. from the Ohio State University.
John was the longest serving college president at one institution in the nation, and was the founding president of Hocking College. During his 42-year tenure, he grew the institution to nearly 8,000 students. Under his leadership students found their way to this unique college from all 88 counties in Ohio, 27 states and 53 countries.
His work contributed to the economic engine of the state and the region. He formed partnerships in education regionally, across the state and nation and around the globe. He was proud of the Nursing, Allied Health, Business, Public Safety Service, Hospitality Management, Natural Resource & Ecological Sciences, and Alternative Energy degree programs the college offered. Each featured high impact, experiential learning opportunities in a college operated business, laboratory or in a field site in demand occupations.
John believed education should be relevant, engaging and dynamic and should prepare students for success in the workplace.
Under his leadership the campus expanded to over 2,400 acres, much of which supported Environmental Conservation programs via Land Laboratories. Engineering Laboratories, a School of Nursing, a School of Public Safety Services, a Fire Tower and Burn Building, a School of Natural Resources Academic and Laboratory Building, a Nature Center, a Horse Barn and Arena, a Student Center, a Recreation Center, three resident halls, the Inn at Hocking Valley, Lake Snowden State Park, Rhapsody gourmet restaurant, and two branch campuses in New Lexington and Logan were developed under his leadership.
John served on the graduate studies faculties of the Patton College of Education at Ohio University, the Ohio University College of Business, and Wright State University’s College of Education and Human Services.
He also served as President of the Ohio College Association, and the National Post-Secondary Alliance.
John’s honors and distinctions include the Lamp of Knowledge from the American Hotel and Motel Association for his contributions to training in hotel and restaurant management, an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Ohio University for his lifetime achievements, an Honorary Degree from the Future Farmers of America for his contributions to US agriculture, Man of the Year in Technical Education for his contributions to technician education, Iota Lambda Sigma National Advanced Degree award for his contributions to Workforce Development, the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award from Phi Theta Kappa for a lifetime of service to students in higher education, and the Alumnus of the Year award from New Philadelphia High School.
He was commissioned as a Buckeye Colonel by the Ohio Militia and National Guard for his contributions to military education, and as a Kentucky Colonel for his service contributions to Shriners children’s hospitals.
He held honorary membership in Delta Sigma Pi for his work in commerce, business and finance, Alpha Beta Gamma for his support of business scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa for his contributions to advancing service and honors programs, and honorary membership in the United Mine Workers Union for his contributions to labor and labor relations. In Columbus, John served on the Board of Directors for the First National Bank, the Community Bank, and the Union Commerce Corporation. Globally, he chaired the Board of Directors of the International Field Studies Association, Andros, Bahamas. Nationally, he was appointed by two U.S. presidents to serve on the National Advisory Council of the Small Business Administration and on the National Small Business Development Center’s Board of Directors.
In retirement, John was the President of Green Light Alliance, overseeing nature conservation programs at the Barn at Pumpkin Ridge, Wildlife Sanctuary in Vinton County, Ohio.
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Isle Church.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to: Our Lady of the Isle Church, PO Box 3027, Shelter Island Heights, NY, 11965.
Bolling Randolph “Randy” Sharp III, 90, of Atlanta, Ga., died on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Bolling Randolph “Randy” Sharp
The family was there to support and witness their beloved dad make his journey to heaven, where he could join hands once again with the love of his life, Patricia. He was surrounded by his family’s love and given a beautiful send-off.
Randy was born June 8, 1929 in Far Rockaway to Bolling Randolph Jr. and Theresa Agnes Sharp. He attended Valley Stream Central High School and graduated from Canisius College in Buffalo. He was a member of the Canisius Golden Griffins basketball team from 1949 to 1952 as their 6’9” center. After graduation, he returned home to work with his dad on their commercial fishing boat, Gladys Ann, off Long Island Sound. Some of Randy’s fondest memories were the ones spent fishing with his father.
In the summer of 1956, he met and fell in love with Patricia O’Brien and they shared a beautiful marriage of 56 years.
Together they had eight children. Randy and Pat started their life together on Shelter Island before moving to Jacksonville, Fla. and then settling in Atlanta.
Randy was a lover of water. He ran the operations of three marinas on Shelter Island. After Randy and Pat relocated to Jacksonville, they spent long summer days enjoying the ocean at the Ponte Vedra Beach Club.
While living in Jacksonville, Randy was heavily involved in the Knights of Columbus and Assumption Catholic School. He served as the head of the Parent Teacher Association and was a substitute science teacher.
As the constant provider for his family, Randy ventured into selling commercial paints and coatings and was awarded the “Million Dollar Salesman” on multiple occasions from Tnemec Commercial Paintings. His sales success in the paint and coatings industry brought Randy and his family to Atlanta in 1980.
In 1991, Randy joined his sons, Randy and Lewis, in operating Premier Growers. He was an integral part of Premier’s success and was respected and beloved by employees and customers alike. He worked every day of his life until the age of 85. A devoted husband and father, Randy was a man of principle and faith. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church for 30 years and a supporter of the Georgia Right to Life and participated every year in the Right to Life march. He taught his family the most important things are to remain steadfast in one’s faith and to love one another.
He was an avid reader and a constant student of philosophy. His most cherished author was C.S. Lewis.
Since the passing of his wife, Pat, four-and-a-half years ago, Randy has been loved and cared for by all of his children and grandchildren.
Randy leaves behind seven children and their spouses, Florence (Kent) Starling, Randy (Amy) Sharp, Patty Sharp, Maureen (Damian) Burke, Lewis (Lori) Sharp, Margaret (Lauren) Hough, and Mary (John) Cantwell, 14 grandchildren, his beloved dog Katie and friend and caregiver David Browning.
He will be greatly missed by his family and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Georgia Right to Life in Remembrance of Randy Sharp, P.O. Box 2665, Norcross, GA 30091-2665; the Shelter Island P.B.A., P.O. Box 770, Shelter Island, N.Y. 11964; or Shelter Island Ambulance Foundation, P.O. Box 547, Shelter Island, N.Y. 11964.
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Meyer ‘Mike’ Osofsky
Meyer “Mike” Osofsky, a resident of Shelter Island for five decades, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 30. He was 95.
Mike was born on July 23, 1924, in Brooklyn. His parents, Harry and Jenny (Goldstein) Osofsky were Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe who arrived in New York City at the turn of the century. The second-born of eight children, Mike attended James Madison High School, where he charmed his future wife, Aileen, in their radio production class.
He played for the school basketball team and worked as a soda jerk (later he fondly recalled his mother reminding him until the end of her life about “the time he was a jerk”).
After graduating, he worked as a welder in the Brooklyn Navy Yard until being drafted into the United States Army Air Corps.
During World War II, Mike served as a member of the 451st Bombardment Group. A waist gunner on a B-24 bomber, he flew 31 missions over enemy territory, parachuting into American-controlled Italy after his plane was brought down by engine failure. When he returned to the United States in 1945, he was discharged with a rank of Technical Sergeant.
All who knew him enjoyed the war stories he would tell at every opportunity — reminding younger generations that army life had been his higher education, and that serving was the great honor of his life.
Upon returning from the war, Mike and Aileen were married and he founded a women’s wear company named for her. Popular in the postwar years, “Aileen” was publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Mike retired from the company in 1978.
Mike and Aileen first came to Shelter Island in the late 1960s. Falling in love with Hay Beach, they decided to build their dream home there alongside their friends, the Jacobs and Seidler families. Mike and Aileen selected architect Norman Jaffe, who designed all three homes. The Osofsky House is considered one of Jaffe’s signature achievements; all three were featured in the 2005 Parrish Art Museum retrospective of Jaffe’s work.
Mike and Aileen were longtime members of the Gardiner’s Bay Country Club and, along with their daughter Randy, owners of the Manhanset Chapel. In 1986, the family donated the building to the Shelter Island Historical Society.
In addition to spending summers on the Island, Mike was a longtime resident of Phoenix, Ariz. and New York City. Mike spent his later years devoted to his wife and family and to philanthropic efforts.
Aileen died in 2010 and made Shelter Island her final resting place.
Mike is survived by his brothers Herman and Joseph and sister Annette; his children, Larry and Wailin Osofsky, Randy Osofsky and Steve Kessler, and Alan and Deirdre Osofsky; his grandchildren, Anna Osofsky and Alex Rochios, Zachary and Leigh Osofsky, LuLing Osofsky, Judd Kessler and Ilana Turko, Dean and Juliana Osofsky, Ryder Kessler, and Jarema Osofsky; and seven great-grandchildren.
Mike’s ashes will be interred beside those of Aileen — the true love of his life.
Dering John Sprague
Dering John Sprague, 84, of Lawrenceville, N.J., a direct descendant of Nathaniel Sylvester Dering, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at Greenwood House, after a short illness. He died peacefully, with his children at his side.
He was born on Sept. 30, 1935, in Mineola to Dering Jay and Gertrude Alice Sprague. He graduated from high school from St. Peters Prep in Jersey City, N.J. and graduated from college with a BA, and then an MBA, from Fordham University’s School of Business. He served in the United States Army as a first lieutenant.
Dering worked as a certified public accountant for KPMG and Freeport McMoran, and later specialized in internal auditing. In the 1980s and 1990s he worked as an auditor for K. Hovnanian, and eventually, Toll Brothers Inc.
An enthusiastic fan of classical music, he collected recordings of Arturo Toscanini. Dering was also an avid reader, with Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland among his favorites.
He was married for 34 years to Maureen Anne Sprague, who passed away in 2009; she was the daughter of Arlene and Joseph Miller, of Staten Island. As a couple in the 1980s, they enjoyed being season ticketholders at the New York Philharmonic, and made a point of sharing the joys of music with their son and daughter.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Colt’s Neck, N.J., where he served for nearly 30 years on the lector staff. He also taught as part of a bible study group.
Dering is survived by his son, Dering Joseph Sprague and his partner Barbara Campbell, and his daughter, Catherine Noëlle Sprague and her husband Matthew Bisanz. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Ballard Sprague, and numerous nieces and nephews.
At the request of the family, donations can be made in his name to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
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Patricia Hally Mohlere of Sag Harbor died on Nov. 5, 2019, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. She was 73.
Known to her family and close friends as Patsy, she was a longtime member and past president of the Bridgehampton Association and volunteered for many years with St. Ann’s Episcopal Church Thrift Shop in Bridgehampton.
Born in Montclair, N.J. on March 3, 1946, the daughter of Irwin William Hally and Elizabeth Dinkel Hally, Patsy grew up in Swarthmore, Pa.
She graduated from Swarthmore High School; earned an associate’s degree at Centenary Junior College in Hackettstown, N.J. in 1966; and a bachelor’s degree in history in 1968 at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., where she met Richard Mohlere.
Patsy and Rich were married on Feb. 15, 1969 in Swarthmore, and moved to Fort Benning, Ga., where their first child, Lisabeth, was born. When the Army sent Rich to Vietnam in 1970, Patsy returned to her family’s home in Swarthmore until he returned in 1971. The couple moved to Summit, N.J., where their second and third daughters, Gretchen and Lee, were born. Patsy was an active volunteer in civic and charitable organizations there and Richard worked in finance.
The family spent every summer on Shelter Island. Patsy and Rich relocated to the East End in 1999, living on Shelter Island in the summers and Bridgehampton in the winters for seven years. After winterizing their Shelter Island house, they lived there full-time from 2006 until 2012, when they moved to Sag Harbor.
Besides her community service, Patsy was well known among family and friends for her keen sense of fashion, home decorating and gardening. Both she and Rich were celebrated by their three daughters in 2016 with a 70th birthday party at the Bridgehampton Club beach pavilion.
Besides her husband, Patsy is survived by daughters Lisabeth Harris (Derek) of Oyster Bay; Gretchen Brown (Ethan) of Wellesley, Mass.; and Lee Mohlere of Southampton; her brother, Carl Hally of Folly Beach, S.C.; and six grandchildren: Jasper, Grady and Hally Brown; Luke and India Harris; and Nina Mohlere.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 7 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 18 James Lane in East Hampton. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Bridgehampton Association at P.O. Box 507, Bridgehampton, NY 11932, and to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, for which donations may be made online.
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Joseph G. Murphy of Shelter Island died at home on Sunday, November 10, 2019. He was 92 years old.
The family has chosen to remember Joseph’s life privately.
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Joseph G. Murphy of Shelter Island died at home surrounded by his family on Sunday morning, Nov. 10, 2019, after a two year struggle with salivary melanoma. He was 92 years old. He was honored the next day (Veterans Day) at Legion Hall with the flag lowered to half-staff. He was the oldest living WW II veteran on Shelter Island at the time of his passing.
Joseph was born on March 28, 1927 in the Bronx to Bridget (nee Curran) and Joseph B. Murphy. After schooling, he joined the U.S. Navy Seabees at the age of 17 where he saw action in Okinawa and China during WW II.
After his service in the military he met the love of his life, Hilda Schutter, at a church dance in the Bronx, where they had grown up. They dated for four years while Joseph attended Hunter College on the G.I. Bill. After their marriage, they had six children and raised them in Bayside, N.Y. Hilda was friends with the past owner of Bohack (now IGA), and through that friendship, Joseph and Hilda became involved in Shelter Island. They fell in love with the Island in 1960 and built a home in Silver Beach in 1961. The two of them had been coming to the Island for the past 60 years and moved to Shelter Island permanently in 2004.
Joseph worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield for 42 years, retiring as the director of National Sales.
Predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Hilda, and his granddaughter Kirstin Zabel, Joseph is survived by his children Christopher, David, Matthew, Claudia, Stephen and Paul; grandchildren Brendan, Miles, Joseph II, Blaize, Elliot and Erin; and great-grandsons Odin and Lukas.
There will be a private family ceremony of spreading Joseph’s and Hilda’s ashes. This will be followed by a celebration of their lives at the American Legion Mitchell Post 281 on Shelter Island on Saturday, Dec. 7th from 1 to 4 P.M where all are welcome to attend.
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COURTESY PHOTO Dorothy Seiberling
Dorothy Seiberling, a longtime resident of Shelter Island, died on Nov. 23 in Wilmington, Del. She was 97.
Ms. Seiberling was president of the Shelter Island Friends of Music for 22 years and was on the board of the Nature Conservancy’s Mashomack Preserve. She would often take visitors on various biking excursions around the Island, for a swim in the bay, to check on the pipers at Hay Beach or to admire other neighbors’ gardens.
Her love of nature was instilled as a child as she and her siblings played among the famed gardens of Stan Hywet Hall, the Seiberling family home in Akron, Ohio. The historic country estate, now a museum, was built by her grandfather, F.A. Seiberling, founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., and his wife, Gertrude, also an avid gardener.
Before retiring to the south peninsula of Shelter Island in 1981, Ms. Seiberling was an influential magazine editor. As art editor of Life, she gave 20th century artists such as Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keefe and Robert Rauschenberg a platform for wider consideration. She interviewed Pollock for the piece, “Is he the greatest living painter in the United States?”
Born Dorothy Buckler Lethbridge Seiberling to J. Frederick and Henrietta Buckler Seiberling on March 7, 1922, she was the youngest of three children. A talented painter, dancer, pianist, and skater, she attended Vassar College, like her sister Mary and her mother Henrietta, who was the cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Her sister, Mary S. Huhn, died in 2018. Her brother, former Ohio congressman John F. Seiberling, died in 2008.
After graduating from Vassar in 1943, Ms. Seiberling moved to New York City to join Time-Life Magazines as a researcher. She worked her way up to senior arts editor at Life in 1965.
“Her career at Life was a stellar example of what a determined woman could do at a time when women were not treated equally,” said Grace Seiberling, her cousin and art professor at the University of Rochester. “Life provided more opportunities, but kept shifting her from department to department, before she finally was able to work in the art department where she became its head.”
At Life, she helmed special-year-end issues on the Bible (1964), Picasso (1968), and Christmas (1972).
When Life folded in 1972, Ms. Seiberling joined former colleague Clay Felker at his newly formed New York magazine as executive editor. In the mid-70s, she left New York to be deputy editor of the New York Times Magazine.
Throughout her career, Ms. Seiberling worked with some of journalism’s luminaries, including Life’s Henry Luce and the Times’ Abe Rosenthal.
In 1962, Ms. Seiberling married renowned art historian Leo Steinberg. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1969. Eight years later, she reconnected with Sidney Stiber, an old admirer who had heard she had divorced. The couple was married in 1987. Mr. Stiber died in 2013.
Ms. Seiberling had no children, but was close to her nieces and nephews. They — and many of their friends — all knew her as Aunt Babe. Generous and social, she hosted many festive Thanksgivings for her brother’s and sister’s families in Manhattan, as well as beach vacations at her previous home in Westhampton Beach. She and Mr. Stiber arranged art-inspired trips to Italy and England for friends, colleagues and members of her extended family.
“She was one of the most remarkable people I have ever known. She had many, many outstanding traits,” said close friend and fellow Shelter Island resident Jerry Glassberg. “These wonderful traits are often present in individuals, but to have them all in one person is truly incredible,” added Mr. Glassberg, who authored a book about Ms. Seiberling’s family. “Even with the advent of her dementia, we could still have long, meaningful and pleasant conversations.”
Dorothy Seiberling was also an avid art collector. From fine to folk, she collected without any other pretense than the love of all art and a desire to support artists she admired. Recently, she donated dozens of pieces from her personal collection — including works by Picasso, Fairfield Porter, Patrick Henry Bruce, Rauschenberg, Christo and Claes Oldenburg — to the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College.
“Her interests were far-ranging, and her language always elegant and keen — every conversation was interesting and somehow instructive,” said Jim Jordan, who met her through being members of the Mashomack board. “She was a force for art, music and nature — for life in all its beauty.”
Shelter Island Friends of Music (SIFM) will acknowledge her passing and contributions at a concert in May. “We are so fortunate that Dorothy devoted 22 years of demanding artistic integrity to the Friends of Music,” said Forrest Compton, president of SIFM. “The success we have today is a direct result of her inspiring leadership.”
Ms. Seiberling is survived by one niece and six nephews — Curtis Huhn, George Huhn, Mary Maddox Huhn, William Huhn, John B. Seiberling, David Seiberling and Stephen Seiberling.
A celebration of her life will be held in Brooklyn early next year. In lieu of flowers, donations to the B+ Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association are suggested.
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Robert D. Gundlach
Robert D. Gundlach of Shelter Island died at home on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. He was 95 years old.
The family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 16 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at The Shelter Island Funeral Home, 23 West Neck Road.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. at The Shelter Island Presbyterian Church, 32 North Ferry Road, officiated by Reverend Robert Griffin.
Interment with U.S. Military Honors will follow at Emily French Cemetery.
Cynthia P. Labrozzi
Cynthia P. Labrozzi of Shelter Island died at home on Monday, December 9, 2019. She was 77 years old.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 2:00 P.M. at the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Robert Griffin.
Interment will follow at the Shelter Island Cemetery behind the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations to East End Hospice, Post Office Box 1048,
Westhampton Beach, New York 11978-7048 would be appreciated.
The Shelter Island Funeral Home is serving the family.
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Robert D. Gundlach of Shelter Island died at home on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. He was 95 years old.
Robert was born on May 10, 1924 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Dorothy A. (nee Southwood) and Harry E. Gundlach.
He graduated from Haaren High School in Manhattan. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served for two years during World War II, attaining the rank of corporal.
On April 9, 1949, he married the love of his life, Edythe B. (nee Sherman) Gundlach and together they had three children, eventually making their home on Shelter Island where they have resided for the past 30 years.
Robert was a member of the American Legion. He was also a member of the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church and the choir there. He worked as an Insurance Underwriter for Travelers Insurance in Garden City, N.Y.
He is survived by his wife Edythe; children Janis Maracic (Jim) of Franklin Square; Nancy Levine (Ira) of Franklin Square; and Steven Gundlach (Lynne) of Towaco, New Jersey; grandchildren Lisa Maracic, Timothy Maracic, Samuel Gundlach, and Rachel Gundlach.
The family received friends on Monday, Dec. 16 at The Shelter Island Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at The Shelter Island Presbyterian Church, officiated by Reverend Robert Griffin.
Interment with U.S. Army Honors was at Emily French Cemetery.
Leesa “Ha Ha” Schneidman
Leesa Schneidman died on Dec. 13, 2019.
Born on March 23, 1963, she is survived by her brother Lou “The Flying Jew” and numerous relatives from the Schneidman, McErlean and Kaset families, as well as some amazing friends for over 40 years, her family said.
Leesa unknowingly and unselfishly began building her legacy here on Shelter Island around 1991. She uplifted the hearts of everyone she touched through her unique and professional style of service that might be equaled but never surpassed. She left the world a better place, her family noted.
She will be missed and remembered for a very long time. Family and friends are planning a celebration of Leesa’s life to be held in the spring on Shelter Island.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ronald McDonald House would be greatly appreciated. Send to Ronald McDonald House New York, 405 East 73rd St. New York, NY 10021.
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TIM PURTELL PHOTO
There are a couple of old sayings that sum up our feelings when important people in our lives pass away. The ranks are thinning, you will hear, as well as that the cemeteries are filled with irreplaceable people. Both statements are true and untrue since every day people pick up a fallen standard. Even though we’re diminished by the deaths of those who have dedicated their unique lives to doing good, there are always others who are ready to replace them.
A family mourns loved ones who are gone, and a community also can mourn the loss of people who thinned the ranks through their passing.
This year on Shelter Island we saw people in our community who were not defined by bottom lines, but by the service and spirit they gave to all of us.
We remember Barbara Lee “Buzzy” Clark for her commitment to Shelter Island, and the countless hours and the effort she gave to the The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 281, the Shelter Island Coecles Harbor Association, the Shelter Island Association and as a founding member of the Shelter Island branch of The League of Women Voters. We remember her support for many progressive causes, including social justice, women’s rights, the arts and music.
And most of all, we remember her dazzling smile.
Others who gave selflessly to better their neighbors and their community are Dorothy Dickerson Clark, Timothy Bohen, Dot Ross, Edwin “Sherman” Payne, George Blados and Howard Jackson, one of our Island’s oldest veterans and strongest supporters of the American Legion Mitchell Post 281.
We also remember Elizabeth Pederson, the guiding light of the Shelter Island Historical Society, and Al Bevan, who along with his wife, Tippi, ran the Food Pantry out of the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church, which brought comfort and support to the less fortunate among us.
And one of the great friends to this paper, Joseph Murphy, who supported us, and offered welcome criticism, with his wit, gentleness and generosity of friendship, will truly be missed by the Reporter staff.
We ask forgiveness for not mentioning all the Islanders who passed away in 2019 who lived life to the full and made a difference in our lives.
Emily Dickinson summed it up:
Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.
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