Obituary: David Slattery, E.H.H.S. Teacher

David R. Slattery, a longtime Amagansett resident who taught social studies at East Hampton High School for more than 30 years, died on Sunday at Southampton Hospital. He was 64, and had had emphysema for some time, said his wife, Sally Slattery.

"He was one of the best," said Larry Cantwell, a former student. "Getting into his class was very important. He had a knack of educating students, but making it fun."

Mr. Slattery was born in Philadelphia on May 13, 1932, a son of Daniel Bobb Slattery and the former Phoebe Atkinson. He spent his early years in Montpelier, Vt., and later attended Kimball Union Academy, a preparatory school in Meriden, N.H. He earned his bachelor's degree in sociology and history and a master's in education, both from St. Lawrence University, where he met his wife, the former Sally Stone. The couple married on Feb. 9, 1957.

"He was a hail-fellow-well-met," said his wife, "very affable."

His first teaching job was at Alexander Central High School in western New York State near Batavia. His next was in East Hampton, where he succeeded the veteran teacher Laura Ebell, who was retiring.

Mr. Slattery taught a variety of social studies and history classes at East Hampton High School from 1959 until his retirement in 1990. A sports fan, he also coached several school teams. "He was never anything less than everyone's favorite teacher," his wife said, "and he influenced many students to pursue higher education."

Since retiring, he had worked for several years at Henry Uihlein's marina in Montauk, "to keep busy," Mrs. Slattery said.

"As a father, he was a symbol of everything good," said his daughter, Karen Vetrano of Amagansett.

Mr. Slattery was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the East Hampton Republican Party, and the New York State Teachers Retirement Association.

Besides his wife and daughter Karen, he leaves a son, Thomas Slattery of East Hampton, and two other daughters, Kathleen Kennedy of East Hampton and Carol Slattery of Springs. Two grandchildren survive as well, as does a brother, Bobb Slattery of Charlotte, N.C.

The family will receive friends tomorrow from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Williams Funeral Home in East Hampton. A funeral will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the East Hampton Presbyterian Church, the Rev. John Ames officiating. Mr. Slattery will be cremated.

The family has suggested memorial donations to the Kiwanis Club.