Thomas E. Behringer III, known everywhere as “Tim,” died on July 27, after a brief illness.
Mr. Behringer was a graduate of the local grade schools, attended Hobart College and graduated from Southampton College of Long Island University and Western New England School of Law. He was admitted to the New York Bar Appellate Division 2nd Department and the Federal Bar, Eastern District of New York. He practiced law locally, was a founding partner of Behringer & Behringer, and served as general counsel for Hamptons State Bank from its inception in 1998 until it was merged with Bridgehampton National Bank in 2011.
Mr. Behringer was deeply devoted to his community: He was a past president of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce, past president of Southampton Little League, past councilman and scoutmaster of local Troop 58 of the Boy Scouts of America, and current president of Southampton Association for Beach Access (SABA).
His great love was for the waters of Southampton, its beaches, ocean and bays, where he spent his happiest hours surfing, surfcasting, beach driving, camping, and fishing. Survivors said that perhaps his most enjoyable moments came when he saw the birds diving for the bait fish and knew that the big ones were about to come into the surf.
Survivors said his love, first and foremost, however, was for his family. A Sunday at the beach with his extended family all around him was his idea of heaven on earth.
Mr. Behringer leaves two sons, Patrick of Southampton and Finley, a senior at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh; a daughter, Emma of Southampton and New York City; three brothers, Mike, Brian and Kevin; and two sisters, Kathy Dayton and Peggy D’Onofrio. He is also survived by his parents, Maureen and Tom; 12 nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends everywhere.
Visitation was at the O’Connell Funeral Home on July 30. A memorial Mass will be held at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary on Monday, August 17, at 10 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Tim Behringer Memorial Fund, by check to 208 Millstone Brook Road, Southampton, NY 11968 or online at www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/97p9/the-tim-behringer-memorial-fund#. A portion of the funds will be donated to SABA in honor of Mr. Behringer.