Ronald J. Spellman of Hampton Bays died on March 6, 2018, while vacationing in Costa Rica. He was 55.
An avid surfer since high school, he could be found at the beach nearly any time of year, in any weather, always surrounded by his many trusted friends. His love of the ocean was undeniable as he also took up paddle-boarding later in life and could often be seen riding the waves or just crossing the open water, survivors said.
When he wasn’t at the beach, his talents could be seen in the many landscaped gardens that he created and maintained. He had a very keen eye for design and could lay out, plant and hardscape an area, transforming it to a beautiful space.
Mr. Spellman is survived by his parents, Ronald and Joyce Spellman of Hampton Bays; sisters Lori (Tommy) Pisaneschi and Leanne; brothers Timothy (Lori) and Ryan; nieces Tori, Jessica and Jennifer; a nephew, Brett; and his many, many surfing and non-surfing friends. He also leaves his dog, Ursha.
A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, March 18, at noon at the “Bowl” (Shinnecock Inlet) in Hampton Bays.
Memorial donations may be made to the Eastern Long Island chapter of Surfrider, easternli.surfrider.org; or the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, southamptonanimalshelter.com.