Donald D. Wells Jr. of East Hampton, who ran his own company, Action Irrigation, for 30 years, died at home on Feb. 15. He was 77 and had been ill with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease for the past eight years.
After graduating from Bridgehampton High School in 1967, he began a life of service, joining the Navy and serving from 1967 to 1969. “His time in the Navy not only shaped his character but instilled a profound sense of duty and commitment to his country,” his family said, “before embarking on a life full of family, work, and passion.”
Mr. Wells took to adventure and exploration throughout his life, his family said. He lived in Phoenix and Massachusetts before returning to Bridgehampton. “However, it wasn’t until he met the love of his life, Fanny Corwin, in 1981 that he truly found his home. Together, they forged a remarkable partnership marked by unwavering support and shared dreams.”
The two married on June 11, 1983, going on to settle in East Hampton.
Mr. Wells, who was born on Oct. 14, 1947, at Southampton Hospital, the first son of Donald D. Wells Sr. and the former Dorothy Patterson, is survived by his wife and two children, Diana Balnis of Springs and Jeremy Wells of Patchogue. He leaves two grandchildren, Grace Balnis and Ryan Balnis Jr., and is also survived by two sisters, Donna Thayer Conklin of Hilton Head, S.C., and Suzie McLean of Oakland, Calif.
His brother, Darrell Wells, and his sisters Denise Wells and Patty Brown died before him.
