Great Bonac Fireworks Dedicated To Ben And Bonnie Krupinski

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Ben and Bonnie Krupinski, lost after a devastating plane crash off Amagansett, will be remembered in glorious bursts of color and pure light as the Great Bonac Fireworks show takes place this year in their honor.

The Clamshell Foundation announced this week that it is dedicating this year's Great Bonac Fireworks to the couple's forever memory.

"Ben and Bonnie were not only our friends, but also major donors to The Clamshell Foundation, as they were to so many others in the community," said Kori Peters of the Foundation. "They never wanted acknowledgement and inspire us to give back and to give often. They will be greatly missed."

Added William Kalbacher of The Clamshell Foundation: "Ben and Bonnie will be greatly missed. They have done so much for the people, charities and organizations without ever asking for recognition. The Clamshell Foundation wants to dedicate the fireworks to them and for all they have done for the community."

A beloved East Hampton tradition, the 38th annual fireworks celebration, "The Great Bonac Fireworks Show," hosted by The Clamshell Foundation & Grucci, takes place Saturday, July 14, just after 9 p.m. over Three Mile Harbor in East Hampton.

The fireworks spectacular continues after the passing of Rossetti Perchik, founder of The Clamshell Foundation, who died in 2016; Rossetti's personal financial contributions were primarily responsible for making the fireworks happen since The Clamshell Foundation took over the event.

But the tradition lives on: Both events are possible through the community's continued support.

After almost two heartbreaking weeks, East Hampton Police called off the search for the Krupinskis' grandson William Maerov, 22, who remains missing after the horrific crash.

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office positively identified the third crash victim recovered as pilot Jon Dollard, 47, of Hampton Bays, East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo said. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will continue their investigation, he said.

The devastated families of the four lost in the crash off the coast of Amagansett turned to social media recently to ask for the public's help.

The families of the Krupinski, Bistrian, Maerov and Dollard families have asked the public to assist in the search for answers.

"If you are boating or beach walking, and find anything you believe may assist the investigation into the plane crash on the ocean at Indian Wells Beach, please contact your local police department, East Hampton Town Police at 631-537-7575, or Southampton Town Police at 631-728-3400," the families said in a statement.

After an exhaustive search, the wreckage of the Piper PA31 Navajo was located approximately one mile off Atlantic Avenue Beach, Sarlo said.

A funeral service for the Krupinskis, both 70, and their grandson took place in East Hampton.

On the East End, heartbroken mourners continue to pay tribute to beloved lives lost:

A four-plane wreath drop flyover "in honor of Ben, Bonnie, Will and Jon, lost on June 2, 2108," was organized by the East Hampton Aviation Association.

The private plane failed to land as expected and the debris field was found a short time later, police said. Severe weather, including thunderstorms, was reported at the time of the crash.

Famed "builder to the stars" Krupinski and his wife, as well as his grandson and Dollard have been mourned by countless on the East End.

"We are stricken by this loss," said Capt. Kevin B. Reed, commander Sector Long Island Sound.

Photo by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.