Adele C. Rich

Adele C. Rich of Southold died March 12, 2016. She was 88. 

Adele was born Feb. 9, 1928, at Southampton Hospital to Edward and Catherine Connors of Riverhead. She graduated from Riverhead High School and attended St. Lawrence University.

In 1948, Adele married James H. Rich Jr. of Peconic and in 1951, they moved to Southold at which time she was employed by Suffolk County National Bank.

In 1977, Adele purchased Goldsmith and Tuthill Fuel in Southold which she owned and managed for 10 years.

Community service was a passion of Adele’s. At Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport, she was involved in the candy striper program; joined the hospital auxiliary in 1955; served as its president from 1968 to 1969 and volunteered over 5,000 hours of her time. In 1998, she and her husband received the Teddy Roosevelt Award for their service to Eastern Long Island Hospital.

Additionally, Adele served as a Board member and past treasurer of Southold Free Library from 1973 to 1984; was a life member of the Southold Historical Society, receiving the Person of the Year award in 2011 and also volunteered with the Girl Scouts.

Socially, Adele was a member of the Seagyan Club, Minnepaug Club, Shelter Island Yacht Club and North Fork Country Club.

Adele also enjoyed sailing and being on the water, most recently in her 31’ lobster yacht, “Ethel” built for her by New England Boatworks.

Adele is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, James H. Rich Jr.; two sons, James (Teresa) of Southold, Thomas (Corinne) of Rhode Island; four grandchildren, Katherine (Travis Marcotte) of Vermont, Abigail Smith (Brenden) of Massachusetts, J. Henry IV of Connecticut and Lori of Massachusetts.

Memorial donations may be made to Eastern Long Island Hospital or the Kanas Center for Hospice Care.

The family will receive visitors Friday, March 18, from 2 to 5 p.m. at North Fork Country Club for a celebration of Adele’s life.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home assisted the family.

This is a paid notice.