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Daniel A. Kalish, lifelong resident of Bridgehampton, died at home on July 11, with his wife and daughter at his side, following a two-year battle with cancer. He was 66.
Born March 31, 1949, Mr. Kalish was a builder, carpenter and craftsman who worked independently in the Southampton and East Hampton townships for more than three decades. Through changing times that saw corporate builders transforming the landscapes of the East End, Mr. Kalish built homes, additions and renovations with his own hands and with the help of other local tradesmen, many his close friends. The son of Constant “Connie” W. Kalish, a third-generation potato farmer, and Frances A. Kalish, who predeceased him, he graduated from Bridgehampton High School in 1968 and attended St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in business in 1972. Following his graduation he returned to Bridgehampton and began his career, forming D & D Builders with his twin brother, David, a business they maintained for five years. After that, in the late 1970s, he worked as a sales consultant for Agway, traveling throughout the Northeast. He began his career as an independent builder in the early 1980s, remaining active in his work until March 2015.
Mr. Kalish married Caroline (Carol) Griffiths on September 25, 1976. Their daughter, Jocelin Marie Kalish, was born on February 14, 1990. He served as a volunteer in the Bridgehampton Fire Department for 27 years and during that time was secretary and treasurer, and captain of the fire police for 10 years. He was an avid sailor and a member of the Breakwater Yacht Club in Sag Harbor, serving as a trustee for four years. He sailed weekly in regattas for several years aboard a boat named Purple Haze. Mr. Kalish frequently contributed his services in the restoration of the club’s facilities when needed. Mr. Kalish, “Dan” to his family, friends and colleagues, was known and beloved for his good nature and generosity of spirit, his laughter, his propensity for storytelling and his love of family.
In addition to his wife, and daughter, Jocelin, he is survived by his father, twin brother, David, and brothers, Anthony D. Kalish and Gary E. Kalish, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass was held at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Bridgehampton on Friday, July 17, officiated by Father Peter Devaraj. Burial was at Edgewood Cemetery in Bridgehampton.
on Jul 20, 2015