Vernon Tuttle of Speonk died on November 29. He was 86.
Mr. Tuttle was born August 2, 1927, in Speonk to Ollie and Vernon Tuttle. He was the youngest of three boys and had a reputation for being very adventurous, eventually acquiring the nickname “Eel,” the only name by which most people knew him. He graduated from Eastport High School in 1945.
After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served at the end of World War II. He was also a 63-year member of the Eastport Fire Department.
In 1948, Mr. Tuttle went on a double date and was more enthralled with his friend’s date, Helen Smith, than he was with his own. The rest is history.
Growing up, he always spent a lot of time on the water, and was, fittingly, able to pursue an occupation in commercial fishing, which allowed him to be his own boss and to make a living enjoying something about which he was so passionate. After the loss of his third boat he went to work for Blue Point Oyster Company in West Sayville, running a clam dredge. Eventually he went to work for Rowland Construction in East Moriches, retiring in 1992.
Mr. Tuttle was a member of the Eastport Bible Church, where he served on the board of elders, taught Sunday school, was a youth group leader and took great pride in keeping the church grounds well manicured.
Survivors said he loved his family very much, and that he always enjoyed family gatherings and reminiscing about old times. He was so proud of his two grandchildren, Luke and Monica, and loved spending time with them, survivors said.
He took great pleasure making sure every weed was pulled and leaf raked up in his yard. He enjoyed taking trips down South to visit friends, going to the Sight and Sound Theater in Pennsylvania with the senior church group to see plays and helping in any way he could those who were in need. Survivors said anyone who knew Mr. Tuttle knew that one of his favorite activities was eating, whether it was partaking of his wife’s delicious cooking, potluck dinners at church or going out to a restaurant.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; three daughters, Vanessa Tuttle of Yaphank, Dawn Tuttle of Southampton and Starr Scerri of Westhampton Beach; a son, Wayne Tuttle and wife Mary of Eastport; and two grandchildren, Luke Vernon Tuttle and Monica Kate Tuttle. He was predeceased by two brothers, Jack and Lloyd.
A memorial service was held on December 2 at the Eastport Bible Church. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Follett & Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach.
on Dec 3, 2013