John David Hands of Springs, a commercial fisherman who worked for decades up and down the Eastern Seaboard, died on Aug. 7 at East End Hospice. He was 59, and had been diagnosed with lung cancer 11 months ago.
A carpenter as well for the last 10 years, he “was his own man from birth to death,” his wife of nearly 26 years, Deirdre Luisi-Hands, wrote. “He never sold out to anyone or anything. He was as honest and straight-shooting as a person can be . . . may he rest in peace with fair winds forever.”
Mr. Hands was born on Dec. 5, 1959, in Plant City, Fla., to George Russell Hands and the former Eunice Crowley. He grew up in Indiantown, Fla., and later in Fort Lauderdale, where he earned his high school diploma.
In 1991, he sailed up to Montauk with a swordfishing fleet, and settled there that same year after meeting his wife. They lived in Montauk for 20 years before buying a house in Springs three years ago.
Ms. Luisi-Hands said her husband “loved and treasured” their son, Jacob V. Hands, a first lieutenant in the Army who is stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia.
In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Hands is survived by five siblings. They are Louise McGuirl of Georgia, and Christine Daggart, Russell Hands, Mary DuPont, and Michael Hands, all of whom live in Florida.
Mr. Hands was cremated. He ashes will be scattered at sea during the next Blessing of the Fleet in Montauk.