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James G. Aery
Lifelong Southampton resident James G. Aery collapsed in the arms of his youngest son after a massive heart attack on Saturday, July 14. He was 58.
Born on April 18, 1954, to Emma and A. Vincent Aery, he attended Southampton High School, where he met his high school sweetheart Melissa Essay. They were married on July 28, 1974. An avid provider for his family with a strong work ethic, according to his family, he was employed at the Essay family business for more than 30 years. Most recently he worked for the Bruce Peterson Irrigation Co. and, for the last 20 years, worked nights at the Herbert and Rist Liquor Store.
Growing up in North Sea, he was raised with strong family values and loved life, survivors said. He was a walking encyclopedia when it came to music, with an enormous collection of rock and roll albums, a passion that began as a child. With his trusted ear, he would almost always end up being the DJ at family parties.
He loved the ocean and local beaches, fishing, clamming, barbecuing, a game of horseshoes, and gathering with many generations of loved ones at Road G beach on Sundays. He also enjoyed a round of golf with family and friends, and vacationing in the Caribbean, especially the island of Tortola.
Mr. Aery was a “Jack of all trades,” capable of fixing and repairing nearly anything as a self-taught carpenter, mechanic, electrician and plumber, his family said. He also had a profound love for classic cars and hot rods and his latest project was restoring his 1968 Buick Skylark convertible.
He is survived by his wife, Melissa Aery; four children, James Aery Jr. and his wife Melissa, Lisa Aery, Lynn Maddock and her husband Mark, and Brian Aery and his wife Marina, all of Southampton; five grandchildren, Nicholas, Jagger and Zayne Maddock, and Thomas and Emilia Aery; three brothers, Paul Aery of Saranac Lake, John Aery of Westchester and Christopher “Kip” Aery of Hampton Bays; a sister, Margaret Rist of Southampton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by a brother, Peter Aery. He leaves behind his beloved black Labrador, Louie.
Visitation was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 17 and 18, at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton. A funeral Mass was held on Thursday, July 19, at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be made to the Southampton Association for Beach Access, P.O. Box 2970, Southampton, New York 11969.
on Jul 23, 2012