'A Park For Andrea': Community Honors Life Of Beloved Advocate

EASTPORT, NY — A tireless advocate for the environment known for her bright light, infectious smile, and complete dedication to civic pursuits died in December, leaving behind a rich legacy and shoes almost impossible to fill, all who loved her agree.

Andrea Spilka, who lived in Eastport, died at 72 of cancer, leaving scores stunned and irrevocably saddened. And now, those she stood alongside in the battle to save the natural environment and the small towns that mean home to so many are giving back — creating a park in her honor.

According to the East Moriches Property Owners Assocation, Inc., or EMPOA, "A Park for Andrea," is planned in Eastport.

Southampton Town Councilman John Bouvier, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, and Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming are spearheading the efforts to dedicate the park to Spilka, EMPOA said, adding that the area was chosen because she was involved with making the spot a park before her "untimely passing, and because of all of her hard work bringing people together" in both the Southampton and Brookhaven communities.

"Andrea Spilka was an active and appreciated member of EMPOA's board. She was also respected by officials in the towns of Brookhaven and Southampton with whom she worked. It comes as no surprise, then, that discussions have been underway about developing parkland in Eastport and dedicating it to Andrea's memory," EMPOA said in a newsletter report.

The park, EMPOA said, would be located just east of the "bridge" over Seatuck Creek in Eastport on the south side of Montauk Highway and extending south to the railroad tracks.

The park would be mostly in Southampton, but could extend across Seatuck Creek to Brookhaven where that town owns a small parcel by the spillway; both towns have indicated an interest in supporting the park and dedicating the parcel to Spilka's memory, EMPOA said.

As it stands, the site is wooded with mature trees, scrub, and rosebushes, the EMPOA newsletter said.

EMPOA is also reaching out to the public to help weigh in on whether the land should be developed with trails, benches, picnic tables, grills, swings, fences, and parking — or left in its natural state.

To participate in the survey, click here.

Bouvier spoke of Spilka's "gracious determination" when advocating on environmental issues. Of the park, Bouvier said he and others who knew her would like to see it left it in its natural state. "We all feel she would like it like that, not manicured," he said.

Speaking of his longtime colleague, Bouvier said: "I miss her a lot. I think of her when I'm dealing with environmental issues. I think, 'Would would Andrea say?' And that smile of hers, it would draw you right in."

Bob DeLuca, president and CEO of Group for the East End, also reflected on Spilka's long legacy of service through the many civic organizations and environmental groups she belonged to.

"Andrea’s passing was a devastating loss for the community and all those many folks whose lives she had touched through her many years of civic advocacy," he said.

DeLuca said he met Spilka when she was an adult student of his at Southampton College; after retiring from her career with the New York City Department of Education, she decided to dedicate her life to conservation and civic activism, he added.

"Through at least the last 15 years, Andrea has been a stalwart volunteer for Group for the East End, and a tireless community advocate in her own right for preservation and responsible planning in Southampton Town, Brookhaven, and Suffolk County," DeLuca said. "In my 30 years of professional conservation, and advocacy I cannot recall a single individual who dedicated more personal time, with more professionalism, passion, and conviction than Andrea."

Along with her mission to protect the environment, Spilka touched lives with her open and giving heart, the many who knew her said.

"She wasn’t just a person of passionate conviction, she was also a very strategic thinker, and perhaps, most importantly, a person who believed deeply in the power and goodness inside of each person. She was an inspiration to me and I miss her presence and positivity on a daily basis," DeLuca said. "She could always see the best in others and never ever gave up on their potential."

When Spilka died, Craig Catalanotto, who formerly served as vice-chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee – West in Southampton Town, along with other civic groups, before serving in his current position on the Southampton Town planning board, wrote about the news that left so many devastated.

"Our community has lost a genuine and dignified advocate who gave so much of herself," he said. "Always out front in protecting open space, advocating for water quality, organizing and uniting people for a greater good, Andrea was and always will be the very best of what people have to offer. Whenever there was chaos, vitriol, and helplessness, somehow Andrea would bring the calm, the focus, and the ability to make people listen."

He added: "When the 'monster poles' went up in Eastport and tempers flared, Andrea quietly and patiently went about articulating the concerns of our community. Ultimately, Andrea was successful, and as an extension so were we. There are so many stories to tell, and all of them end with, 'because Andrea gave more than anyone else for everyone else.'"

Catalanotto said he would miss his friend. "More than missing her, I'm going to appreciate her. Green pines, clear water, preserved land, and a spirit of doing things the right way — these are the gifts that Andrea leaves us. I know that I'm not alone in feeling grateful."

Speaking to Patch this week, he added: "Andrea was such a wonderful person who did so much for our community. She is greatly missed."