March 5, 1942 – Feb. 13, 2024

The acclaimed North Fork artist Thomas Lulevitch of Southold passed away on Feb. 13, 2024. He was 81 years old and died peacefully at home. He continued to draw and create art until the day before he passed.

He is survived by his partner and wife of 44 years, Sue Llewellyn; his brother Edward Lulevitch of California; his sister Kathleen Bier of Florida; nephew Edward Lulevitch 2nd of Philadelphia; nieces Janice and Donna Lulevitch and eight grand nieces and nephews. 

Thomas (Tom) was born in Philadelphia in 1942. He moved to Cherry Hill, N.J., and attended St Peters Grammar School for boys from 1948 to 1956. He then studied at Bishop Eustace Catholic Prep School from 1956 to 1960. He went on to attend the University of Dayton, Ohio, where he studied art from 1960 to 1962. He completed both a BA degree in Fine Art  and Graphic Design MFA at Philadelphia School of Fine Art (now University of the Arts) from 1962 to1965. In addition he studied and illustrated gross anatomy at the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.

In 1967 Thomas served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and spent two years as a Marine Medic in the Navy’s dental department. During this time he sketched in the grounds of the Academy so relentlessly that the Rear Admiral asked him what he was doing. Upon seeing the illustrations, Tom was allowed access to draw where he chose.

From 1965 to the early 1980s, Tom studied all forms of art, including graphic design and illustration with Milton Glaser at the School of Visual Arts; illustration and life drawing with James McMullen, best known for his Lincoln Center posters, and typography with the legendary Herb Lubalin. Tom was a member of the Society of Illustrators and the New York Art Directors Club.

Throughout his life, he continued to study and fine tune his image-making skills using an extensive array of mediums. At the Pratt Institute, Tom studied etching/aquatint and lithography. At the Center for Book Arts, he studied bookbinding and book restoration. At the NYU School for Sacred Arts, he studied manuscript illumination and gold leafing with Karen Gorst. At Parsons School of Design (now the New School) he studied silkscreen. At the Vancouver Film School in Canada, he studied film animation.

Tom lived in Manhattan for many years and worked as a freelance illustrator for numerous magazines, books and newspapers including The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Harper’s Magazine, the Boston Globe, Manhattan, inc, The New York Observer, the Yale and Harvard Review magazines, Fortune and Time.

He illustrated the international best selling book series “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” and garnered awards from The Society of Illustrators, The Art Directors Club of New York, Communication Arts, Print and Graphics Magazines.

Tom filmed and interviewed over 40 internationally known art, design and photography directors  to discuss the world of Book and Publication Design. This was to benefit the students that he taught, but the films were also shown at New York Art Directors Club and the Society of Publication Designers events.

In 1994 Tom and his wife Sue, moved to Vancouver where he became the Head of Department of Graphic Design at The University College of the Fraser Valley. However, New York was never far from their thoughts and they returned to the city. Tom then taught Illustration at Parsons School of Design and Graphic Design at Baruch College until he retired. 

Eventually, Tom and his wife moved to Southold permanently after being part time since 1992. It was here on the North Fork that Tom became a full time painter (mainly using egg oil tempera on gessoed panels and larger works in acrylic on hand made paper and oil on linen). 

He created an astonishing series of oil paintings featuring NOFO vineyards and various historic spots of the East End. His art was exhibited on the North and South Forks, in Manhattan and in the UK. Tom’s egg oil emulsion triptych of King John was chosen for the Canterbury Festival, UK to celebrate the 800-year anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carter in 1215. The painting now hangs in a 16th century Alms building in Kent, UK.

Tom’s legacy of his NoFo period is a body of oil paintings, intricate bookbinding projects, a 120-plus collection of personal sketch books, decorated gold-leafed stones of NoFo, handmade lacquered sundials and hand painted boxes which all honor the beauty the North Fork, the area he dearly loved and his final place of rest.

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Germaine Brennan Vindigni of East Marion passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the age of 88.

Born in Tangent, Alberta, Canda, she was raised on Staten Island and graduated from New Dorp High School. While both a student and employed by the Dean of Students at Wagner College, Germaine met her future husband Salvatore Vindigni, whom she married in June 1956. Following Sal’s two-year service in the U.S. Marine Corps, they moved to Greenport in 1958 and gradually relocated to East Marion in 1966 where they raised their four children: Dan, Sally, Frank and Joanie.

As their children started to attend school, Germaine returned to college to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Southampton College in the early 1970s. She was subsequently employed by the Social Security Administration starting in 1978 and eventually promoted to supervisor, serving for the next 30 years in the Patchogue and Riverhead offices. Always seeking to improve herself, Germaine attended graduate school and earned her MBA from SUNY Stony Brook in the 1990s. Following retirement in 2008, Germaine remained active as a volunteer both at St. Agnes and in the community.

In addition to her children, Germaine is survived by grandchildren Tim and Matt Vindigni, and Katie and Sarah Miesner. She was predeceased by her husband Sal, grandson Bobby, and son-in-law Kenneth Miesner.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 23 at 10 a.m. at Saint Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport, officiated by Father Peter Narkiewicz. Interment will follow at East Marion Cemetery where Germaine will be laid to rest with her husband Salvatore who passed in 2002.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Bobby’s Books at Floyd Memorial Library, 539 First Street, Greenport, N.Y. 11944 or East End Hospice, PO Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, N.Y. 11978-7048 would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Judith Diane Finn, 80, formerly of Laurel, N.Y. and of recent years Jupiter, Fla. Judy passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.

Judy was wonderful mother, grandmother and friend that loved the theater, ballet, travel and animals. She had life long friendships that spanned many years. Judy had a caring soul that she shared with the world, a deep love of animals and a steadfast loyalty to her friends and family. 

Judy was a devoted educator for Mattituck School District, teaching mathematics for many years at Mattituck High School and later as an administrator for the same school district.

Per her wishes there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society.

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Kevin Joseph Monahan passed away quietly on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at home surrounded by his family after fighting a 25-year battle with Agent Orange. He was 72.

He was the son of the late Charles and Doris (Burke) Monahan of Mattituck, leaving behind his wife Diane (Winiarz); sons Kevinbrian (Judy) of Newburgh, N.Y., and Donovan (Sasha) of Kauneonga Lake, N.Y.; brothers Charles (Sally) of South Carolina and Joseph (Diane) of Missouri and Michael and Lot of Mattituck; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Kevin graduated from Mattituck High School and joined the Navy of the USS San Jose in California. He returned home in 1975 as E5 Machinist Mate. Thereafter he married Diane and moved to Sullivan County to attend Sullivan County Community College-Culinary.

Over the years, Kevin worked in numerous hotels and restaurants. His specialties were soups and sauces. His last employment was as a chef and cook at the Center for Discovery.

Kevin loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, gardening and traveling. In his later years, Kevin and sons opened “Big Kev’s BBQ,” named after Kevin, in White Lake, N.Y.

He was a member of the VFW and Kansas City BBQ Society. We will always remember his cheery “Helloooo,” when answering the phone. So now we say a fond farewell.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the veterans or a charity of one’s choice is requested.

A memorial visitation was held at Colonial Ramsay Funeral Home in Kauneonga Lake. on March 16. A funeral service was held at the funeral home with Father Ben Zirra. Interment followed at Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements were under the care of Colonial Ramsay Funeral Home.

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Ellen Levin Wiederlight of New Suffolk passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024. She was 69 years old.

Ellen was born on Feb. 11, 1955, in Greenport to Donna Lenore (née Downing) and Jack J. Levin. She was raised on the East End along with her three siblings. After high school, she attended several colleges and eventually graduated from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where she attained her bachelor’s degree.

On Dec. 21, 1975, Ellen married the love of her life, Fredrick Marc Wiederlight at the Huntington Town House in Huntington, N.Y. Together they had two children.

In her professional career, Ellen worked in the hospitality industry for 45 years. She was the owner/operator of the Soundview Inn, Sunset Motel and Terrace Cottage Colony. At one point in time, she was named the Suffolk Times Businessperson of the Year. She was also a member of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Greenport.

She was a very hardworking individual, but above all else, she will be remembered as an amazing mother, dedicated spouse and loyal sibling.

Predeceased by her parents, Jack and Donna; brother Andrew Levin; and brother-in-law Michael Murphy; Ellen is survived by her husband, Fredrick Marc; children Martha Hansen (Johne) of Mattituck and Joseph Wiederlight of Seattle, Wash.; grandchildren Byrce Hansen, Drew Hansen and Trey Hansen; and siblings Jody Levin of Southold and Rachel Levin Murphy of Southold.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 20, from 3 to 6 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, where funeral services will be held at 5 p.m., officiated by Rabbi Howard Diamond.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at mskcc.org, LUNGevity Foundation at lungevity.org or Dylan Newman Forever 5 at dylannewmanforever5.org would be appreciated.

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Robert E. Shaw of Laurel died Sunday, March 17, 2024. He was 69.

The family will receive visitors Friday, March 22, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, where Mattituck Fire Department and Hauppauge Fire Department services will be held at 7:30 p.m.

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Elvis F. Abad of Mattituck died March 14, 2024. He was 39.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, March 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. The funeral service will be held graveside at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, at Sterling Cemetery in Greenport.

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Donald A. Alfano of Southold passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024. He was 83.

The family will receive friends Monday, March 25 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Southold, officiated by Father John Barrett.

Interment will follow at Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Southold.

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Michael M. Sueiro died in hospice care at San Simeon in Greenport on March 22, 2024.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; son Michael; and daughter Bonnie Jean Whalen (Rob). He grew up in Whitestone, Queens and attended Bayside High School (1953). Mike received a degree in engineering from Hofstra University and a master’s degree in education from Adelphi University. As a member of the ROTC during his college years, Mike went on to join the Army Reserve in 1959, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel before receiving his honorable discharge in 1995.

After having worked for Potter, Reeves, Hazeltine and Gyrodyne, Mike worked for 28 years for the Three Village Central School district in both the North Country and Nassekeag buildings, teaching fifth and sixth grades. He retired from teaching in 1993.

A 55-plus-year member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, he was active in boater education courses, patrols, and participated in a number of rescues.

Mike was an able craftsman, oft to be found in his home wood shop, producing all manner of cabinets, tables, clocks and other assorted furniture.

An avid boater, Mike enjoyed spending summers with his family cruising the waters around Greenport and Shelter Island.

He was president of the Stirling Cove Board of directors and also sat on the board of the Cleaves Point property owners association.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Tunnel to Towers, Wounded Warriors, U.S. Coast Guard, or the military organization of your choice.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport.

The funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport.

Burial will follow Mass at Calverton National Cemetery.

Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport is assisting the family.

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Robert E. Taylor of Mattituck died March 16, 2024, at Peconic Landing in Greenport.

Born in New York City May 21, 1932, he was the son of Frank H. and Mary Alice Hubbs Taylor.

Mr. Taylor served in the U.S. Army Radio Signal Corps from 1951 to 1954, during the Korean War, attaining the rank of corporal.

He won the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars, Meritorious Unit Emblem, United Nations Service Medal and the ROK Presidential Unit Citation and two overseas bars.

Family say he enjoyed model train collecting, kayaking and biking.

Mr. Taylor  is survived by his brother, Norman D. Taylor of Tempe, Ariz., and his sister, Margaret Taylor Ross of Cary, N.C.

Mr. Taylor will be buried at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington, N.Y.

Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport assisted the family.

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[Barbara] Lynn “Lynny” Tonnessen of Mattituck passed away at home Monday, March 11, 2024. She was 71 years old.

Lynn was born Jan. 11, 1953, in Staten Island, N.Y. to Joan (Tolnes) and Trygve M. Tonnessen. She was one of two children. She graduated from Curtis High School in Staten Island with the class of 1970. After high school, she attended Wagner College, where she attained her Bachelor of Arts degree. Prior to settling in Mattituck in the early 2000s, she lived in all the boroughs.

Lynn was as New Yorker as they come. In her voice and laugh, in her world view (She adored people and cultures), and in her energy and creativeness. Her sister-in-law, also a New Yorker, said she once witnessed Lynn step in front of four lanes of oncoming traffic downtown, throw out her hand and proceed forward. She was a proud union worker for set design from TV commercials and shows to major motion pictures to series. Lynn knew what was behind the obscure signless doors, where she’d climb stairs to entire apartments filled top to bottom with afghans, rugs, spoons and silver and she’d pick out one item and then run back to set and she’d place it. She knew New York City better than most. One Christmas she was in charge of the floral arrangements for the major churches in the city. Lynn had lived in Kenya with giraffes, lived on a houseboat in Manhattan and wore animal printed clothing, almost always with a scarf and certainly always with a cigarette in hand. You could hear her laugh or booming voice before you could see her.

Lynn then opened a small house goods store, Main Road Home, in rural Long Island (Cutchogue). The store closed due to the recession but she herself said she was a bad businesswoman because of the thrill of talking to people, hearing about their spaces and wanting them to leave with something special, so she often gave things away or sold them for less.

Lynn fostered and rehabilitated street dogs, which is how she got her last dog Sally who she couldn’t part with. She had one designer dog, a cocker spaniel named Olivia, with designer dog haircuts and outfits, who met the stars on all the sets. In Mattituck her heart and brain child was a dog show but for everyday dogs — the Cutchogue Canine Classic at Borghese Vineyards.

Lynn is survived by her brother, Peter Tonnessen of Arkansas; niece Britt Tonnessen (and beloved husband, Zane Jones, along with a baby girl on the way) of Alaska; and nephew Karl Tonnessen (and his two daughters) of Montana.

The family has chosen to remember Lynn’s life privately at this time. DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is serving the family.

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John Galt Fisher Jr., lovingly called Jay, passed away peacefully in his home in Midland Park, N.J. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, after a long and courageous fight with cancer. 

Jay was born to Frances Ridley Williams and John Galt Fisher on March 12, 1960. He is survived by his sister Nancy Gay Fisher and her husband, Frederick Endemann; by his sister Sandra Lee Fisher and her husband, Richard Gannon; and by his daughter Kate Fisher Sipala and her husband, Mike Sipala, and granddaughters, Juliana and Olivea Sipala; and by his daughter Megan Elizabeth Fisher. 

Jay grew up on the North Fork of Long Island, spending his youth and adulthood sailing, loving boats, working with cars and listening to The Grateful Dead.

Jay is also survived by his loving partner, Denise Spell, and her family. And just as importantly as all the humans, Jay is survived by The Cat, a stray who surreptitiously entered Jay’s and Denise’s house one day and never left. 

Denise and Jay met in 2017 and created a life of love and devotion from the moment their eyes connected until he took his last breath. Jay’s friends and family will miss him dearly and without end. And Cat will miss him most of all.

A viewing and memorial service to celebrate Jay’s life will be held on Friday, March 29, at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, N.J. The family will receive visitors from 2 to 5 p.m., and a brief service will begin at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.

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Kathleen Ann Diller of Central Islip and formerly of Southold died Sunday, March 24, 2024. She was 81.

The family will receive visitors Saturday, April 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the visitation at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Patrick’s R. C. Church in Southold, officiated by Father John Barrett.

Interment will follow at Saint Patrick’s R. C. Cemetery in Southold.

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Kathleen Ann Diller of Central Islip, and formerly of Southold, passed away at home on Sunday, March 24, 2024. She was 81 years old.

Kathleen was born on Aug. 20, 1942 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. to Kathleen V. (née Malone) and John J. Diller. She was an only child. After high school, she attended Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y. where she attained her bachelor’s degree. In her professional career, she worked as an Elementary School teacher for the Bay Shore School District in Bay Shore, N.Y. She was also a member of Saint Peter the Apostle R.C. Church in Islip Terrace, N.Y.

Predeceased by her parents; Kathleen is survived by cousins Michael J. Malone, John “Jack” Diller, Christopher Karamitsos (and his wife Kathy) and Kathleen Healy Gillen (and her husband Michael and children Michael and Jacqueline).

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the visitation at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Patrick’s R. C. Church in Southold, officiated by Father John Barrett. Interment will follow at Saint Patrick’s R. C. Cemetery in Southold.

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Harriet Vogel of Cutchogue passed away at home Wednesday, March 27, 2024. She was 89.

The family will receive friends Monday, April 1 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 2 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Reverend Gregory Sutterlin.

Interment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery where Harriet will be laid to rest with her late husband Carl W. Vogel.

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In memory of Pamela Denise Champlin, born Dec. 20, 1958, departed March, 22, 2024.

Survived by her loving parents, Bill and Rosemary Hughes of Mattituck; her sister- and brother-in-law; her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a delightful collection of angels. 

For the last two decades she has called Buffalo home and family has been a zealous Bills fan. 

Pam made friends wherever she went and found peace in nature — wooded walks and ocean beaches. She was a consummate napper and avid reader.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests anyone interested make a donation of a book to “The Little Library” nearest them. A private service will be held to honor her in Mattituck.

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Martha Jane Paul of Cutchogue died March 23, 2024. She was 98.

The family will receive visitors Sunday, April 14, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 15, at 11 a.m. at Mattituck Presbyterian Church, officiated by Pastor James Cubie.

Interment will follow at Cutchogue Cemetery.

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Harriet Vogel, longtime Cutchogue resident, passed away at home Wednesday, March 27, 2024. She was 89 years old.

Harriet was born Feb. 26, 1935, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Adeline (Schwartz) and Henry Mensing. She was one of three children.

On Sept. 14, 1957, in Queens, N.Y., she married the love of her life, Carl W. Vogel. Together they had three children. Before moving to Cutchogue 25 years ago, Harriet had lived in Holbrook, N.Y., from 1970 to 1995. She worked at Sears in Lake Grove, N.Y., for 15 years.

Predeceased by her husband, Carl; son, Carl Jr.; sister Eileen VanAken; and brother-in-law Frank Rasweiler, Harriet is survived by her children Lisa Drake (Charles Jr.) of Leland, N.C. and Diane DeMato (Daniel) of Cutchogue; daughter-in-law Debra Vogel of Medford, N.Y.; grandchildren Erik Vogel, Christina Domitrovits, Jessica Qirici, Jacqueline Drake, Kevin Vogel, Charles Drake III and Lisa Drake; great-grandchildren Sophia Smith, Kristian Qirici, Conor Domitrovits and Georgia Qirici; sister Marie Rasweiler of East Northport, N.Y.; brother-in-law Bruce VanAken of Florida; nephews Frank Rasweiler and Brian VanAken; and niece Michele Messina.

The family received friends April 1 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, where funeral services were held April 2, officiated by the Rev. Gregory Sutterlin. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery, where Harriet was laid to rest with her late husband, Carl.

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Elvis F. Abad of Mattituck died March 14, 2024. He was 39.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, March 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. The funeral service will be held graveside at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, at Sterling Cemetery in Greenport.

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A funeral Mass for Jamesport resident Joseph L. Ferrigno will be held Friday, April 12, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Mattituck.

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