Eric R. Lewin

Eric R. Lewin, originally of Aquebogue, died Aug. 5 at his home in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, after a long illness. He was 74.

He was born on Aug. 27, 1936, in Riverhead to Victor and Eva (Urban) Lewin. He graduated from Riverhead High School and worked as a mason for Harry Terry Construction. He served on the Riverhead police force for a short time and later worked for Northville Industries, which became Tosco Oil on the Sound. He eventually went to work for Hess Oil in St. Croix, where he also built sugar mill replicas and houses out of stone. He returned home to Aquebogue, but moved back to St. Croix after Hurricane Hugo to help rebuild the island.

He loved beaches, fishing and cooking seafood, according to family members. He would ask anyone coming to visit him in St. Croix for care packages of Peconic Bay scallops, smoked eels and Maine lobsters, delicacies from home he sorely missed, they said.

Mr. Lewin is survived by his longtime partner, Kelly Moore of St. Croix; his daughters, Sally, of North Carolina, Tiffany Marucci of New Jersey and Erica Sonner of New York City; his brothers, Victor Jr., of Cherry Plain, N.Y., and Duane, of Aquebogue; his sister, Constance Ramsay of Arkansas; and many grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister Patricia Sidor of East Quogue.

A memorial service will take place Columbus Day weekend. Details will be announced at a future date.