Obituaries

Margaret Namiotka

Margaret “Peggy Smith” Namiotka, sister, friend and “Auntie” died at her home Nov. 24, 2014 of breast cancer. The longtime Jamesport resident was 59. 

She was born May 15, 1955, to Mary Ellen (MacAslan) and Roy “Smith” Namiotka.

Peggy loved being an auto mechanic worked with cars for many years at local businesses, including Mattituck Auto Parts, Riverhead Auto Parts, Riverhead Firestone, Tire Country in Riverhead, and Van Dyck & Yousik, also in Riverhead. She was also a Riveread Centeral School District Bus Driver.

Family members said she loved auto racing, and raced under the name Peggy Smith. She drove in modified competitions at Riverhead Raceway, where she was the first woman to win a  track championship and was a former Grand Am late model champion. She was also late model Rookie of The Year at the Freeport Stadium Speedway.

Peggy also enjoyed spending time at the beach and snowmobiling. She loved her family and her three cats, Polly, Sheeba, and Brindy that were like children to her.

Predeceased by her parents and her boyfrined, James “Papa Wholey,” she is survived by her sisters, Linda Reyer of Jamesport, JoAnne (Richard) Miller of Alabama, and Cathy (Vinnie) Mangiamele of Bethpage; her nieces, Jennifer (Joe) Stepnoski, Melissa Raynor, Mary (Danny) Rollins and Evelyn and Lori Miller; her nephews, Ken (Tina) Miller, Roy (GeorgeAnn) Mangiamele and Vinnie (Susan) Mangiamele; her great-nieces, Sophie Stepnoski, Haleigh Miller, Claudia Mangiamele; her great-nephews, Luke Stepnoski, Brandon Miller, Nicholas Mangiamele, Matthew Mangiamele, and Jake Mangiamele; her grandmother, “Grandma Mangiamele” her aunts, Peggy Campbell and Jackie Trojanowski; many cousins, including Mary Ellen and Pat Campbell.

The family received visitors Nov. 30-Dec. 1, at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.  A reunion of some of her fellow racers was held during the Dec. 1 services. Graveside services were held Dec. 2 at Jamesport Cemetery. The Rev. Rick Saladon of Living Water Full Gospel Church will officiated.

Memorial donations to East End Hospice or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

This is a paid notice.