Walter Harry Pomasanoff, a member of the Eastport Fire Department for 65 years, died on March 16, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was 83.
Born in Eastport on September 29, 1934, to Peter and Nellie (Privett) Pomasanoff, he was a lifelong resident of Eastport. After graduation from Eastport High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Following his service, he returned home and served for a short time in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.
In 1958, he was hired as a patrolman with the Southampton Town Police Departmentl he was promoted to sergeant in 1970, and then lieutenant in 1978, before retiring in 1979 after 21 years with the department.
Mr. Pomasanoff joined the Eastport Fire Department in November 1953 as a member of the Seatuck Engine Company. From 1938 to 2017, he served the Eastport Fire District as a commissioner.
According to a remembrance by Eastport Fire Chief Mark Yakaboski, Mr. Pomasanoff was a big part of the department’s annual lobster barbecue, noting “Harry could be seen every year working proficiently on the F-900 Military fork lift, after a long week on the fork lift he would transition to serving over one thousand freshly cooked lobsters to the guests. Any lobster that touched a serving tray was picked out by Harry. Even though all the lobsters look identical he would make every guest feel special by picking just the right lobster for you or so he made you think. He would always be seen slowing the line because he knew almost every guest he served and would spark up a conversation. Throughout the day you would hear him say one of his many one liners which made everyone around him smile and laugh. Harry had a one of a kind smile and personality.”
He was a member of the Southampton Town Police Benevolent Association and the Superior Officers Association; Suffolk County Police Association; a Director for the Suffolk County Police Conference; and the Retired Police Association of the State of New York.
In addition, he was a member of the Potunk Lodge Masons; Long Island Scottish Rites; Seatuck Sportsman’s Association, Eastport Board of Education member, and a member of the Eastport Cemetery Association.
In his free time, he enjoyed being with his family and friends, hunting, fishing, tractors, gardening and restoring his 1951 Army Jeep.
Mr. Pomasanoff is survived by his wife, Judith; daughters Susan Dotson (Bob); Sharon Murray (Jay Bobby); Leanne Plum (Erich); grandchildren Brandon Shepley, Kaelin Shepley, Athan Dotson and Spencer Plum; and great-grandchildren Elizabeth Chucuy and Isabella Shepley; sisters Marie Kelley, June Haughn and Arlene Dougherty; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was planned at Werner-Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach. A funeral service is set for Thursday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at the Eastport Fire Department.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, eeh.org; or Eastport Cemetery Association, PO Box 2, Eastport, NY 11941.
on Mar 27, 2018