Owen J. Stinson Jr.

Owen James Stinson Jr., a Sag Harbor native and dog lover who had careers in aircraft manufacturing and as a drug and alcohol counselor, died at his home in Chateaugay, N.Y., on April 17, of unknown causes. He was 71.

Mr. Stinson was a skilled mechanic, carpenter, and jack-of-all-trades. After graduating from Pierson High School in 1962, and while attending college at night, he went to work for Agawam Aircraft, which later became Grumman Aircraft. He worked at a Boeing Aircraft factory in Everett, Wash., on hydraulic systems, and later opened his own hydraulic business in upstate New York.

In his late 30s, after obtaining a master’s degree in drug and alcohol counseling, Mr. Stinson worked in that field for the New York State Department of Corrections, as an offender-rehabilitation coordinator. He retired in 2015, but continued teaching night classes at North Country Community College in Malone, N.Y., having begun in 2001.

He had a quick wit and sense of humor, his family said, and was well liked. Family members added that he was a loving and devoted husband.

With his wife, Pam Griswold, Mr. Stinson rescued and adopted dozens of dogs. At his death he left five of his “babies,” as he called them, which have all been placed in new homes. Ms. Griswold died in February.

Mr. Stinson was born at Southampton Hospital on Feb. 15, 1945, a son of Owen James Stinson Sr. and the former June Lake. He grew up in Sag Harbor, attending St. Andrew’s Catholic School as a child.

He is survived by his children, Jody Sheldon, April Griswold, Mark Stinson, Scott Stinson, and Adam Griswold. He also leaves his mother, June Daniels; two sisters, Joyce Leland and Janice Hoagland, and a brother, Ronald Stinson, all of East Hampton, and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

No services were held, in accordance with Mr. Stinson’s wishes. The family is accepting condolences at [email protected].

Memorial donations to a favorite canine rescue group have been suggested.