Charlton D. Halsey of Water Mill died on March 10, 2019. He was 94. Born October 12, 1924, in Water Mill, he was a direct descendant of Thomas Halsey, one of the original settlers of Southampton. He spent most of his life in Water Mill and was active in the community for many years.
He was a graduate of Southampton High School, where he ran track and played in the school band under the guidance of Jesse Lillywhite. The band received many awards in state contests those years.
Survivors describe Mr. Haley as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and son, and a good friend to all who knew him. He loved to give advice and called himself the wise old owl, a title that was well earned.
Mr. Halsey worked the family farm in Water Mill for five decades with his father, Reginald, son Lee, and grandson Aaron. He loved being a farmer and was an officer in the Empire State Potato Club and belonged to the Southampton Grange. He was also a member and officer in the South Fork Farmer’s Cooperative, a local farmer’s organization. He wanted future generations to enjoy the same beautiful vistas that he loved, so he generously donated land to the Peconic Land Trust so that it could be preserved.
He was a member of the Southampton Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder, Trustee, and served on the Board of Directors. He was also a founding member and officer of the Water Mill Community Club, served on the Southampton Town Zoning Board of Appeals as chairman, and was a member of Southampton Golf Club.
Mr. Halsey was predeceased by his son, Lee Halsey. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Halsey; daughter Melanie Yanus (Dick) of Connecticut; two grandchildren, Bradley (Robin) and Aaron; and two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Charlotte.
A graveside memorial service was held on March 13 at the Flying Point Cemetery in Water Mill. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be made to Heart of the Hamptons, heartofthehamptons.org.
on Mar 25, 2019