LI Man 'Distraught And Heartbroken' Over Lost Wedding Ring

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A man, heartsick over the loss of his wedding ring, has reached out on social media to help find something that means so much more than just a piece of jewelry. And his words convey a love story that's been touching hearts as a community comes together to try and help him located the lost band.

Paul King, works at Riverhead Building Supply at 21 RailRoad Avenue in East Hampton, across from the YMCA, said that on either Friday, Feb. 25 or Saturday, Feb. 26, the ring may have been lost while he was walking to or from the long-term parking lot.

"Even though it is just a materialistic thing, that ring is very sentimental; it represents our strong bond," he said. "Going on 26 years, and I only took the ring off for my two surgeries last year. I am heartbroken over this."

Anyone who finds the ring should ask for King at the counter inside the business.

Speaking with Patch, King, who also lives in East Hampton, said he wanted to thank everyone who has helped in the search for his missing ring, sharing and reposting his Facebook massage, sending him well wishes, spreading the word — and searching.

"I’m so lucky to have so many caring friends, family and wonderful people in this community," he said. "Just to see a couple of village highway department workers taking the time out to search the area where I thought I may have lost it brought some joy to my heart."

King shared the ring's background: "It's pretty much just a small-town love story, boy meets girl, girl meets boy, they fall in love — the rest is history."

King was born and raised in Sag Harbor with his family going back many generation in East Hampton, Amagansett, Springs, and Sag Harbor.

"My wonderful and beautiful wife, Jeannine, was born in Brooklyn and her family moved to Montauk shortly after she was born and was raised out here," he said.

They were just a couple of young teens back in the late 80s when they met, he said.

"You see, this beautiful young girl was hired where I was employed, at a family-owned retail establishment on Main Street in East Hampton. Not sure if I ever told her, but the moment I saw her step into the store my stomach felt queasy, my heart fluttered and skipped a few beats, and I just felt weird all over. Those beautiful deep brown eyes had me in a trance. I believe she thought I was a dweeb, cause I was at a loss for words and probably came off as this shy, nerdy dumb guy."

However, he said, his first impression may not have been that bad, because they quickly became friends and began spending time together, which led to dating.

"We dated off and on over the next few years before getting serious. True love is hard to find, but I knew she was the one from the moment I saw her walk through that door that day. We were married on the 20th of July, 1996."

Like most people, the couple has had their ups and downs, King said. "Mostly ups, though, especially having her by my side always, and bringing our four beautiful and wonderful children into this world."

The last year, however, has been a rough one.

"I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the beginning of 2021 and we decided the best thing was to have prostate removal surgery, to hopefully rid myself of the cancer. I thankfully am in remission as of now and hope and pray to stay that way."

The surgery, however, did cause some other issues, leading to another surgery; King has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.

"It’s not been getting any easier," he said. "I am have trouble walking, working and just getting through each day with this pain."

King added that the year has been an emotional roller coaster, and continues to drain both he and his wife emotionally, physically, and financially.

Both, however, look to the good. "I cannot express my gratitude enough for being blessed with so many caring friends and family members in my life. The most important person that has helped me get through this tough time is my wife, my rock, my best friend, my everything, my 'one'. Not sure where I would be today without her. I am blessed," King said.

The ring means everything, King said. In the 26 years they have been married, he has removed it only to clean it and during the surgeries and MRIs he's undergone over the past year.

"After the surgeries I lost quite a bit of weight and the ring must have just slipped off," he said. "While at work Saturday, February 26, I suddenly noticed my ring was not on my finger at around 8:30 a.m. Of course, I’m not sure where or exactly when it slipped off, or I wouldn’t be asking for everyone to keep an eye out for it. I am almost positive I had it on that morning before I left my house, but I can’t be sure, being how it was like a part of me for so long. I’m pretty sure it was on my finger the day before, at the very least."

The loss has hit hard, he said.

However, his battle with cancer has left life lessons, King said. "To have faith, don’t sweat the small stuff, be thankful and always think positive. Believe me though, it’s not easy — but I just keep looking forward, one day at a time. So I am holding on to hope and faith that my ring will be found and things will get better."