John M. Urevich

John M. Urevich of Riverhead died April 11. He was 48.

John was born to John and Arlene Urevich and attended Riverhead High School. 

He was affiliated with many fire fighting organizations, serving as chairman for Central Pine Barrens Wildfire Task Force; chairman of the board of New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy; volunteering for Riverhead Fire Department Ever Ready Engine Company #3 and the Riverhead Exempts Volunteer Fireman’s Association; serving as an ex-chief for Flanders Fire Department; treasurer of Suffolk Fire Chief’s Council and treasurer of Suffolk County Fire Districts Managers’ Association.

According to family John greatly enjoyed volunteer fire fighting. They described him as a “leader of the fire service who always led behind the scenes.”  He also enjoyed spending time building model rockets, spending times with his family and his dogs, Peyton and Peggy Sue, whom he referred to as “the girls.”

John is survived by his wife of 18 years, Catherine (née Stotsky); his dogs; his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Laura and David Minsk; his nephews, Daniel, Justin and Noah Minsk; his sister-in-law, Patricia Stotsky; aunts; cousins; great-nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.

Arrangements were handled by McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. Cremation was private. A celebration of life service will take place Saturday, May 10; details will be announced.

Memorial donations may be made to Kent Animal Shelter, 2259 River Road, Calverton, NY 11933 or New York Wildlife Academy, care of: Central Pine Barrens Commission, 624 Old Riverhead Road, Westhampton, NY 11978.

This is a paid notice.