Steve Haweeli, 68, East End Public Relations Pioneer, Dies

Steve Haweeli of East Hampton, the founder and president of WordHampton Public Relations, died on August 23 from complications of COVID-19. He was 68.

Friends described him as a devoted father, dedicated business owner and mentor, and a great friend to many from all circles of life.

Haweeli moved to the East End in 1991 when he was hired by Jeff Salaway as the lead bartender at Nick & Toni’s restaurant in East Hampton. The following year, Haweeli, who enjoyed networking with customers, launched his public relations firm from behind the restaurant’s bar, transitioning his skills into promoting restaurants and other businesses.

WordHampton soon became one of the most successful public relations firms on the East End, and later across Long Island, as Haweeli founded events such as Hamptons Restaurant Week, now known as East End Restaurant Week, and Long Island Restaurant Week, to promote the region’s many restaurants to local customers.

Five years after launching his business, Haweeli hired Nicole Castillo as his first full-time employee, and the business continued to grow over the next 30 years under their management.

“Steve has been an incredible mentor to me over the years, teaching me everything from how to write a press release to running a business,” Castillo said. “I value each and every piece of advice he has given me. I am honored to continue his legacy as the owner of WordHampton and only hope to continue the successful groundwork he has laid.”

Amassing hundreds of clients over his decades in business, Haweeli was well-known in the East End community. “Steve was a passionate man whose passions knew no boundaries when it came to business, sports, his biological family, his work family and to those he considered a friend,” said Mark Smith, a co-owner of Honest Man Restaurant Group. “Steve will be missed by so many people for so many different reasons. Steve was a lover of life and fought until he could not fight anymore. A life well lived. Rest easy, my friend.”

Haweeli received several industry awards over his career, including the prestigious Jack Rettaliata Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Relations Professionals of Long Island. He was also named to Long Island Business News’s “Fifty or So Around 50 Class of 2010” business leaders and was honored at the Long Island Hospitality Ball for his industry contributions.

Haweeli was also a founding member of the Croft Society, a professional group of public relations and communications firms across the country dedicated to sharing business management practices and developing future agency leaders.

He also served as a board member of the East Hampton Chamber of Commerce, the Suffolk County Community College’s Culinary Arts program, the Family Service League, and the vestry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Hampton.

With an interest in many cultures, Haweeli traveled to more than 30 countries. He was an avid reader and lover of all genres of music. In particular, he loved jazz and attended live performances whenever he could. His interest in music trickled down to his son, Ned Haweeli.

“His love for vibrant, expressive music wholly matched his personality as did his insatiable love for travel,” his son said. “He showed me some of my favorite music that turned me into the musician I am today, and I would not be the man I am today without his parenting and love.”

Haweeli also loved to cook and appreciated the abundance of locally grown fresh produce available on the East End, Castillo said. A favorite summer meal was fresh grilled fish, which he often caught himself, local corn, and homegrown tomato and basil salad. A traditional dish he enjoyed making and sharing was his ham salad, a family recipe. Made fresh and always a crowd pleaser, he enjoyed sharing with his family and friends, Castillo added.

A program Haweeli hosted for three seasons on LTV, “foodTALK,” featured many East End chefs, growers and other food-lovers.

In 2007, Haweeli found his calling as an artist, creating vibrant contemporary abstract works in oil and acrylic. The theme of the East End appeared in many of his works, representing the feeling and beauty of the sublime environment here. His works have been shown in local galleries and exhibitions and are in several private collections.

Haweeli was a lifelong Yankees fan, referring to the team as “The Stankees” when they were on a losing streak and was said to do a spot-on impersonation of stadium announcer Bob Sheppard for anyone willing to listen.

When weather permitted, he swam daily at Maidstone Beach, one of his favorite places in the world.

Haweeli was born in White Plains to Eleanor and Norman Haweeli in 1954 and was a graduate of Hamilton College.

“Steve was a lover of everything beautiful, colorful and exciting in the world,” said Ellen Watson, his former wife and close friend. “His extensive travel and love of different cultures opened his mind to all that the world has to offer. He loved life and lived it to the fullest each day. A bright light has gone out, and he will be greatly missed.”

Besides his former wife and son, Haweeli is survived by cousins Ellen and John Haweeli; Castillo and his dedicated staff at WordHampton; and a large circle of extended family, friends and colleagues from around the world.

A wake will be held on Thursday, September 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home at 94 Pantigo Road in East Hampton. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 9, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 18 James Lane in East Hampton.

The family has suggested memorial donations to the Springs Food Pantry, 5 Old Stone Highway, East Hampton 11937 (springsfoodpantry.com).