William Somerville, a former resident of Montauk, died of heart failure on Jan. 7 in Southampton at the age of 59.
Montauk, his family said, was his favorite place to spend time with loved ones. He lived there full time for about four years, until March of last year, and most recently lived in Setauket. He began spending summers at his family’s house on Bryan Road when he was very young.
Mr. Somerville, who was known as Bill, was born in Huntington on Sept. 27, 1960, to Robert W. Somerville and the former Helen Dillinger. He lived in Nissequogue while growing up. He was twice married and divorced; his daughter, Rebecca P. Somerville of Locust Valley, survives him.
He graduated from Smithtown East High School in 1978 and from Long Island University’s C.W. Post College, where he played lacrosse, in 1984. He enjoyed going to the beach and riding Jet Skis, and in his younger years was an enthusiastic runner and skier.
“He had a wonderful smile,” recalled his sister, Beth LoCastro of Parkland, Fla. “He was a happy person who really put people at ease. He had a rare quality of making people feel comfortable and happy.”
In addition to his daughter and sister, Helen Somerville, his mother, who lives in Setauket, also survives. He leaves another sibling, Scott Somerville of New York City, three nephews, and a niece.