Ruth M. Besemer, of Boulder, CO, died on May 5, 2008. She was 94 years old. Arrangements were made by the Darrell Howe Mortuary, Lafayette, CO.

George Russo, a resident of Manhasset for 40 years, passed away from heart disease on April 18, 2008 at the age of 85. He was the very belovde husband of Marie and father of Joseph and Michael. Marie and George would have been married 64 years on May 6, 2008. He had one brother, Joseph and his wife, Mary.

When George returned from his service in WWII, he went to college under the G.I. Bill and became a social studies teacher in Levittown. After that, he became assistant principal of Mineola High School, then assistant superintendent of the Mineola school system where he worked for 24 years. He was also in charge of the Special Education and Adult Education Departments. In addition, he taught administrative education at C.W. Post College.

While at Mineola, George became a very good friend of State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who was elected to the Mineola Board of Education at the age of 18. George was a "people persona" and an outstanding spokesman for all children. He loved music, telling jokes and was an avid gardener who grew basil to make pesto to give as gifts.

George was a member of the American Legion. He helped set up Mineola SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teachers Association).

He would have liked any donations in his memory to be made to: SEPTA, Mineola High School, 10 Armstrong Rd., Garden City Park, NY11040, Attn: Nome Billiris.

Arrangements were made by Fairchild Sons Funeral Home, Manhasset.

Photo Caption: Pick Up Min 5-14

Alfred S. Ercolano, age 83, of Mt. Pleasant, SC, died on April 19, 2008 after a long illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Eleanor (nee Curtin) and his five children, Steven, John, Lisa (Ramsey), David and Maria (Fidei). He was a proud and loving grandfather to 13 grandchildren. Survivors also include his three sisters, Sophie Boos, Irene Elber and Norma O'Neill and many nieces and nephews. His parents, Alfred and Jennie Ercolano of Flushing and Manhasset and his sister Ann Kramer, predeceased him.

He was raised in Flushing and served as a US Marine in the South Pacific during WWII. Following his military service, he attended the University of Arkansas and received a BA in education. He spent his professional career serving medically related organizations. He worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield from 1952 to 1961 where he held various positions.

From 1961 to 1970 he was executive director of the American Nursing Home Association in Washington, DC. In 1970 he joined the College of American Pathologists as executive director of its newly created Legislative Affairs Office in Washington, DC, a position he held until his retirement in 1990. Following his retirement, he served the collage as vice president for Special Projects. He was known on Capitol Hill as a strong voice for American medicine and was an outstanding advocate for the private practice of medicine and guarded against unnecessary regulation and legislation that could impede health care.

In 1992 the American Medication Association awarded him the Citation of a Layman for Distinguished Service. The citation is awarded to individuals not of the medical profession who help achieve the ideals of medicine by cooperation or aid in the medical advancement of medical science, medical education or medical care.

Memorial services were held in Mt. Pleasant. Burial followed at Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, SC. Remembrances in his name may be made to Hospice Center of Charleston, 676 Wando Park Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.