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Donald S. Spellman
Donald S. Spellman of Largo, Florida, and formerly of Southampton, died at home on January 5. He had just celebrated his 70th birthday in September.
He grew up in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, as the eldest of five children. At PTHS, he played football, baseball, and wrestled heavy weight. He was affectionately referred to as “Nails” by his father because he was “tough as nails.”
He spent summers at his grandparents’ home in Southampton Shores. He enjoyed surfing and diving. It was while lifeguarding at Sagg Beach that he spotted his wife to be. Together, he and Mary (Szczepankowski) spent over 18 years operating the Sagaponack General Store. While she ran the kitchen creating specialties like chicken pot pie, tea cakes, meatloaf and the like, he ran the front end of the business. He was a consummate talker, as well as a listener — always chatting it up with the locals, summer folk, and day trippers.
The Sagg Store traveled to Shelter Island for a stint, then to Bridgehampton as the Sagaponack Cafe.
The couple and their children moved to Malibu, California, for the opening of a new venture named Mary’s Kitchen. After several years, the family moved back to Water Mill.
He worked at Pike Farms in Sagaponack for many years while residing in Southampton.
Spellman married his second wife, Sophia, at Coopers Beach with family and friends in attendance. The couple ventured to Largo, Florida, shortly after COVID, at which time Sophia and a partner opened an aesthetician business.
He was a kind, humble, and good hearted son, brother, father, and friend, his family said.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary; and his parents Donald and Ruth. He is survived by his wife Sophia; son Jonathan; daughter Genevieve (Ava); siblings Pamela, Garrett (Kate), Karen (Rich) Cachion, Kimberley (Jim) Quigley; an aunt, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held this summer on Long Island.
In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward.
Staff Writer on Jan 17, 2025