Sag Harbor Express

Christopher A. Kulakoski Of Sag Harbor Dies May 12

icon 1 Photo
Christopher A. Kulakoski

Christopher A. Kulakoski

authorStaff Writer on May 16, 2022

Christopher Andrew Kulakoski, a longtime resident of Sag Harbor, died on May 12. He was 60.

Born in Mineola, he attended Pierson High School, graduating in the class of 1981.

Known for his impeccable work ethic and big heart, he landed his first job working in a fish market at the age of 12 and was never without a job throughout the rest of his life, from busing tables at Il Cappuccino with his friend Pat Witty to building his successful painting and carpentry business.

“Chris had a heart of gold and would bend over backwards to help anyone, especially those he knew and loved,” said his brother Jim.

He was devoted to his wife, Susana, and together they traveled the world, taking trips to her hometown of Quito, Ecuador, in addition to Paris, Barcelona and London, where they ran into a North Haven neighbor busking on the streets.

An avid and skilled story teller, Kulakoski loved to regale friends and neighbors with stories about growing up in Sag Harbor. He also loved to play golf with his brothers Frank and Jim, and his nephew Kevin Geddie, and he loved food and dining out at restaurants.

“Chris worked for my father Hobart Betts for years. They shared a standard of excellence in their work,” said Sag Harbor resident Kate Betts. “More than anything, my father appreciated Chris’s loyalty and kindness.”

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his siblings, Bonnie Clore, Linda Aurora, Stephen Kulakoski, James Kulakoski, Francis Kulakoski, Joanne Miller, and Jennifer Geddie; as well as 12 nieces and nephews.

He will be deeply missed by his siblings and their offspring, by his wife and her family, and by the many, many friends he has made over the years, his family said.

You May Also Like:

About Priorities

In a recent article about SNAP (Supplemental Assistance Benefits Program) being caught up in the most recent government shutdown [“SNAP Funding Turmoil Hits East End Food Pantries Ahead of Winter Season,” 27east.com, October 30], and the consequences to East End food pantries, Congressman Nick LaLota was quoted to the effect that he would insist that Democrats pass the latest continuing resolution to fund the government to restore SNAP benefits. Some thoughts on Mr. LaLota blaming Democrats: Democrats were reluctant to back the continuing resolution since it didn’t extend Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies, but agreed after Senate Republican leader John ... 1 Dec 2025 by Staff Writer

Sag Harbor Building Inspector Steps Down

There was a shakeup this week in the Sag Harbor Village Building Department. Tien Ho So, who has served as the village’s building inspector since March 2024, submitted his resignation to the board at a special meeting on November 25. The resignation takes effect on February 1, 2026, and Mayor Tom Gardella said that So, while not working in the office, would be available to provide assistance as needed up until that date. The village has hired former building inspector Tom Preiato to replace So on a part-time basis as needed for the short term. Preiato, who was East Hampton ... by Stephen J. Kotz

Sag Harbor Lights Up on Friday

The holiday season in Sag Harbor officially begins on Friday, December 5, with the annual Light Up of the windmill on Long Wharf — a beloved village tradition that draws families, neighbors and visitors to the harborfront. The festivities kick off at 4:15 p.m., when Sarah Conway — known fondly as “Ms. Christmas” — and the Playful Souls fill the air with classic holiday tunes from the courtyard of Bay Street Theater. Guests are encouraged to gather early, warm up with the music, and join in the community sing-along. At 5 p.m., the iconic windmill will be illuminated, marking the ... by Staff Writer

Position Unchanged

David M. Brodsky’s partisan letter [“Owed Full Truth,” Letters, November 27] is built on incorrect assumptions and ignores key facts about both the Jeffrey Epstein case and my record. First, as a father of three daughters, I voted yes to release the Epstein files because the full network must be exposed, and every victim deserves justice. A discharge petition is one procedural option, but it is not what releases files; only a vote of the House does that. When a bill came to the floor that would force disclosure, I supported it without hesitation. My position did not “change” based ... by Staff Writer

Fire Chiefs Council Supports Camp Good Grief

The Southampton Town Fire Chiefs Council presented a $3,000 donation to East End Hospice’s Camp ... by Staff Writer

ARF Expanding Its Outreach to Food Pantries

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons is expanding its community outreach through new partnerships with local food pantries to ensure families across the East End have access to pet food, collars, toys, and other essential supplies for their cats and dogs. The initiative is supported by the generosity of Wally Zeins and Andy Sabin, along with a developing partnership with PetSmart, all helping advance ARF’s mission to keep pets healthy and at home. For families facing financial uncertainty, even basic pet care can become a challenge. “We know how hard this time of year can be,” said Kim Nichols, ... by Staff Writer

Wamponamon Lodge Donates Food to Pantry

Wamponamon Lodge #437 recently donated canned goods and five holiday turkeys to the Sag Harbor ... by Staff Writer

Sag Harbor Village Police Reports for the Week of November 27

SAG HARBOR VILLAGE — Sag Harbor Village Police arrested Wendy Gonzales, 33, and charged her with misdemeanor assault early Monday morning following an altercation that occurred at Murf’s Tavern on Division Street the day before. Police said Gonzalez was in a heated dispute with another woman, whom she punched and shoved to the floor, striking the woman repeatedly about the face and body with a closed fist causing injuries, with the victim taken by ambulance to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital for treatment. Police initially questioned and detained Gonzalez, however, did not proceed with the arrest as the victim was highly ... 27 Nov 2025 by Staff Writer

Community News, November 27

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Hampton Bays Fire Department Turkey Trot The Hampton Bays Fire Department will host ... 26 Nov 2025 by Staff Writer

School News, November 27, Sag Harbor & East Hampton Town

First-Graders Investigate the Science of Light First-graders at Sag Harbor Elementary School are engaging in ... by Staff Writer