'Unofficial Mayor of Springs' Dies, Service Set for Saturday

The following obituary was prepared on behalf of Vito Sisti's family and edited for style purposes only.

Vito Sisti, a well-known figure around Springs, died suddenly on Monday of causes as yet to be determined. He was 51.

Born in Brooklyn on Sept. 14, 1961, Sisti was the son of Francisco Sisti, who died last year, and Marie Ali Sisti, who survives her son and lives on Staten Island, NY.

After attending schools on Staten Island, where he grew up, and a stint at Wagner College, Sisti joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served on the U.S.S. Midget stationed in Alameda, Calif., and traveling to Alaska and back.When he asked for a transfer to the East Coast, Sisti ended up in Montauk in the mid-80s, and dropped anchor in Springs.

Known as the unofficial mayor of Springs, Sisti was an auto mechanic by trade, but was better known for his civic pride in his adopted town, running the "Vito Sisti Presents" art shows at Ashawagh Hall for 20 years, participating on the board of the Springs Improvement Society, where he spearheaded a renovation of Ashawagh Hall, helping with the Springs Food Pantry, and acting as an organizer for the Fisherman's Fair in recent years. Sisti also composed the "Springs In General" column for The East Hampton Press until last year.

A part of the local art scene, Sisti was immortalized as a "Vito-lope"  — a gold life mask with antlers — by Billy Strong, and as a life-size replica by Springs artist Trish Franey. Said statue could be found wearing a Santa hat at Christmas, or occasionally took up residence in the middle of Pussy's Pond.

Sisti married Coleen Curtin on April 26, 1990. Curtin survives her husband, as does her son, Nick Stevens, and her daughter, Janine Maloney. He is also survived by a brother, James, who resides on Staten Island.

Sisti will be cremated and his remains interred at the Calverton National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations to the Springs Improvement Society, Springs Food Pantry, and Springs Library are suggested.

A memorial will be held at the Springs Presbyterian Church with Tony Larson officiating on Saturday at 3 p.m., followed by a reception at Ashawagh Hall.

Please remember Vito Sisti below. Our condolences go out to his family.