Shirley May Eckart of Westhampton Beach Dies December 21

Shirley May Eckart of Westhampton Beach died peacefully on December 21. She was 98.

She was born on April 10, 1926, to Nathan H. Dayton and Julia Emma Warner of East Hampton. She is a descendant of the Hardscrabble Daytons, one of the oldest families in East Hampton.

She married Warren “Red” Eckart of Westhampton Beach, where she lived for 78 years, and raised their family of six children.

She loved spending most mornings and afternoons at Eckart’s Luncheonette, where she enjoyed greeting patrons of all ages. She will be deeply missed by all.

She was predeceased by her husband Warren; her son Warren; and her brother Nathan Dayton. She is survived by her children Darlene Sacks of East Quogue (Vaughn), Shirley “Dee” McClain of Westhampton Beach (Ray), Jacob of Quiogue (Cathy), Julia Emma “Emmy” Snipes of Roanoke, Virginia (Steven) and George of Westhampton Beach; 12 grandchildren, Aaron and Ian Sacks, Danielle and Raymond McClain, Kaitlyn, Steven, Noah and Shirley Jean Snipes, Brendon, Thomas, Daniel and Grace Eckart; three great-grandchildren, Bella and Avery Sacks and Elijah Snipes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westhampton Beach Historical Society (whbhistorical.org).

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 30, at Werner-Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach. An interment in Westhampton Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life, will take place later in 2025.