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Donald A. Saco of Water Mill died at home on January 4, 2017, of cardiac disease. He was 87.
Mr. Saco was born on February 5, 1929 in Brooklyn, and was known by many names—Don, Uncle Donald, Wallace, and Dukkada. He earned his undergraduate degree at Brooklyn College and completed early training in sculpture, graphic design, and anatomy at the Art Students League and the Sculpture Center in New York City. He later studied bronze casting at foundries in Rome, Italy. In 1975, he completed his post-graduate studies in psychology and earned his doctorate in clinical psychology. He held a faculty appointment as a clinical instructor in psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, in addition to maintaining a private practice as a behavioral therapist. He also served in the U.S. Merchant Marines with the Coast Guard as a seaman.
Mr. Saco’s life partner, Sylvia Senter, died on March 11, 2003. During this period of grief, his creative spirit awakened as he embraced music and returned to sculpture after a 25-year hiatus, survivors said. He worked alongside his teacher and mentor, Victoria Bond, and began composing and performing music on his new piano. His music was heard on the public radio station WMNR of Monroe, Connecticut. His sculpture transformed from bronze figures into abstract welded steel that reflected his inner grieving process and new embrace of music and peace. His sculptures were displayed at the Southampton Cultural Center, the Peconic Landing retirement community, the Palliative Care Garden at Northwell Hospital, the maternity ward at Southampton Hospital, Guild Hall of East Hampton, and the DeCordova Gallery.
He was involved with numerous community charities and his pieces were donated to East End Hospice, Southampton Breast Cancer, The Art Barge, the Southampton Cultural Center, and the Quogue Library.
Mr. Saco was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Josene Saco of Brooklyn. He is survived by a brother, Kenneth Saco and wife Betty of Connecticut; a niece, Karen Saco and life partner Sam of Hampton Bays; nephew Mark Saco and wife Monica, and their children, Anusha, Josh, Steven, and Avery of New Jersey, and Jill and Leigh Senter of NYC. He also leaves behind his dog, Dot.
A memorial visitation will be held at Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton on Friday, January 13, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A church service will be held at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton on January 14, at 10 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, the Southampton Cultural Center, or a charity of choice.
The family wishes to thank the following for their support: Dr. Miguel Blanco, Monsignor Joseph Finnerty, Yurllen, Margaret of Archcare (formerly Dominican Sisters), Melissa, and East End Hospice.
on Jan 9, 2017