Beloved Former Southold Town Democratic Committee Chair Dies

SOUTHOLD, NY — Hearts were broken across the North Fork at the news that former Southold Town Democratic Committee Chair Art Tillman died early Monday morning.

He was 79 years old.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. Funeral services will be held on Friday morning, May 10 at 10 a.m. at Advent Lutheran Church on Legion Avenue in Mattituck, officiated by the Reverend George Summers. Interment will follow at New Bethany Cemetery across the street from the church.

"As you all know, Art was the heart and soul of the town committee for many years. He is beloved and remembered for his good nature, passion, humility and constant strategizing on behalf of the party, as well his friendship and loyalty to all of us. He will be dearly missed by the committee and so many this town. He was surely one of a kind," said Kathryn Casey Quigley, chairwoman of the Southold Town Democratic Committee.

No matter an individual's political party, Tillman was known for his kindness across the board.

"I am deeply saddened. He was one of my closest friends," said Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell. "I knew him long before I got involved in politics. A true gentleman and an even better friend. This town will never be the same without him."