James

Avitabile

-James A. Avitabile of East Hampton died peacefully at home on
March 1, 2025. He was 82. Mr. Avitabile was retired from the
New York State Office of Court Administration as a Court Planner
for the NYC Court System. He began his career at the NYC
Landmarks Preservation Commission and the NYS Urban
Development Corporation. He was a recipient of the Bernard
Botein Award for outstanding contributions to the administration
of the courts.!

He had a zest for life and was a fifteen year bladder cancer
survivor. He used his extensive background in architectural
preservation to design and supervise the construction of two of
his residences in East Hampton and Amagansett. He loved
attending Broadway theater, creative writing, and was an
aficionado of the classic transatlantic ocean liners studying their
design, construction and history throughout his life. Most of all he
enjoyed spending time with his family and friends who adored
him.

He was born on June 21,1942 to Madeline and James Avitabile
and grew up in Staten Island. He received a bachelor's degree
from New York University and a master's degree from Cornell
University in architectural preservation.!
He is survived by his sister, Bernadette and her husband Jerry
Surak, nephew Zachary and his wife Pamela Surak, great
nephew and nieces, Nathaniel, Charlotte and Madeline, dear
friend and caregiver Dean Albergo, and Chance his rescue dog.