Theodore Padova, 85, died on Sept. 10, 2000. He was the owner of The Green Thumb. He was a member of the Manorhaven Businessmen's Association. As part of the organization he played trumpet in their band (with Doc Aresta) at every new business opening. He was well known for playing taps outside of his home every night at 6 p.m. during the Persian Gulf War. Theodore was past commander of VFW Post #1819. Husband of the late Fay. He is survived by his children, Teddy Earl, Judy Carbajal, Deborah Rochet and Scott Theodore. Also survived by his stepchildren, Fred Hattermann, Faith Reiner and Dennis Hatterman; and by 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Arrangements were made by the Austin F. Knowles Funeral Home, Port Washington. Mass celebrated on Sept. 15. Interment Nassau Knolls Cemetery. Mary J. Neilson, 87, a former resident of Port Washington, died on Sept. 12, 2000, at Harborside Healthcare Madison Home in Madison, CT. She was the wife of the late William Henry Neilson. Mrs. Neilson was born on May 26, 1913 in Lowell, MA, the daughter of the late William J. and Annabel (Camerson) McIntyre. She was a nurse's aide in the maternity ward during WWII in Lawrence, MA. She worked at the John Hancock Life Insurance Co. in Boston prior to her marriage. Mrs. Neilson was a devoted wife and mother to her family. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, William, 1993. She is survived by a son, William Henry Neilson Jr. of Madison, and two daughters, Judith Neilson Makowiec of Troy, NY, and Janet Neilson Russo of New Castle, DE. Also five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two brothers and one sister. Arrangements were made by the Swan Funeral Home, Madison. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret's Church, Madison. Interment Nassau Knolls Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation of CT, 940 White Plains Rd., Trumbull, CT 06611. John Joseph Gaeta, 51, of Mattoon, IL, formerly of Las Vegas, NV and Port Washington, died on Sept. 10, 2000. He is survived by his wife Linda and his sister Grace Nunn of Sullivan, IL. John was the son of the late Joseph John and Cynthia Floherty Gaeta. He was a member and former altar boy of Our Lady of Fatima Chruch. He was a professional musician and toured with the Jimmy Dorsey Band. Arrangements were made by the Austin F. Knowles Funeral Home, 128 Main St., Port Washington. Visiting hours 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 23. A memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment Nassau Knolls Cemetery.