Longtime Amityville resident and avid boater Donald F. Ketcham died Oct. 11, 2009 in Eustis, Florida. He was 87. He was born Aug. 4, 1922 in Amityville to Wilbur and Pauline Ketcham and lived on Ocean Avenue. The family lived in Amityville for generations and were well-known boaters and lovers of the Great South Bay. Mr. Ketcham served in the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in the South Pacific and spent his career at Grumman Aerospace as a machinist. “My uncle sailed through the Panama Canal and throughout the Caribbean,” said his niece, Rebecca Shires of Amityville. “In fact, one time he ran aground near Cuba and was rescued by the Coastguard.”

After his parents passed away, he sold the family home and lived on his 32-foot sailboat “Reliance” and split his time between California, Amityville and Florida.

Mr. Ketcham also leaves behind his other niece: Kathryn Cant of Cape Coral, Florida; his second cousin, Leroy Van Nostrand of Amityville, and his dear friends: Sam and Abby Cauley. He was predeceased by his brother: Wilbur. The Rev. Doctor Louise Stowe, pastor First United Methodist Church, Amityville, conducted a graveside service at Amityville Cemetery on Nov. 21, 2009. Arrangements were under the care of Powell Funeral Home, Amityville.