logo logo logo logo

News / Obituaries / Southampton Press / 1467537

William J. Reese Dies At 68

icon 1 Photo

author on Dec 6, 2011

William J. Reese

William Jerome Reese, a longtime resident of Southampton and more recently of La Jolla, California, died at home in La Jolla of cancer on Wednesday, November 30. He was 68.

Born in Coronado, California, on April 24, 1943, he was the son of Hope King Reese and Wilbur Roy Reese. The Reese family moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, when he was seven, and he attended James Blair High School before enrolling in the University of Virginia as an undergraduate. From 1966 to 1968, he served in the U.S. Navy on a search and rescue ship off the coast of Vietnam. Upon completion of his military service, he returned to school and graduated with bachelor’s degree in architecture in 1971.

After receiving his professional certification in 1973, Mr. Reese spent several years working for architecture firms in the Charlottesville and Newport News area before relocating to La Jolla, California, in 1977. He practiced architecture in the San Diego area until 1982, when he came east to join his friend and colleague Kirby Grimes and set up an office in Bridgehampton. He remained on the East End until 2006, when he returned to California and opened an office in La Jolla.

Over the years, Mr. Reese designed more than 225 projects, including single family residences, high-rise and low-rise apartment buildings and various commercial projects. His work was featured in numerous publications, including, among others, Home Magazine, House & Garden, Woman’s Day, The New York Times, Glamour, and Metropolitan Home, in which his home in Shinnecock Hills was featured on the cover and chosen as House of the Year. He was also the recipient of several design awards, including two from the American Institute of Architects.

Ms. Reese especially enjoyed looking at art, drawing, listening to music, playing Boggle, watching the sun set, and spending time with his children.

He is survived by a daughter, Hope Elizabeth Reese of Massachusetts; his son, Alexander Danforth Reese of Southampton; two sisters, Sandy Hoyer of Delaware and Linda Neidermeyer of California; and two nieces, Jayme Tortorici and Beth Beuchotte.

A private family gathering is planned.

You May Also Like:

Police Ask for Help Locating Missing Man Last Seen in Hampton Bays

Southampton Town Police are asking for the public’s help to locate a missing man last ... 17 Nov 2025 by Staff Writer

'Lights Out! Glow Night' at SYS on December 5

The Southampton Youth Bureau will hold Lights Out! Glow Night, an evening of glow-in-the-dark sports, on Friday, December 5, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Southampton Youth Services, 1370A Majors Path, Southampton. The illuminated experience will feature games like glow-in-the-dark basketball, Capture the Flag, soccer, volleyball and more. The event is open to students in grades six through 12. Participants are encouraged to wear bright white or neon clothing to glow under the UV black lights. Admission is $10 per person. Transportation is available from select locations, but preregistration is required to ride the bus. For more information or to ... by Staff Writer

Wasted Dollars

At the end of the Southampton Village Board’s November 13 meeting, Mayor Bill Manger announced that he wants to use taxpayer money to build a village “app” listing local sites, such as the World War I monument and the First Presbyterian Church. This sounds like satire, but it’s not. Not only is this unnecessary, it shows a complete misunderstanding of what apps are for and how government should spend public funds. An app that shows people where the World War I monument is already exists. It’s called Google Maps. It’s free, it’s accurate, it’s updated in real time — and ... by Staff Writer

Hampton Bays Civic Association Meeting Is Set

The Hampton Bays Civic Association will meet on Monday, November 24, at the Hampton Bays Community Center on Ponquogue Avenue. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7 p.m. The guest speakers will be Stephanie McEvoy, director of the Hampton Bays Library; Barbara Skelley, a Hampton Bays Library trustee; and Southampton Town Councilmember Rick Martel. McEvoy and Skelley will talk about the library, its mission and programs. Martel will provide an update on town government as it pertains to Hampton Bays. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, go to hbcivic.org. by Staff Writer

Around the Post Pickleball Dinner at Villa Paul Is December 12

The second annual Around the Post Pickleball Dinner is set for Friday, December 12, at Villa Paul Restaurant in Hampton Bays at 7 p.m. The buffet dinner in the restaurant’s private dining room is $55 per person and includes the meal, tax and tip. Drinks are not included, but may be purchased separately. Those interested in attending should email Scott Green at scottgreen@optonline.net to confirm their spot. While open to anyone who appreciates the sport of pickleball, space is limited to 48 guests. by Staff Writer

Scourge Continues

Scourge: a person or thing that causes great suffering, affliction or misery. The latest from our local government is that they’re not going to ban gas-powered leaf blowers, because they can’t enforce the law. This is backward thinking. First comes the law, and then comes enforcement. As it is now, my neighbors can use that blower nine hours a day, six days a week. And they do. And I have no rights. If there was a law, I would have the right to tell them that what they were doing was unlawful, and I would have the law on my ... by Staff Writer

Traffic Initiative

Southampton Village is currently considering an important zoning amendment designed to improve traffic conditions and promote more efficient transportation planning. Under the proposed code, every permit application will be required to include a detailed transportation plan, including the number of vehicles expected to be on site between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Approved permits will clearly display the authorized number of vehicles in bold type, enabling the police department, the Building Department, and neighboring residents to help monitor and support compliance. This initiative represents a meaningful first step toward reducing congestion throughout the village. The goal of ... by Staff Writer

Community Is First

The Board of Fire Commissioners of the Hampton Bays Fire District, and the chiefs of the Hampton Bays Fire Department, have been made aware of recent reports and social media posts concerning the reported presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents being present on Hampton Bays Fire District property [“Federal Immigration Sweep in Hampton Bays, Westhampton Beach Sparks Protests,” 27east.com, November 5]. The Board of Fire Commissioners wishes to respond on behalf of the district and the department. Our top priority as a fire district and fire department is, and always will be, protecting and preserving the life and ... by Staff Writer

Not Intimidated

Thank you to everyone who read my letter last week [“Baffling Decision,” Letters, November 13], and a special thank you to Stephen Ring for circulating it on his famous listserv. It was an unexpected honor, and I’m grateful for the many notes of encouragement. I know that speaking up comes with a predictable pattern of attacks, so it’s especially nice to receive something positive. I feel it’s everyone’s civic duty to speak out, and I refuse to be intimidated by personal attacks or online pile-ons. Thank you again to all who reached out. Your support makes it worth it. Carol ... by Staff Writer

South Fork Bakery Hosts Annual 'Cocktails With a Cause' Fundraiser

South Fork Bakery (SFB) hosted its annual “Cocktails With a Cause,” a signature fundraising gathering ... by Staff Writer