EASTHAM — Art Autorino, 77, chair of Eastham’s select board and former chair of its planning board and strategic planning committee, died in South Carolina on Feb. 4, 2024. He had been traveling with his wife, Georgia Wirth Autorino, to visit family there when a heart condition caused him to suddenly fall ill.
The select board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 5, and tearful tributes were offered to Autorino’s service and character.
“I have to sadly and with a heavy heart announce that our friend and colleague Art Autorino passed away yesterday morning in South Carolina when he was visiting his family,” said select board member Gerry Cerasale. “We extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Georgia, and his family. Art is and will be sorely missed.”
“It takes a special type of person to find a balance between the diligence required to sit as a community leader and the much-needed playfulness that lightens the weight of life,” said board member Jamie Demetri. “I’ve been lucky to share my time on the Eastham Select Board with Art Autorino, and it is with great sadness that I let that time go.
“I feel like we abruptly lost a mentor and a comrade and a friend,” Demetri added. “You learn so much from each other when you’re sitting on these boards. It is a big loss for the board and the entire community.”
“There was always something to learn from Art,” said the select board’s Aimee Eckman. “He always had a different perspective, and a thoughtful one, too. And he cared so deeply about this town and what we’re all working towards.”
“His family really only had a few days prior to his passing, so this was very sudden,” said Town Administrator Jacqui Beebe. “I regret not having said to him what a respectful, fabulous partner and chairman and human he was to work with. Art was a tireless worker and a great leader for our town.”
“Art will be sorely missed by all who knew him,” said Eastham Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Russo, who cited his “methodical breakdown of analytics, his diplomacy in presenting and arguing a cause, and his constant striving for fairness. He was a true champion for all of us.”
Plans to memorialize Autorino have not yet been announced.
