Seaford Community Mourns Loss of Longtime Civic Leader and Maritime Enthusiast

The was packed with a standing room only crowd of mourners Monday morning paying tribute to a man that was a longtime civic leader and maritime enthusiast in Seaford and had a passion for the rich history of the community.

William Powell, a lifelong Seaford resident who was involved in many local groups but was most known for his love of spending time on the bay, died last Thursday from an aortic aneurysm at age 64. He was a descendant of Thomas Powell, who was one of the first settlers on Long Island.

Powell's son Bill spoke during the funeral service about how much his father enjoyed going fishing and crabbing every Sunday with his children and grandchildren. “Nothing was better to him than doing a day, or three or four, at the Bay House with the grandkid or kids,” he said.

One of Powell’s many contributions to the local community was serving in the for 46 years including as a captain. The funeral service was attended by numerous firefighters from Seaford, Wantagh, North Massapequa and Massapequa. The Seaford Fire Department also displayed a large American flag next to its headquarters on 2170 Southard Ave. in honor of Powell.

Powell served in the U.S Navy during the Vietnam War and was the retired owner of in Seaford. Powell was an active member of the and served as vice president of the . He was also a member of Hempstead Bay House Association and a board member of the Long Island Decoy Collectors Association.

“He will be missed by this whole community for all the things he has done and stood for,” said Seaford Chamber of Commerce president Ken Jacobsen after the funeral service.

Powell’s daughter-in-law Kate spoke during Monday’s service about how he was a second father to her and amazing grandfather. “He was my dad in all ways,” she said. “He made [his grandchildren] feel all important and there is no greater gift than that.“

In addition to his son and daughter-in-law Powell is also survived by his wife Carla, daughter Janice Tice (Rob), brothers Robert (Pat) and John and grandchildren Samantha, Brian, Valerie, Michael, Olivia and Ryan.

Following the funeral interment took place at Grace Church Cemetery in Massapequa. The Powell family said donations to the Seaford Historical Society at P.O. Box 1254, Seaford, NY 11783 would be appreciated.