US Marine Corps Pilot Capt. Franklin R. Hooks II, 32, died in a training exercise off the Azores Islands on June 26, 2004, off the Norfolk-based USS Harry S. Truman, when his F/A-18 Hornet was reported missing, according to Navy officials.

"Franklin R. Hooks II loved his country with all his heart and he was proud to defend it," said his wife Cindy Hooks in a written statement.

Capt. Hooks was originally from Dade City, FL, but made Long Island his home when he married in August 2002. He was part of the Marine Silver Eagles Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Air Group MAG-31 assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman from the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, SC, since December 2001. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident. The jet's wreckage was found 60 miles south of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. He was declared lost at sea after an exhaustive search that revealed only small pieces of the wreckage. No body has been recovered.

Capt. Hooks flew with flags of Nassau County and the City of Glen Cove during his training.

Capt. Hooks graduated from Pasco County High School in Dade City and graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. The couple met on a blind date in 1996, a year before Hooks graduated from the Naval Academy. After Annapolis he went through flight school, making stops in Pensacola, FL, Kingsville, TX and Meridian, MS. He learned to fly F/A-18A Hornets in Virginia Beach, VA, and was sent to Beaufort.

"I would like my husband to be remembered for his utmost loyalty to his family, country and Corps. Franklin brought enormous love, joy and humor to everyone who came into his life," his wife stated.

The family is planning to bury some of Hooks' keepsakes. The funeral service, with full military honors, will be held Thursday at LI National Cemetery, Pinelawn. A service this day will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Garden City.

Klaus H. Vorsatz, 74, of East Norwich, died on July 2, 2004. Husband of Erna. Father of Brigitte Coleman (Henry) and the late Jurgen. Grandfather of two. Great-grandfather of three. Arrangements were made by the Oyster Bay Funeral Home. Interment Locust Valley Cemetery. Pasquale Carucci, 78, of Locust Valley, died on July 3, 2004. Mr. Carucci's entrance hall welcomes you with a hand painted arch of flowers and the statement that exemplifies a man so loved by all. "Hang your hat, stay awhile and enjoy our home." He will be remembered as a dedicated husband, loving father and "the best" grandfather. Pasquale was known for his giving personality, generosity and a phenomenal sense of humor. He was a gifted artist, a brilliant craftsman, great dancer and was revered by his nieces and nephews as "Uncle Murphy." From his famous lasagna to renovating a museum, he was a true renaissance man. Husband of Ann. Father of Michaline (Mikki), son-in-law Boon Lam. Brother of Rose Salerno. Grandfather of Kimberly Lam. He recently lost a son named Jerry. Arrangements were made by the Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home, Glen Cove. Mass at St. Rocco's Church. Burial at East Hillside Cemetery. Mary E. McMullen (nee Cameron), of East Norwich, died on July 3, 2004 in her 84th year. Mother of Patricia Greeley (Bill Noone), Kathleen Sundquist (Paul), John McMullen (Susan), Maureen McMullen and Elizabeth Lambertson (Danny). Grandmother of John, James, Blake, Katie, Bryan, Conor, Brittany, Courtney and Cameron. Great-grandmother of Emma. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Arrangements were made by the Francis P. DeVine Funeral Home, Oyster Bay. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Dominic's RC Church. Interment Locust Valley Cemetery. Gina A. Tuzzalo, formerly of Bayville, died on July 6, 2004. Wife of the late Gennaro. Mother of Georgette Bogdanowicz and Gary Tuzzalo. Grandmother of Marie, Toree, Kristena and Allison. Religious services were held at the McLaughlin Kramer Megiel Funeral Home, Glen Cove.