David S. Raynor III of New Suffolk died on Nov. 10, 2023. He was 68 years old.
Born on Feb. 18, 1955, to David S. Raynor II and Helen V. Ziemacki-Raynor, he resided in Jamesport, then Laurel, and eventually New Suffolk. He was a skilled auto mechanic and owned his own business for a time, earning recognition as the “Best of the Best” mechanic by Dan’s Papers for several years.
His family said he was known for his honesty, dry humor, and love for cooking and music.
He was also known for his love of dogs, particularly Basset Hounds, and his eclectic taste in music.
David was a father first, passionate about providing for his family. He had a fondness for cars and trucks, particularly 1990s Ford Rangers. He was adept at combining traditional knowledge with new computerized software and cutting-edge tools. His family said he was a soulful man who touched many lives.
He is survived by his children, David and Sara Raynor, their mother Diane Ekster, and his sisters Catherine McGeary of Trumbull, Connecticut, and Susan Northridge of Braintree, Massachusetts.
A memorial service will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 29, 2023, at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New York Cancer Foundation and/or Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue.
