Andrew Volet, a fashion-industry executive turned East Hampton real estate agent who lived on Accabonac Road, died on June 19 at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. The cause was cancer. Mr. Volet was 87.
“People were drawn to him for his love of the present,” wrote friends and colleagues including Diane Saatchi and Michelle Tiberio. “He had a contagious enjoyment of every day as it unfolded for him, and it was crystal clear that the present was more important than the past. On his passing, there have been many messages from friends and colleagues who have mentioned their own aspirations to the same absolute joy that Andy took in the here and now.”
He was born in Brooklyn on July 5, 1934, to William Volet and the former Lottie Hecht. His father was an assemblyman, the founder of the Brooklyn Democratic Club, and the New York State assistant comptroller serving under Comptroller Arthur Levitt Sr.
Mr. Volet grew up in New York City, attending Poly Prep Country Day School’s Upper School, in Brooklyn, before graduating from Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y. He attended law school long enough to learn that it was not for him, and then enrolled in the executive training program at Macy’s, where he went on to play a major role in the women’s sportswear business.
After traveling the world for Macy’s, he left New York City and became a year-round resident of East Hampton. At the suggestion of a friend, he obtained a real estate license, joining the Dayton-Halstead firm, which was later acquired by the Corcoran Group. He remained an active broker for the rest of his life.
Along with traveling, he liked antique cars and spending time with friends. “Our handsome, stylish, and much-loved Andy, the ultimate people person, is survived by loving and devoted friends and cousins,” his friends wrote. “He will be remembered for the countless smiles he left behind and for sharing his lifetime of happy moments with those lucky enough to have known him.”
Plans for a celebration of Mr. Volet’s life will be announced. His friends have suggested memorial contributions to Fighting Chance, the free cancer counseling and resource center based in Sag Harbor and Southampton, online at fightingchance.org.
