John Folks,

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T. John Folks III (aka Jack) Developer, Builder, Entrepreneur with a charismatic personality, profoundly changed the complexion of Long Island by building the first major hotel on Long Island the Smithtown Sheraton which Jack opened in 1981.  Jack went on to purchase and tear down the old Colony Hill property in Hauppauge, and built the Wind Watch, a Marriott Hotel and Gold Club with 362 guest rooms.  He developed and acquired other hotel properties and at one point owned more hotel rooms than any other on Lond Island.  A deep recession and other major financial difficulties adversely affected Jack requiring him to redirect his amazing talents. He turned his focus to the Hamptons and Shelter Island where he had previously lived and had done several developments.  With his beloved wife and business partner Gusty (Augusta) they subdivided large tracts of land a built both spec and custom homes in Watermill,  Bridgehampton and Shelter Island, leaving behind very notable properties, the most recognized being Bumblebee Manor on Shelter Island.

Jack was brought up in Amityville, attended Chaminade HS, graduated from Amityville HS and went on to graduate with a finance degree from Notre Dame University.  He was an avid skier,  swimmer and loved to boat and sail.  Jack loved to travel and he and Gusty went all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Central America, Galapagos Islands and all throughout South East Asia.  Jack spent many winters on his favorite Caribbean island St.Barth's.  Jack was known for his sense of humor, his quick smile, his charm and his philanthropic generosity.  He was on the Board of Directors of St. Charles Hospital, Union Savings Bank and received L.I. Man of the Year award from the National Kidney Foundation of NY/New Jersey.  Jack leaves behind his adoring wife Gusty, his three children John, Christine and Kimberly, his step sons Albert and Stephen Schneider and his four grandchildren Emma, Ian, Julia and John Schneider.  He also leaves behind his two brothers Robert and Joseph and is predeceased by his sister Mary Mullaney and his brother James Folks.