The memorial service was held in the Great South Bay, where 41-year-old Bruce Grimminger was critically injured while riding in a 29-foot speedboat with his friend, Ron Pekrul. According to authorities, the boat malfunctioned and veered, ejecting Grimminger into the water.

Both Pekrul and Grimminger were taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital, where Pekrul was treated and released. Grimminger later died from his head and chest injuries.

"He was always there for everybody, he always had a smile, never a frown, and as you can see, he touched everybody," says the victim’s widow.

Grimminger’s ashes were sprinkled over the water, and hundreds of people tossed flowers in honor of the man who was known as “The Mayor” in his community.

"He's going to be missed, he's going to be extremely missed," Pekrul says.