James W. Spates

James W. Spates, 84, passed away on June 17th, 2023. He was a devoted husband to his wife of many years, Joan, and loving father to his children John (Suzanne), Charlene (Victor), and Timothy (Joanne). James also had a sister, Elaine Gunderson.  He was a Grandfather to Amanda (Myles) Stankiewitz, Erin Leigh, Jessica, Nicholas Didio, Katelyn (Kevin) Didio Weber, Great Grandfather to Bentley James and Sofia Herschell.

Born on October 20th, 1938, in Brooklyn, James went on to receive an Associates Degree. He served in the United States Army before beginning his career as the District Manager of Mount Sinai Fire Department where he was a dedicated member for over 40 years. Throughout his long career, he touched many lives within the department and the community he served with unyielding passion and dedication.

James would spend most of his free time as a consummate tinkerer, he enjoyed golf and fishing, and studying his family genealogy.

 The family will receive visitors at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead on Tuesday, June 20th, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM and again from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM for visitation. A prayer service will be held at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 21st starting at 10:00 AM before proceeding to Calverton National Cemetery where James will be given full military honors during burial service which will start at around 11AM.

James W. Spates was cherished as a beloved husband, father, brother, friend and highly respected within the community he served throughout his life before passing away. 

May he rest in eternal peace.