Seth F. Wakeman of Stonington, Conn. died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 9 at the age of 88, the result of an unexpected accident in Mystic, Conn.

He was the loving husband of 35 years to Joanna “Joey” (Cochrane) Wakeman who also died due to the unexpected accident on March 9.

Born in Springfield and raised in Northampton, Seth enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years and honorably discharged in 1955 as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. Following his military service, Seth attended Nichols Jr. College, graduating in 1958. He eventually went on to earn his B.S. in Finance, from NYU.

A resident of Stonington for the past 18 years, Seth previously resided on Martha’s Vineyard.

Seth spent most of his working career in the field of banking as a loan officer and branch manager for the former Hartford National Bank in Mystic and general manager at Pfizer Employee’s Credit Union. He was also employed at the former Poole’s Fish Market on Martha’s Vineyard. He retired in 1999.

Throughout his professional career and during his retirement years, Seth dedicated his time volunteering and giving back to many organizations in the surrounding communities. He served on numerous municipal town levels and held several positions in the nonprofit sector, including vice president for Save the Haley Farm and treasurer of the Pequotsepsos Wildlife Sanctuary. Seth was an active member of the Rotary Club of Mystic for over 50 years, serving as president. He was also a member and charter member of the Vineyard Rotary Club.

In 2003, he became a member of the Odd Fellows Stonington Lodge #26 (I.O.O.F.) and was treasurer since 2005. Seth was also a member, past president and was currently serving as vice-president of the Quiambaug Volunteer Fire Company in Stonington, and a member of the fire police unit during his active time within the department.

With his strong background and knowledge in finance, Seth was able to serve Fairview and many other organizations over the years. In addition to his many civic duties, he loved being near the ocean, fishing, lobstering and shellfishing.

Seth is survived by his three sons, Peter Wakeman of Narragansett, R.I., David Wakeman of Noank and Andrew Wakeman and his wife, Miriam, of San Diego, Calif; three step-sons, Michael Losacano of Niantic, Conn., David Losacano of Mystic, Conn. and William Losacano and his wife, Siri, of Norway; and a granddaughter, Molly.

A joint celebration of Seth and Joanna’s life was held Monday, March 18 at the Mystic Funeral Home. Funeral services were held March 20 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edgartown.

Please consider a donation in Seth’s memory to the Rotary Club of Mystic P.O. Box 153 Mystic, CT. 06355.