Edward H. Conklin, 80
Word has been received of the death of Edward Havens Conklin, an 11th-generation Bonacker from one of East Hampton’s founding families, a longtime resident of the South Fork, and a veteran of the Korean War, on June 16 at his home in Southwest Harbor, Me. He was 80.
Mr. Conklin worked in facilities maintenance and building management at the St. Joseph Retreat Center in Brentwood, later joining the Shoreham-Wading River School District, where he was responsible for all facilities maintenance and building operations management. He was an accomplished manager, his family said, who was well respected for his technical capabilities as well as his concern for quality, service, and people. He was a former union president.
A member of Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 45 years, Mr. Conklin was particularly concerned for those in recovery, the family said, taking great satisfaction in helping others to achieve a life worth living.
He was born in Southampton on Feb. 1, 1936, to Edward Marvin Conklin and the former Doris Madeline Havens. After graduating from East Hampton High School he joined the Navy, serving as a naval photographer’s mate on the U.S.S. Hancock during the Korean War. A commemorative plaque honoring Mr. Conklin will be added to the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., said his daughter, Mary Ann Paparella of Skillman, N.J.
With his wife of 26 years, the former Dolores Darnell Vail, Mr. Conklin retired to Southwest Harbor in 1999, where they enjoyed the natural beauty of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. Mr. Conklin spent his early retirement years as a builder in and around the island, the largest one off the Maine coast.
He enjoyed sailing, reading, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, mentor, and friend, his family said.
Mr. Conklin’s wife predeceased him, as did a son, William C. Vail, and a sister, Marva Conklin Rowland. In addition to his daughter, two other children survive. They are Paul W. Conklin of Los Angeles and Elizabeth Huntting Gallear of Medford. He also leaves three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mr. Conklin was cremated. A service will be held at Edgewood Cemetery in Bridgehampton at a date to be determined, where his ashes will be interred alongside his wife’s.
The family has suggested memorial donations to the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue. NW, Suite 123, Washington, D.C. 20004-2608, or Alcoholics Anonymous, General Service Office, P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York 10163.