Reginald Frederick Tuthill went home to be with our Lord in the comfort of his Orient home at age 88 on Aug. 2, 2024. Reg’s greatest joys were spending time with his beloved family, all things Orient/Greenport, Oysterponds oysters, helping others, warm sunshine (especially in Puerto Rico), fishing and finding good deals. He was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, sibling and friend.

Reg was a lifelong learner, entrepreneur and consummate salesman/storyteller who cherished every day he walked this earth. He will be remembered for his contagious smile, tireless work ethic, sense of humor, determination to overcome obstacles, a wonderful laugh and his harmonious whistling. He will be missed beyond words by all who knew him, and he leaves a legacy of accomplishment and encouraging greatness in others.

Born April 11, 1936, Reg was the fourth of nine children born to Leroy Winfield Tuthill of Greenport and Elizabeth Halsey Tuthill of Shelter Island. Reg grew up in Greenport and exhibited a strong work ethic from an early age, delivering newspapers before school, junking (copper, iron, lead) from Greenport World War II businesses, pumping gas at his brother Roy’s station, tending bar at Shelter Island Yacht Club, fishing with the Fiedler brothers, and was member of the Greenport Fire Department and their race team.

Reg graduated from Greenport High School, where he was an exceptional athlete in baseball, basketball, track and football, coached under the famed Dory Jackson. He was the first in his family to attend college. After Ithaca College, he started a lifelong sales career at Air Express International, an air freight corporation founded by his beloved mentor, Chester M. Mayer.

Reg met the love of his life, Ruth Pauline Tuthill, who summered in Orient, on the Greenport High School tennis court one summer during his college years. After dating long distance, they married on Aug. 19, 1962, at the Greenport Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. The couple started their married life in Garden City and celebrated the births of their three children Julia, John, and Carolyn. They spent weekends in Orient with their parents and extended family, never tiring of fishing, clamming and all the joys of Orient. The demands of Reg’s international sales career at AEI led them to move to Orient full-time to raise their family in 1972.

Reg and Ruth became an integral part of the Orient community over the next 52 years. Reg was a member of Orient Congregational Church, serving as trustee, finance committee member and church supper chef. He was also a member of Orient Yacht Club and the Oysterponds Historical Society, working tirelessly on its Webb House $100,000 restoration campaign, as well as organizing an annual pig roast fundraiser for many years. Reg was also a strong advocate for Orient’s precious water aquifer. In Greenport, Reg was co-founder and partner of the former Dominico & Tuthill Antiques business and a member of the Chinese Yacht Club.

After a successful 35-plus-year career in air freight, Reg retired to Orient. It didn’t take long for his entrepreneurial spirit to stir up in the creation of Oysterponds Shellfish Company, partnering with marine biology teacher John Holzapfel and brother-in-law Lyle Tuthill, starting an oyster farm in Orient. Oyster farming became Reg’s retirement passion and his legacy continues with the next generation.

Reg is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Pauline Tuthill; his beloved three children: Julia Tuthill Mulligan (Casey) of Chicago, Ill., John Halsey Tuthill (Martha) of Orient and Carolyn Tuthill Bozzuto (Kosta) of Atlanta, Ga.; 10 grandchildren: Jackson Bryant Mulligan, Marcus James Mulligan, John Casey Mulligan, Elizabeth (Ella) Grace Mulligan, Maeve Ruthelaine Mulligan, Brian Joseph Tuthill, Sarah Jean Tuthill Stallone (Nick), Kathleen Ruth Tuthill, Matthew John Tuthill and Julianna Athena Bozzuto; five siblings: Florence Horton of Orient, Halsey Tuthill of Carmel, N.Y., Lucile Koutnik (John) of Houston, Texas, Betty Jane Gatti of Ossining, N.Y., and David Tuthill (Jane) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and brother-in-law Lyle Tuthill (Carol) of Tavares, Fla.

Reg was predeceased by his father, LeRoy Winfield Tuthill (1986); his mother, Elizabeth Halsey Tuthill (1990); and siblings LeRoy Donald Tuthill (1991), Joan Tuthill Miller (2013) and Carol Ann Tuthill Taplin (2020).

Our family welcomes friends to gather Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at Orient Congregational Church for a Celebration of Life service officiated by the Rev. Dr. Ann Van Cleef, followed by a poolside reception at the Tuthill home in Orient.

Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Reg’s memory to Orient Congregational Church, P.O. Box 425, Orient, NY 11957; Oysterponds Historical Society, P.O. Box 70, Orient, NY 11957; or Orient Fire Department, P.O. Box 130, Orient, NY 11957.

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Rita Lorraine Stathis of Southold, registered nurse and co-owner of Wego Fishing Bait and Tackle in Southold, died suddenly Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. She was 37.

The family will receive visitors Friday, Aug. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

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

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Longtime Orient resident Patricia J. Douglass died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. She was 71.

The family has chosen to remember Patricia’s life privately at this time with a Celebration of Life service to be held at a later date.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold is assisting the family.

A complete obituary will follow.

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Eugene ‘Gene’ K. Jordan, age 76, a man of dignity and unyielding devotion to his family, sadly left this world on the morning of Saturday, July 27.

Born in Astoria, New York, Gene attended St. Helena High School, where he befriended his wife-to-be. A graduate of Iona College turned entrepreneur spanning retail to restaurant to electrical contracting, Gene embodied courage, fortitude, and exceptional intelligence. He was a man of unflinching focus, indefatigable drive and good old-fashioned hard work and ‘can-do’ attitude. Of his many accomplishments and honorable attributes, none were more impressive and noteworthy than the love, devotion and adoration Gene had for his beautiful bride of 52 years, Gia, with whom he helped build and support a family with pure heart, patience, forgiveness, understanding and dedication. These foundational values will endure, strengthen and grow in the years to come through his children and grandchildren.

Operating every day of his life with immense compassion and mutual respect for humankind, Gene’s generosity knew no bounds, be it time, money or understanding. He was a man of indomitable spirit that he extended not just to his family and friends, but to everyone around him. Despite the discomforts life sometimes afforded him, he offered only warmth in the sunshine of his smile, hope in the clear blue skies of his eyes and levity in his light-hearted and well-timed humor and wit. 

He will be remembered, honored and celebrated through his beautiful and equally devoted wife, Gia Jordan his “buddy” and forever grateful son, Brendan Jordan, his “little girl” and favorite daughter, Christine Higgins; an equally devoted son-in-law, Shawn Higgins, who Gene greatly respected, and three exceptional grandchildren over whom he doted, Hannah Higgins, Andrew Higgins and Avery Higgins. Gene is also survived by his four loving brothers and three loving sisters — Mary Ann Searby, James Jordan, Thomas Jordan, Loretta Grenga, Gerard Jordan, Denis Jordan and Ronnie Blondi — and the countless friends he made over the years that he truly considered family. 

Gene will live in the hearts and minds of the many loved ones graced by his gift of presence. No expanse of time could have been long enough to capture all the glory that was such a devoted husband, father, grand-father, brother and friend. Gene’s family and friends will forever miss their rock, champion and stalwart commander.

“Goodnight, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

We love you.

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Rita Lorraine Stathis of Southold passed away suddenly at home on Monday, August 5, 2024. She was 37 years old.

Rita was born on Sept. 8, 1986 in Huntington to Elizabeth A. and Christopher Stathis. She was one of two children. After graduating from Southold High School, Rita attended Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, N.Y. attaining her bachelor’s degree and graduating from there with honors.

Not only was Rita a dedicated registered nurse at Stony Brook University Hospital, she also courageously took on the responsibility of running Wego Fishing Bait and Tackle in Southold, following the recent passing of her step-father Steven Sponza; a role she approached with great pride and love in honor of his memory.

Rita’s generosity and kindness touched many lives, and her early departure leaves a profound void. She will be deeply, deeply missed.

She is survived by her parents, Christopher and Elizabeth Stathis; her sister and best friend, Margaret Stathis; many aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends and her beloved companion, Tino.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Aug. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Saint Patrick’s R.C. Cemetery in Southold.

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Chester R. Albertson, formerly of Southold, passed away at home July 12, 2024.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Anna; his children Diane Albertson (John), Ed Albertson (Pam) and Bill Albertson (Barbara); grandchildren Rachel Yoder, Darlene Yoder, Holly Albertson, Justin Stevenson, Aliya Moon and Kalee Stevenson; and numerous delightful great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Brud and Libby Albertson, and older sister Joan Rogers.

Chet and Anna retired from Southold to Earlysville, Va., in 1993. They spent their retirement years traveling the country in their motor home, visiting family and friends, attending NASCAR races and making new friends. 

Chet was not one to sit idle. He was a mechanic, metalworker, woodworker, handyman, woodsman and tinkerer and could pretty much repair or make anything. 

He was a retired member of Southold Fire Department’s Packard Hose Company.

A service and burial are planned for Southold in October.

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Geraldine Hulse of Aquebogue passed away at home Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. She was 95.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Aug. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Old Steeple Community Church on Route 25 in Aquebogue.

Interment will follow at the Aquebogue Cemetery across the street.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Old Steeple Community Church would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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JoAnn Elizabeth Auwaerter, 86, of Bayport and Cutchogue, died on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024.

JoAnn was raised in Bayside and Wantagh, and graduated from Bishop McDonald High School in Brooklyn. She received her undergraduate degree in education at Hofstra University and a master’s in education from Adelphi University. JoAnn taught elementary school in the Bayport-Blue Point public schools for nearly 30 years, primarily teaching kindergarten at Sylvan Avenue Elementary. She also worked alongside her husband, Gisbert, at Bayport Flower Houses, a fourth-generation family business.

JoAnn was the heart of the Auwaerter family. Among her passions were her book club, gardening, cooking and spending time with her nine grandchildren. She was a devoted member of her church and a fierce opponent in the game Rummikub.

JoAnn is survived by her husband, Gisbert; and her four children, Paul and his wife, Karen, of Lutherville, Md.; John and his wife, Kate, of Syracuse, N.Y.; Karl and his wife, Amy, of Blue Point; and Christine Saroka and her husband, Les, also of Blue Point; as well as her nine grandchildren, Alec, Katie, Johnny, Ben, Abby, Eric, Audrey, Lizzy and Robin. JoAnn is also survived by her brother, Robert Schmitt of Florida; a sister-in-law, Karin Auwaerter and her longtime partner, Robert; her nieces, Susan Hart and Geraldine Schmitt; and her nephew, Robert Schmitt.

Friends and relatives will gather Thursday, Aug. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Snow R.C. Church in Blue Point, and inurnment will follow at Union Cemetery in Sayville.

Contributions made in JoAnn Auwaerter’s memory to Our Lady of the Snow Parish Outreach, 175 Blue Point Ave., Blue Point, NY 11715, are appreciated.

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Raymond Edward Schmitt, 86, passed away on Aug. 2, 2024. Born on Jan. 25, 1938, Ray entertained friends, family and strangers alike with his incredible stories.

Ray and his twin brother, Curt, grew up tinkering with engines becoming obsessed with racing hydroplane boats as teenagers, often beating teams with larger budgets and more experience. They loved modifying cars and motorcycles as well.

When his brother opened a motorcycle dealer on Long Island called Campus Motors, Ray worked for the business as a mechanic. Ray eventually met the love of his life, Patricia, marrying her in 1965 and their only daughter, Karen, was born in 1966.

In 1969, Ray won a national competition for motorcycle mechanics hosted by Kawasaki. The grand prize was a trip for two around the world, allowing Ray and Pat to see Hawaii, Hong Kong and Tokyo, among other places.

In 1973 Ray moved the family to Oroville, Calif., to build and run a KOA campground business. He also worked as a Honda motorcycles salesman at Gridley Growers. He once sold a motorcycle to a man with one arm, who was shopping for a lawnmower and not aware that automatic transmissions were an option on certain bikes. The man called Ray up one day to check on delivery of the custom-order Honda CB750, exclaiming, “Boy, I sure hope it arrives before I lose the other arm!”

Their only son, Curtis-Ray, was born in 1978. In 1986, Ray moved the family to Stony Point, N.Y., to work as a service manager at Boatland on The Hudson. About a year later the family moved to Harriman, N.Y., and Ray worked at Charles Point Marina in Peekskill, N.Y.

On the weekends, Ray and Curt competed in blue fishing contests with Curt’s boat, Nice ’N’ Easy. They would drag their reluctant sons along on these trips to keep the 42’ Nauset out of the lobster pots while Ray and Curt were busy reeling fish in at the rear deck.

In the late ’90s they began restoring an NJ speed skiff, appropriately named Double Trouble, which they exhibited and ran in multiple antique boat regattas throughout the 2000s, winning awards for their beautiful, no-compromise restoration.

Ray retired to Boise, Idaho, in 2010 where his daughter, Karen, and her daughter, Hailey, lived. This gave him the opportunity to watch his granddaughter grow from a little girl into an amazing young woman,  which became a constant source of more great stories that he would tell to anyone who would listen.

Ray is survived by his brother, Curt; sister, Arline; son, Curtis-Ray; daughter, Karen, and granddaughter, Hailey. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Ray’s name to a charity that his daughter has been actively involved with for many years called Camp River Run at campriverrun.org. No services are planned at this time. Online condolences may be made at bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.

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Wallace David Macomber of Laurel passed away at home Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. He was 82.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.

Interment with U.S. Navy Honors will take place Thursday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. at Calverton National Cemetery.

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Lucretia G. Kramer of Mattituck passed away at home Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. She was 95.

The family will receive friends Friday, Aug. 23 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the visitation at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck, officiated by Father Peter Garry.

Interment will follow at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue.

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Geraldine Albin Hulse, lifelong Aquebogue resident, passed away at home on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. She was 95 years old.

Geraldine was born April 8, 1929, in Riverhead to Elizabeth (née Hallock) and Willard Albin. She was one of three children. She attended Jamesport Middle School and Riverhead High School.

On June 22, 1947, at the Jamesport Church, she married the love of her life, the late Ralph E. Hulse. Together they made their home in Aquebogue and had two daughters. Geraldine was a member of the Old Steeple Community Church in Aquebogue.

Predeceased by her husband, Ralph; daughter Deborah Reeve; and siblings Olive Jackson, Merwin Albin and Marion Tillot; Geraldine is survived by her daughter Donna Doroszka (Joseph) of Riverhead; granddaughter Carrie Grattan (Thomas); great-grandson Thomas Grattan III; and son-in-law Richard Reeve.

The family received friends Aug. 15 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. Funeral services were held Aug. 16 at Old Steeple Community Church on Route 25 in Aquebogue, officiated by the Rev. Janet Wright. Interment followed at the Aquebogue Cemetery across the street.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Old Steeple Community Church would be appreciated.

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Lucretia Grace Kramer, 95, was a loving and devoted daughter of Grace Williams Kramer and George A. Kramer Sr.; sister of George A Kramer Jr. (Vivian) and Michael H. Kramer (Virginia); cousin to Brother Angelo Sena and Lisa Lang Loker; and aunt to nephews Thomas and John Kramer who predecease her.

She is survived by her devoted companion, Barbara Joan Judge; nieces and nephew Mary Kramer Asma (Mark), George A. Kramer (Jennifer), and Eileen Kramer. She is also survived by grandnieces and grandnephews Addison and Gregory Kramer, goddaughter Maresa Asma, Michael Asma (Kristen) and Ben Asma (Ginny), John and Erin Kramer, godson Jonathan Judge Russo; great-grandnieces and great-grandnieces Henry, Lucy and Charlie Asma, and Graidy, Conner and Elizabeth Kramer; devoted cousins Anita and Laura Lang; and dear friends Mary Lou Busser and Jane Dinsmore.

In recent years Lucretia and Barbara received loving care from Afua Brobbey and Margaret Bonsu, enabling them to remain in their home, which gave them much comfort and joy.

Lucretia was born in Mineola, a parishioner of Corpus Christi R.C. Church and was a graduate of The Mary Louis Academy. In 1947 Lucretia entered The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood, received her habit in 1948 and took her final vows in 1953 as Sr. Joseph Fidelis, lovingly known as Sr. Jo.

She attended the Diocesan Normal School and earned a degree in teaching and then St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where she earned a degree in English, and finally received her masters in guidance from Manhattan College, Riverdale.

She lovingly served her Lord and students at a number of schools in the Brooklyn Diocese.

In 1981, while providing care for her parents, Lucretia continued her service to students as a revered and consummate guidance counselor at Southside Junior and Senior High School in Rockville Centre.

After retiring to her home in Mattituck, Lucretia and Barbara continued their educational ministry to children of migrant farm workers on the North Fork. Lucretia was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Aug. 23 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church officiated by her lifelong friend Father Peter Garry. Internment will immediately follow at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue.

A luncheon celebrating her life will follow at Michelangelo’s Restaurant in Mattituck for all friends and family that can attend.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home assisted the family.

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On Aug. 1, 2024, Bruce Edwards answered his last alarm with the Riverhead Fire Department. He was surrounded by his family at the Kanas Center in Westhampton Beach. Bruce was 79 years old.

Born in Port Jefferson Oct. 26, 1944, to William “Turk” Edwards and Elizabeth “Betty” (Panewicz) Edwards, Bruce grew up and spent most of his life in Riverhead, where he doted upon and married the love of his life, Joan Droskoski. Together they raised three beautiful daughters, Tracy (John), Kristy Wilkinson (Brian) and Becky, who he loved to spend time with. His brother, Barry, predeceased him in 1983.

Some of his greatest moments were spending time with his five grandchildren, Jared, Jadyn, Kobe, Jacob and Trey. He could be found at their games, cheering them on from the sidelines with encouragement. There is even a bench at the park that they call affectionately “Grandpa’s bench.”

Bruce was passionate about the Riverhead Fire Department, where he volunteered for over 53 years, keeping his community safe. His commitment and bravery were inspiring to all who knew him. He was a top responder, ex-captain of the Washington Engine Company, ex-captain of the Riverhead Ironmen and Fireman of the Year in 2003. He was also president of the Riverhead and Suffolk County Firemen’s Associations and the Suffolk County Parade and Drill Team.

Bruce’s legacy of courage, kindness and service will be remembered forever. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.

In addition to his service with the fire department, Bruce was also proud to serve as coach of CYO basketball, where he won numerous sportsmanship awards from the Diocese of Rockville Centre. He was assistant coach of the Riverhead High School basketball team and president of the St. John’s school board, where he was commended for his dedication and hard work in keeping the school open. He was also a member of the U.S. Air Force and retired from Verizon.

A full firematic ceremony will be held for Bruce at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead Monday, Aug. 12, from 3 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass and burial will take place at St. John’s Church in Riverhead Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. A procession will follow, passing the Riverhead firehouses to the gravesite.

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John William Nierodzik of Greenport, and formerly of Peconic, died Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. He was 80.

John was born Jan. 5, 1944, in Greenport to Pauline (née Dobek) and John A. Nierodzik. He attended Southold schools and was a lifelong farmer. He is survived by a daughter and grandson.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold is assisting the family.

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Our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Gloria Izzo, formerly of Bellmore and Cutchogue, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024, at Heritage Oaks Assisted Living Facility in Englewood, Fla. She was 94 years old.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Peter V. Izzo, and is survived by her three sons, Peter (Sheila), Kenneth (Donna) and Eric (Kathy). She had nine grandchildren whom she adored: Michael, Dan, Brian, Peter, Matthew, Douglas, Eric, Kevin and Grace. She also had five great-grandchildren Lucas, Lucy, Emily, Aria and Millie.

Gloria enjoyed her many years as a member of North Fork Country Club, where she loved golf and socializing. She always had a quick-witted sense of humor and loved entertaining. Most of all, she loved the time spent with her grandchildren. She was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Cutchogue, where she sang in the choir at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church. A memorial mass will be planned for a future date at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck. A private graveside service was held at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue on Tuesday, August 20.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is serving the family.

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Frank Joseph Mele Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Cape Canaveral, Fla. on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old.

Born Jan. 23, 1943, to Julia (Motylenski) and Frank Joseph Mele Sr., Frank was a 1961 graduate of Walt Whitman High School. In the years following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy. On June 10, 1967, in Huntington, he married Elizabeth Garbarino.

Frank worked for Grumman Corporation, and later worked in the trucking business where he was employed in various industries. After his move to Cape Canaveral, Fla., Frank worked for the City of Cocoa Water Department from 1999 until his retirement.

Frank was a member of the Cutchogue Fire Department from 1984 to 1998 and he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Cutchogue from 1988 to 1998.

Frank is predeceased by his parents Frank Joseph Mele Sr. and Julia Motylenski Mele; his sister Frances Spina; his nephew Justin Mele and his wife of 55 years Elizabeth R. Mele. He is survived by his son Frank J. Mele III (Kimberly) of Southold; daughters Heather Baumgartner of Cape Canaveral, Fla. and Elizabeth R. Paquet (Bruce) of Coral Springs, Fla.; grandchildren Julia Mele and Jessica Mele of Southold and Victoria Paquet, Thomas Paquet and Johnathan Paquet of Coral Springs, Fla.; and a brother Thomas Mele of Melbourne, Fla.

In addition, to services held in Florida, the family will receive visitors on Friday, Sept. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at DeFriest Grattan Funeral Home, Southold. A private burial for immediate family and close friends will follow on Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Cutchogue.

Memorial donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the Cutchogue Fire Department.

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Sean Hardin Elwood died peacefully at home with family in Jamesport on Aug. 13, 2024 at the age of 73 after treating and living with cancer for many years beyond the prognosis. 

He is survived by his wife Yvonne Puffer; daughter Shannon Elwood; brothers Eric Elwood and Stephen Kirk Elwood; and five nieces. 

Sean was born in Pullman, Washington to John R. Elwood and Karen Hardin Elwood. He received a BFA at Washington State University in 1973, earned a Max Beckman Scholarship for a year-long painting course at the Brooklyn Museum Art School, and an MFA from Hunter College in 1982.

Sean’s passion for the arts and artists touched all who knew him. He worked at Ronald Feldman Fine Arts in New York, co-owned Fuller/Elwood Gallery in Seattle, worked at the Seattle Department of Arts & Cultural Affairs in the ’90s and finally completed his working career at Creative Capital in New York until his retirement in 2017. He launched a non-profit on the North Fork in 2023 to create programming for artists and arts-interested audiences. 

Contributions to North Fork Contemporary, a cause close to his heart, are appreciated.

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Eli Henrys of Centerport and Mattituck died in Bay Shore Aug. 22, 2024. He was 9.

Born June 8, 2015 his guardians were his late grandfather, Earl Bedrick and grandmother, who survives him, Diane Bedrick.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, Aug. 29 from 3 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. The funeral and interment will be private. Memorial donations are requested for North Fork Animal Welfare League.

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Karen Mae Edeen of East Marion passed away on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. She was 62.

Service details are being finalized. For further information, please contact DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

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