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Edward Vinski, a longtime resident of Bridgehampton and former middle school science teacher for the Southampton School District, died January 4, 2019, from complications of pneumonia. He was 86.
Mr. Vinski was born in 1932 to Francis and Stella Vinski of Sagaponack. His childhood years were a struggle as he grew up during the Depression and lost his mother to a brain tumor when he was only 9. A good baseball player, he played locally for Bridgehampton High School as well as for the White Eagles and Blue Sox. Following service in the U.S. Navy, he attended the University of New Hampshire, where he also played baseball before graduating with a degree in agricultural science.
After college, he returned to Bridgehampton and began work in his father’s business paving driveways and building foundations for homes. In 1966, he met Kathleen Neylon of Sagaponack and six months later, proposed to her in front of the Bridgehampton Carvel. They were married in 1967. His wife persuaded him to pursue a master’s degree in teaching, which he accomplished at Southampton College. He taught science at Southampton Intermediate School until his retirement in 1991.
Among his hobbies were woodworking and singing tenor in the church choir at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church for several years.
Six years following the death of his wife to cancer, Mr. Vinski had a heart attack and stroke, which left him partly paralyzed and unable to read, write, or speak more than a few words. Despite his limitations, he re-learned how to drive, mowed lawns, and continued with his woodworking. Later he gained notoriety for traveling around Bridgehampton on his motorized wheelchair accompanied by his dog, Max.
Survivors said he was an inspiration to his family and all who cared for him later in life when his health declined.
Mr. Vinski is survived by his siblings, Francis Vinski Jr., Harry Helstowski, and Sabina Zuhoski; his son, Edward Vinski of Bridgehampton; his daughter, Susan Conklin of Sag Harbor; daughter-in-law Jennifer Vinski; son-in-law Rick Conklin; and three grandchildren, Kristopher, Scott, and Kathleen Vinski.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
on Jan 14, 2019