Steven Donald Cookingham of Montauk, formerly of Tarrytown, died on October 28 in Montauk of a heart attack. He was 57.
Mr. Cookingham was born in Bronxville and raised in Tarrytown. After graduating from Sleepy Hollow High School, he attended the State University of New York at New Paltz and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where he was awarded a Ford Foundation scholarship prior to graduating in 1979 with a degree in fine arts.
He moved to Montauk in 1998 to pursue a career as a fine craftsman, and was most recently employed by Montauk Craftsmen, Inc. He loved his work and took great pride in his meticulous attention to detail.
Survivors said Mr. Cookingham was many things to many people, a son, a brother, an uncle and a nephew, but that his greatest capacity was that of being a true friend. A kind and gentle soul, he was drawn to people, and they to him, survivors said, adding that he had a heart of gold and great empathy for anyone who was struggling. He was charismatic, loyal and loving, survivors said.
Mr. Cookingham is survived by his parents, Robert and Janice Cookingham of Virginia; a brother, James Cookingham and wife Jill of New Jersey; a sister, Susan Finn and husband Kevin of Pennsylvania; nephews, Wesley and Michael Cookingham; nieces Elizabeth and Caroline Finn; and many friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8, at 3 p.m. at Shagwong Restaurant in Montauk.
Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, www.arfhamptons.org.
on Nov 3, 2014