William Flinter of Riverhead died on Nov. 4, 2025, at home. He was 82 years old.
He was born in the Hell’s Kitchen section of New York City on March 26, 1943, the youngest of six children. After graduating from St. Agnes High School, he attended St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where he majored in history and played on the water polo team.
He taught history at St. Helena’s High School in the Bronx and Sullivan Community College in Fallsburg, while earning his master’s degree at St. John’s University and beginning the doctoral program there.
He spent many summers bartending at local restaurants and clubs in the Hamptons. From 1974 to 1984, he was a co-owner and manager at the Red Fox Inn in Bondville, Vermont.
In 1984, he married Jane Nelson of East Quogue, and they settled in Mattituck, where they raised their two sons, Bill and Kevin.
He continued his teaching career at Suffolk Community College, retiring in 2012. His family said he enjoyed spending time with family and was known for his dedication to education.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jane; his sons, Bill (Danielle) and Kevin (Maggie); his sister, Marilyn Turner, and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers, Jim and Henry, and his sisters, Peggy and Helen.
Visiting hours will be held at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck on Friday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. at the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Mattituck.
Memorial donations in his name to Island Harvest, CAST of Southold, or any local food banks would be appreciated.
