Jack D. Storm

Jack D. Storm held a degree in civil engineering and put it to good use, working his way up to become chief of rail planning for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he oversaw the conception, design, and construction of the PATH rail system during the 1960s. Mr. Storm, a former resident of Montauk, died on April 12 of congestive heart failure, under the care of hospice, at his son’s house in Walnutport, Pa. He was 87 years old.

Born on Oct. 8, 1928, in Yonkers, N.Y., to Jack Storm and the former Esther Dougherty, he grew up and attended high school there, graduating in 1945. He joined the Marine Corps soon after and served for several years.

Upon his discharge, he attended New York University on the G.I. Bill, earning his degree in the early 1950s. His first job was with the New York Central Railroad, where he rose in the ranks before being hired by the Port Authority.

In June 1955, Mr. Storm married Marion Hayduk. With three children, they split their time between Upper Montclair, N.J., and Montauk, where, said their daughter Kim Storm, their house was a focal point for many gatherings. They would sit by the fire with friends and family, she said, eating lobster, telling stories, and singing songs together.

Toward the end of his career Mr. Storm was in demand as a consultant to the railway industry before retiring to Montauk, where he enjoyed a newfound love for poetry and writing lyrics. He also loved fishing, gardening, and woodcarving. His daughter said he was a quick-witted and logical man who enjoyed life’s simple things.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, his daughter Kim, who lives in Kittery Point, Me., and his son, Derek Storm, Mr. Storm leaves another daughter, Gail Storm of Huntington Station. Five grandchildren survive as well.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Montauk Community Church. The Rev. Bill Hoffmann will officiate.