Arnold Paster of Southampton Dies February 1

Arnold Paster

Arnold Paster of Southampton died on February 1, surrounded by his family. He was 68.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mr. Paster moved to New York after graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1973 and founded Peconic Bay Realty, a real estate development/management company that still thrives today. Mr. Paster was recognized as a generous supporter of local businesses, knowing each was vital to maintaining the character and charm that originally drew him to the East End.

A benefactor of the arts, Mr. Paster took pride in enriching the cultural environment of the community he loved so well. He was a member of the Parrish Art Museum, Guild Hall, Bay Street Theatre, the Southampton Cultural Center, and the Children’s Museum of the East End. He provided office space for the Music Festival of the Hamptons, the Hamptons Film Festival, the Sag Harbor Synagogue, the Alzheimer’s Association, and parking for the Hamptons Designer Show House.

Friends said he was known for his kindness and generosity. He had a great sense of humor and a passion for poetry, wine and good food. He was inspirational to many young people, mentoring and encouraging them to achieve beyond their own perceived limits. He defied the odds as he battled two cancers and lived life to the fullest. He never missed an opportunity to be with family, always finding time to visit them around the globe.

Mr. Paster was passionate about Judaism. He was a founder of Lubavitch of East End, Chabad of Southampton Jewish Center, and The Hampton Synagogue. He participated in many community and charitable activities. He was a member of the Southampton Village Architectural Review Board, an active alumnus of the University of Wisconsin and anonymously sponsored many scholarships at his alma mater.

An avid cyclist and intrepid ocean swimmer, Mr. Paster completed multiple triathlons, including the Mighty Hamptons. Three years ago, he teamed up with Swim Across America, twice completing the annual 1-mile swim and was the number one fundraiser benefiting cancer research and treatment. He also gave his time to Fighting Chance, a cancer support group in Sag Harbor, to help other cancer patients and their families.

Mr. Paster is survived by his wife, Esther; his mother, Celia; his brother, Donald; his son and daughter-in-law, Jesse and Sarah; his daughters and sons-in-law, Heidi and Simon Harf and Heather and Matt Borstein; his stepson, Gavin Krug; and eight grandchildren, Sula, Adrian, Elliot, Lily, Ezra, Dashiell, Eitan and Gabriel.

A funeral service was held Sunday, February 3, in Manhattan. A graveside service was held on February 4 at the Sons of Jacob Cemetery in St. Paul. Shiva took place at his home in Southampton. A memorial service will be held in Southampton sometime in late spring.

Memorial donations may be made to Swim Across America, www.swimacrossamerica.org; Chabad Lubavitch of the Hamptons, www.chabadofthehamptons.com; or the Southampton Jewish Center, www.southamptonjewishcenter.com. Arrangements were under the direction of the Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel in St. Paul, www.hodroffepstein.com.