Community Mourns Loss Of LI Restaurant Week Founder, 'Lover Of Life'

EAST END, NY — Friends and colleagues across the East End were rocked this week to learn that Steve Haweeli, one of its most iconic and brightest lights — a man known for his wide smile, his innovation and his kind spirit and mentorship to so many — had died at 68.

According to Nicole Castillo, executive vice-president at WordHampton, the public relations firm that Haweeli launched, and where the East End and Long Island Restaurant Weeks were born, Haweeli died Tuesday due to complications from COVID-19.

"He was a devoted father, dedicated business owner and mentor and a great friend to many from all circles of life," his obituary read.

Born to Eleanor and Norman Haweeli in 1954, he moved to the East End in 1991. Founder and president of WordHampton Public Relations, Haweeli launched the company from behind the bar at Nick & Toni’s in 1992.

"The charismatic bartender always networking with customers, Steve transitioned his skills into promoting restaurants and other businesses, thus creating the foundation for WordHampton," the obit continued.

Castillo, who began her decades of work alongside Haweeli in 1997, will carry on his legacy as the owner of the company.

“Steve has been an incredible mentor to me over the years, teaching me everything from how to write a press release to running a business. I value each and every piece of advice he has given me. I am honored to continue his legacy as the owner of WordHampton and only hope to continue the successful groundwork he has laid,” she said.

Hearts were heavy across the East End, as the many whose lives he touched remembered a man whose vitality and innate kindness helped to forge forever bonds.

“Steve was a passionate man whose passions knew no boundaries when it came to business, sports, his biological family, his work family and to those he considered a friend. Steve will be missed by so many people for so many different reasons. Steve was a lover of life and fought until he could not fight anymore. A life well lived. Rest easy, my friend,” Mark Smith, owner of Honest Man Restaurants, and one of Haweeli's clients, said.

Bridget LeRoy mourned the man who shaped her life. On Facebook, she wrote: "Always in my corner. Immeasurable love up to 'Wheels', wherever you are, and out to his family and all those he loved. Being loved by Steve was a Very Good Thing." She told Patch, "I just adored that man."

Longtime colleague and friend Dawn Watson also shared her thoughts at his passing. "Steve was an amazing man who made an indelible imprint here. It goes without saying that his efforts were monumental in putting the Hamptons restaurant scene on the map, but there's so much more that he did. Steve was a friend, a mentor, an inspiration, a helper, and a true beacon of light for the entire community. He gave so much to so many, and he will be fondly remembered and sadly missed."

Castillo said Haweeli had a tremendous impact on her life. "The day I walked through the door at WordHampton fresh out of college into his basement office, I knew it would be my work home. We had so many laughs and good times over the years and these are what I will hold on to, along with all of the wisdom he shared. I am so indebted to him for the person I am today."

She added: "He lived life to the fullest and always made me laugh, no matter what. I promise to live by his motto and 'Work hard and laugh hard.' It's truly the only way."

Haweeli traveled to more than 30 countries in his lifetime. He was an avid reader and lover of all genres of music, in particular he loved jazz and went to live performances whenever he could, friends and family said. In addition, he loved to cook and "appreciated the abundance of locally grown fresh produce available on the East End," his obituary said.

When weather permitted, he swam daily at Maidstone Beach, "one of his favorite places in the world," those who loved him said.

And in 2007, Haweeli found his calling as an artist, creating vibrant contemporary abstract works in oil and acrylic. The theme of the East End appeared in many of his works, "representing the feeling and beauty of the sublime environment here," Castillo said.

His works have been shown in local galleries and exhibitions and are in several private collections.

Haweeli is remembered as a lifelong Yankees fan — "referring to them as the 'Stankees 'when on a losing streak and doing a spot-on imitation of stadium announcer Bob Sheppard for anyone willing to listen," Castillo added.

He was a graduate of Hamilton College and lived in East Hampton for over 30 years.

“Steve was a lover of everything beautiful, colorful and exciting in the world,” said Ellen Watson, former wife and close friend. “His extensive travel and love of different cultures opened his mind to all that the world has to offer. He loved life and lived it to the fullest each day. A bright light has gone out and he will be greatly missed.”

Haweeli is survived by his son Ned Haweeli, his cousins Ellen and John Haweeli, his staff at WordHampton, and a huge circle of extended family, friends and colleagues from around the world.

His family suggested that those who would like to make a donation in his memory consider the Springs Food Pantry, located at 5 Old Stone Highway, East Hampton, NY 11937.

Arrangements have not yet been finalized.

"RIP, Steve — you were one in a million," Castillo said.