Kathy Hinz, 72, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in her beloved Sag Harbor home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Kathy was born on January 19, 1953, in Queens, New York, and grew up in East Meadow, Long Island, the middle child of Philip and Rosanne (Moffett) Cicero. She was predeceased by her parents and her two brothers, Anthony and Philip.
From childhood, Sag Harbor was at the center of Kathy’s life. She spent many summers at the cabins at Mill Creek Marina with her extended family, where days were filled with togetherness and simple joys. Those seasons became her happiest memories and forever tied her heart to Sag Harbor.
Kathy attended Holy Trinity Catholic High School and later St. Claire’s Nursing School in Manhattan. She began her career at Hempstead General Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering, where her skill and compassion touched countless patients and colleagues. She also cherished her years waitressing at the original Salty Dog on Long Beach, where she made lifelong friends and memories.
Her nursing career spanned decades. After moving to Los Angeles in 1982, she worked at UCLA while living by the ocean in Venice Beach, returning often to Sag Harbor. At UCLA, she served in both the pediatric intensive care unit and pediatric oncology — work that was a testament to her dedication and compassion. When she later came home for good, she continued her nursing at Southampton Hospital, serving in cardiology, wellness, and obstetrics. She also worked with the Catholic Guardian Society, caring for adults with disabilities, and at Phoenix House, supporting those in recovery. At every step, Kathy gave herself fully — her care, patience, and kindness left a lasting mark.
It was in Los Angeles that Kathy met the love of her life, Mark Hinz, beginning the partnership that defined her days. In 1988, Kathy and Mark returned to Sag Harbor, married at St. Andrew’s Church, and moved into the Crescent Street home her father, aunt, and uncle had built in 1967 as an upgraded summer home from the cabins. After buying out his siblings, Kathy’s parents had already made it their year-round home. It remained the heart of family life when Kathy and Mark raised their two children, Emily Rose and Michael, there. Best friends and true partners, Kathy and Mark walked each other through every joy and hardship. Crescent Street became the center of Kathy’s world — a home filled with family, friends, laughter, and the everyday beauty of the bay.
Kathy loved the beach, traveling with her family, and gathering around the table with loved ones. She treasured her friendships deeply and carried warmth into every connection. Most of all, she was devoted to her family. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader, finding immense joy in Emily’s lifelong passion for performing and pride in Michael’s music and his dedication to animals through his work at ARF. Both artists in their own ways, her children’s creativity filled her with happiness, and she celebrated them every step of the way. Her family was her world, and she poured herself fully into every moment with them.
Even through her eight-year battle with cancer, Kathy refused to let it define her. She lived with grace, never losing her joy or devotion to the people she loved. Her smiling face and warm energy were well known in the Sag Harbor community, and deeply cherished.
Kathy is survived by her beloved husband, Mark, and their two children, Emily Rose and Michael. To those who knew her, she was more than a wife, mother, or friend — she was a teacher, confidante, and the truest kind of companion. Kathy moved through life with an angelic essence; simply being near her was a gift. Her beauty, kindness, and compassion flowed effortlessly, and her home and arms were always open. To know her was to love her.
Kathy was laid to rest at St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Sag Harbor, beside her two brothers, in the village she cherished all her life. May she rest in eternal love and peace, always in our hearts and forever our angel.