Erwin Staller, a pioneering Long Island developer, dies at 97

Real estate developer Erwin Staller, a Long Island native, died at his home on Feb. 11, Newsday reported. He was 97. Staller grew up in Hempstead and co-founded the Hauppauge-based real estate development firm Staller Associates with his father, Max, in the 1950s. The company became an early pioneer of shopping center developments on Long Island before moving into industrial and office projects. Staller worked at the firm until 2017. Staller was known also for his philanthropy and gave millions to Stony Brook University. He was also an emeritus trustee of the Stony Brook Foundation and was the founding chair of Stony Brook Foundation Realty, university officials said. Staller, who broke records as a scuba diver, is survived by his wife of nearly 73 years, Pearl “Freddie” Staller, and their four children: Cary, Eric, Jan and Kim. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Tina. Relatives plan to hold a memorial service at the Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University. [Newsday]