LI Community Leader Remembered For 'Enormous Heart,' Dedication

RIVERHEAD, NY — No ice, cold temperatures, or pandemic could keep the many who loved him from turning out to say good-bye to Raymond Pickersgill, who died at 71 in April after a battle with the coronavirus.

A memorial service was held Sunday in the parking lot near the Peconic riverfront, where a Crepe myrtle tree was planted and a bench and plaque dedicated in Pickersgill's honor.

Riverhead Business Improvement District President Steven Shauger spoke about his friend and mentor; Pickersgill, a former BID president, "passed the torch," he said. Pickersgill was the creative force behind many popular events — including Alive on 25, the Cardboard Boat Race, the indoor Farmers Market, lighting in the business district, fireworks, and the well-loved antique car show — that drew crowds to the downtown he worked so hard to revitalize.

Shauger said Pickerskill was just a phone call away. "He'd say, 'Whatever you need, Steve. Let's get it done." He thanked Pickersgill, whose impact and legacy will last forever.

Pickersgill's daughter Lisa and wife Margaret expressed gratitude to those who came to remember him.

"Beautiful," Lisa wrote on Facebook after the gathering. "We are grateful. Thank you to all who attended and made it happen. We are beyond touched by the kind words spoken and the outpouring of support from all who attended in person and in spirit. I know my father is proud to have everyone share such memories."

And, Lisa told Patch: "We were overwhelmed with love, kindness, and appreciation for all who recognized my father and all his tireless work volunteering as BID president."

Former Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter spoke fondly of Pickersgill, saying that much of Riverhead's revitalization could be traced to his determination and love for downtown. Pickergill, he said, put a chair out in the parking lot for an event back before there were even cars and was the one who stayed late to help after those events gained momentum.

Walter said he was amazed at Pickersgill's dedication. "He did it at the expense of his health, his business, and it took a toll on his family," he said. "He was dedicated to this town like no one I have ever known.. and it all started with the first chair he put in this parking lot and the first event he created. Thank you to his family, for sharing him with us."

Current Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar said it was fitting that a tree should be planted for a veritable pillar of the community. The town board plans to honor Pickersgill in the future, she said.

Andrew Coppertino, who grew up with Pickersgill, said he taught him about "honesty, integrity, responsibility." He not only took him under his wing and taught him everything there is to know about home construction, Coppertino said, but imparted other lessons that have lasted a lifetime. "He taught me how to be a man," he said.

"You were like a son to him," Margaret said.

Coppertino smiled as he recalled a time when his bike was stolen and Pickersgill sprang into action. "He just jumped in the car," he said. "He was always there," he said. "He was a great, great man. I miss this man. He was the father that I didn't have."

Denise Civiletti, co-founder, editor and co-publisher of RiverheadLOCAL, also shared memories. "He was a real gentleman. He not only had a heart for downtown but an entrepreneurial spirit... We shared a lot of laughter and debates," she said.

Rob Robilotta, Pickersgill's nephew, gave an emotional tribute. "While his seat may be empty, he's always with us," he said.

Pickersgill owned the Robert James Salon on Main Street and was a familiar face — and friend — to the countless whose lives he touched.

"I would like to give those of you who have been lucky enough to have known my father Raymond Pickersgill comfort and thanks and love for all your prayers and wishes," Lisa wrote on Facebook after his death. "My father was a kind, amazing man that I was lucky enough to say was my father. He was smart, with a heart of gold — and savvy."

Her father, she added, "loved unconditionally. He was so proud to be involved in the county and town he adopted — Riverhead. The friends he made and the fun he had were some of his fondest memories. My father would give anyone anything they needed and would do anything he could to help anyone without a second thought. He didn't care if it would be at his expense, of time or money. He truly had a golden heart."

Lisa added: "There are many things I remember and respect about my father but most of all I would like him to be remembered as a man who loved deeply his wife and children, grandchildren, his parents, and his siblings."

Friends remembered the man who touched their lives.

"He did such great things for the downtown Riverhead BID and for downtown Riverhead," Diane Tucci said. "He leaves a legacy for sure."

Pickersgill's longtime friend Anthony Coates spoke of how he wanted to remember him: "He didn't sit still; he was always looking to help. To do something, not for himself, but, for someone."

For many years on Main Street, when residents saw Pickersgill, they likely saw him with his friend John Mantzopoulos, whose restaurant was located next door to Pickersgill's salon.

"If you ever needed a second father, Ray was like that second father," Mantzopoulos said. "Coronavirus took somebody very dear from me."

The bench dedicated to Pickersgill looks out upon the Peconic, right behind the shop where he proudly built a forever legacy. "In memory of Ray Pickersgill, for his infinite love and devotion to. making the Town of Riverhead beautiful and successful," it reads.

The Riverhead Business Improvement District, Wedel Sign Company, Robert James Salon, family and friends planted the tree and designated the first bench at the west end of the riverwalk in his honor. The tree was also dedicated by Lisa's best friends from kindergarten to middle school and their husbands.

The plaque by the tree, which speaks of Pickergill's dedication to the BID, his vision for downtown revitalization, and his "enormous heart," also has a quote by Russell Page: "To plant trees is to give body and life to one's dreams of a better world."