James Michael Laspia was a champion of Mashomack Preserve

James Michael Laspia, 77, died on March 12 after a lifetime on Shelter Island; he led Mashomack Preserve for 37 years and helped transform it into a center for conservation, education and community outreach.

James Michael Laspia, a lifelong Shelter Island resident and long-time leader of Mashomack Preserve, died on March 12 at age 77. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan, and they were married for 55 years. He joined The Nature Conservancy in 1979 when it acquired the Mashomack Fish and Game Club and later served as preserve director for 37 years. During his stewardship, Mashomack evolved from an abandoned hunting club into a place used for fundraising, scientific study, educational programming and community outreach. Key facts: - Laspia died on March 12 at the age of 77. - He joined The Nature Conservancy in 1979 when it acquired the Mashomack Fish and Game Club. - He served as Mashomack Preserve director for 37 years and lived on the preserve while overseeing its transformation. - He was an avid outdoorsman, gardener, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, clamming, and food tied to his Italian heritage. - He is survived by his wife Susan; daughters Erica Laspia (Christian Johnson), Novella Yeaman (Paul), and Jamie Laspia; grandchildren Annabel and Tristan Yeaman; sister Donna Kilb (Lew); and brother Maury Laspia. - A Celebration of Life will be held this spring, with the date to be announced; in lieu of flowers, donations to the Shelter Island Ambulance Foundation are appreciated and the DeFriest-Grattan Shelter Island Funeral Home is serving the family. Summary: Laspia's decades of stewardship helped reshape Mashomack into a hub for conservation work, scientific study and community programs. His passing is noted by the local community and by those connected to the preserve. A Celebration of Life is planned for the spring, with the specific date to be announced.