Obituaries

James H. Small

James H. Small, 90 of Cutchogue, formerly of Northport, passed away peacefully May 26, at his home surrounded by loved ones. 

He was born June 28, 1923, on Staten Island to Eugene and Isabell (Liston) Small. On August 20, 1944, he married the love of his life, Fay Victoria MacDonald, and together they settled in Northport to raise their family.

Jim worked at Steers Sand and Gravel Company in Northport during the day for over a decade while he attended Hofstra University in the evenings. Over the course of a dozen years, he received his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education and Spanish. He was a beloved Spanish teacher at Northport High School for 26 years and received many awards for his dedication to his students.

Active in veterans’ affairs, Jim was very proud of his military service during World War II as a military police officer. Jim was a teacher, mentor, and father figure to people of all walks of life. His overriding qualities included compassion, empathy, humor, interest in people and the world around him. He and his wife, Fay, enjoyed traveling, especially to countries where he could enjoy his second language, Spanish.

Jim loved sailing (renovated a tug boat into a yacht), the Yankees, playing golf, and enjoying his grandchildren and great grandchild. Jim also loved animals, and volunteered many hours at the local dog shelter. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish and Southold American Legion.

Jim’s loving wife, Fay, predeceased him in 2000. He is survived by his children, Barry (Laurie) of Connecticut and Coleen (Ted) of New Jersey. Also surviving are his adored grandchildren Colin Small, Trevor (Christine) French and Leigh-Ann French, as well as a loving great-grandchild, Tyler. Jim also leaves his beloved companion, Cora Stoll of Southold.

The family will receive visitors Monday, June 2, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. Cremation will be private with burial of cremains to follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bob Woodruff Foundation – Stand4Heroes (www.bobwoodrufffoundation.org) or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Jim’s kindness and genuine good nature will be remembered by all who knew him.

This is a paid notice.