James Bissett's funeral arrangements set

The American flag in front of the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center in Riverhead was lowered to half-staff Friday to honor James J. Bissett III -- its co-owner and the moving force behind its construction -- whose body was found Wednesday in his car in Mattituck.

Aquarium officials said there are plans to hold a wake for Bissett at Moloney's Funeral Home, 825 Main St., Holbrook on Sunday and Monday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Bissett's daughter, Danielle, will give the eulogy Monday at 8 p.m.

Southold police said foul play was not suspected in the death, but declined to comment further. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's office also declined to comment.

Bissett, 48, an influential Long Island developer, owned and operated his family business, Bissett Wholesale Nursery in Holtsville, and built the Hyatt Place East hotel, which opened in the summer next to the aquarium.

In a prepared statement released Friday night, his family said: "In his professional life, Jim was known as a visionary; he had a passion for business and the ocean. In his private life, he cherished his family. We are grateful for the community's support at this time and for the kindness of those who have shared both your prayers and your warm memories of Jim. We know many of you will mourn with us and ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grief."

In addition to his daughter, Bissett is survived by his wife, Carole; his father, James J. Bissett II; son James J. Bissett IV; daughter Dominique Bissett-Viscardi; sisters Denise Bissett, Michelle Bissett Pospischil and Diane Nelson.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, 14 Technology Dr., Suite 2, Setauket, NY 11733; or the Cooley's Anemia Foundation, 330 Seventh Ave., #200, New York, NY 10001.

SEE PHOTOSNotable deaths: Long Islanders we recently lost

Bissett lived with his family in Mattituck, although his 37-acre estate had been put on the market a year ago. He was also influential for decades in Brookhaven and was a behind-the-scenes influence in the Brookhaven Republican Party.

His family business, Bissett Nursery Corp., was started by his father and it grew from a three-acre backyard business to become what the firm said was the largest horticultural distribution center in the state, on 65 acres of land in Holtsville. Bissett Nursery also owns 34 acres of farmland in Mattituck.