Phil Ruggiero died peacefully on June 19, 2008, at the age of 96. Phil was a life-long resident of Manhasset and the owner of the Manhasset Sport Shop on Plandome Road for over 50 years. He was an endearing and significant part of the Manhasset community, serving as a commissioner of the Manhasset Park District for many years and as a member of several civic organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, the Manhasset Booster Club and the Silver M Society of Manhasset High School. He was also a vital force in the early establishment of the Manhasset Police Boys Club (later renamed the Manhasset PAL) which, for many years, operated out of the Sport Shop. In 1991, his enduring contributions to the community were recognized by the Manhasset Booster Club by naming the Manhasset High School Varsity Baseball Field in his honor and a new scoreboard was subsequently dedicated to "Phil Ruggiero Field" by the Manhasset PAL.

Phil was born in Manhasset on December 4, 1911, one of six children of Manhasset residents Giacomo ("Jack") and Catherine Ruggiero. As a young child he contracted osteomyelitis which left him with a weakened left leg and a slight limp, which he camouflaged quite well. Despite this, Phil was a star athlete at Manhasset High School, excelling in baseball, basketball and tennis and went on to captain these sports at St. Michael's College in Colchester, VT. In 1988 he was inducted into the St. Michael's Athletic Hall of Fame, where it was noted that he had a career batting average of .327 and "still holds the college record for career runs batted in at 48."

In 1946, he opened the Manhasset Sport Shop, which universally became known as "Phil's Sport Shop" or simply "Phil's." Whether it was making a last minute repair to a tennis racquet, finding that hard to find sneaker size, giving advice and encouragement to young athletes as well as school coaches, or making a quiet donation of sports equipment to a team or individual, Phil made a lasting impact on literally generations of Manhasset residents, as well as those of neighboring communities. He left all who knew or dealt with him with a lasting treasure of fond memories.

In later years, Phil suffered from macular degeneration, but continued to work well into his mid 80s, greeting customers and friends alike with a genial smile, a comforting hello and a good memory for voices, such that only a few knew of his vision problems. Through the years, "Phil's Sport Shop" thus became a cherished institution to many student athletes and their families in Manhasset and its owner a much beloved figure of the community.

Phil is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Virginia, and his sons: Tom and his wife, Pat; Ron, and Andy and his wife, Lori; his sister Katherine and his three granddaughters Kathleen, Jennifer and Aria. He was predeceased by his son, Philip. Donations in his memory may be made to the Manhasset PAL.

Rudolph "Rudy" T. Hotarek, 91, of Port Washington, died on June 7, 2008 after a prolonged illness. Rudy was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Regina Jamison. He is survived by his children, Gail Dwyer (Edward), Brian (Christine), Regina, Robert (Joan) and Christine Shepherd (Scott); 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Rudy was a highly decorated WWII veteran, receiving two Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in combat and the Bronze Star for valor. He was one of the few decorated WWII veterans of both the European and Asian campaigns.

Rudy ran his own incentive marketing firm for 30 years, where he worked until his retirement at age 80. He was co-founder and former president of the Port Youth Activities. Rudy was an instrumental force in the St. Ignatius Retreat Program for over 20 years and was also an active member of St. Peter of Alcantara RC Church since 1953. He served many years on the board of governors at Plandome Country Club where he enjoyed his hours on the golf course and cultivated many of his closest friendships.

Arrangements were made by the Austin F. Knowles Funeral Home, Port Washington. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Peter of Alcantara RC Church on June 10. Interment Nassau Knolls Cemetery. Donations in his memory to: St. Francis Hospital, 100 Port Washington Blvd., Roslyn, NY 11576 or Good Shepherd Hospice, 528 Mineola Ave., Carle Place, NY 11514 would be greatly appreciated.