John M. Urevich of Riverhead died April 11, 2014. He was 48 years old.

John was born to John and Arlen Urevich and attended Riverhead High School.

He was affiliated with many fire fighting organizations serving as chairman for Central Pine Barrens Wildfire Task Force; chairman of the board of New York Wildfire and Incident Management Academy; volunteering for the Riverhad Fire Department Ever Ready Engine Company #3 and the Riverhead Exempts Volunteer Fireman’s Association; serving as an ex-chief for Flanders Fire Department; treasurer of Suffolk County Fire Districts Managers’ Association.

According to family John greatly enjoyed volunteer fire fighting. They described him as a “leader of the fire service who always led behind the scenes.” He also enjoyed spending time building model rockets, spending times with is family and dogs, Peyton and Peggy Sue, whom he referred to as “the girls.”

John is survived by his wife of 18 years, Catherine, his dogs, his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Laura and David Minsk; his nephews, Daniel, Justin and Noah Minsk, Patricia Stotsky; aunts; cousins; great-nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.

Arrangements were handled by McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home. Cremation was private.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 11 a.m. at the Flanders Men’s Club on Flanders Road in Riverhead. For further information please contact McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home at 631-727-3388.

Memorial donations may be made to Kent Animal Shelter or New York Wildlife Academy.