Irma Damark

Irma Ann Damark, a lifelong East Hampton resident and a longtime owner of Damark’s Deli on Three Mile Harbor Road, died on Saturday at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Westhampton Beach at the age of 89. She had had Alzheimer’s disease for several years.

Before taking over Damark’s in 1977 with her husband, who was the second generation to run the family business, Mrs. Damark taught physical education at several local school districts from Shelter Island to Montauk. She became a familiar, welcoming face to customers. Often the last to stop working, she continued running the deli after her husband died in 1991, eventually retiring in 2000 at the age of 74.

Her grandson Evan Armstrong said she was a devoted reader and a passionate traveler who loved telling stories. She had an unending sense of humor that old age never diminished, he said.

Mrs. Damark was born in Southampton on Oct. 26, 1926, to John Hasselberger and the former Ann Eister. She graduated from East Hampton High School in 1944 and four years later from Russell Sage College in Troy, N.Y. She later earned an M.A. in physical education from Southampton College. Her accomplishments and determination inspired all who knew her, Mr. Armstrong said. She was a member of the American Association of University Women.

On Aug. 29, 1948, she married Allen Joseph Damark at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in East Hampton. They lived first in a house on Cedar Street and later, for over 50 years, on Maple Lane.

Mrs. Damark leaves five children, all of whom live in East Hampton, They are Allen Damark Jr., John Damark, Wendy Armstrong, Bruce Damark, and Brian Damark. One sister, Paula Trenton of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., survives, as do six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and three nieces and nephews.

A wake was held at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton on Tuesday. Yesterday, a funeral service took place at Most Holy Trinity Church, Msgr. Donald Hanson officiating. Burial followed at the church’s cemetery on Cedar Street.

The family has suggested memorial donations to the Kanas Center for Hospice Care, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach 11978.