Obituary: Mark J. Thomas Sr.

Mark J. Thomas Sr.
N.Y.S. Racing Steward (Ret.)

Mark J. Thomas Sr. of Carle Place, originally from New Haven, CT, passed away on June 13, 2010. He was the son of Mary Carroll (Tipperary, IRL) and Mark Thomas Gagliardi; brother of Joseph and Thomas; equestrian polo pony trainer (Yale, New Haven, CT – circa 1930s), polo player, highly decorated WWII veteran (75th and 83rd Division) E.T.O. – England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Normandy, Battle of the Bulge; horse transportation pioneer, N.Y.S. Racing Inspector - New York State Racing Association (NYRA); and N.Y.S. Racing Steward - NYRA (Ret.). He was the most loved and respected father and friend of Mary Anne, Mark Jr., Regina, Frances, James, and Margaret. He was the beloved father-in-law and friend of Jimmy, Ed, and Tina. He was the gratefully blessed grandfather (pop-pop) of 36, with 14 great-grandchildren.

Obituary: Rita A. Driscoll

Rita A. Driscoll
Rita A. Driscoll, of Westbury, born May 2, 1935, passed away April 25, 2010. She was retired from NYS Taxation and Finance and was a 16-year member of the Carle Place School Board. Beloved mother of Robert (Ellen) and Susan Krynicki (Steven) of Ashburn, VA. Cherished grandmother of Christopher, Meagan, Daniel, Alissa and Benjamin. Arrangements were made by the Weigand Bros. Funeral Home, Williston Park. Funeral Mass at St. Brigid’s RC Church. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Rita’s memory to Old Westbury Gardens, PO Box 430, Old Westbury, NY 11568.

Obituary: Anne P. Croce

Anne P. Croce

Anne P. Croce, 84, passed away on April 22, 2010. Born in Staten Island, NY, on March 7, Anne Croce lived most of her life in the New York area. A resident of Roslyn for over 50 years, Mrs. Croce spent most of her adult life as a community activist who was deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors. If there was an event to be organized, a parade to be run, or a charity in need of fundraising, Anne Croce would be there leading the charge. She was personally involved with myriad organizations in the Roslyn area and throughout the Town of North Hempstead, including: the American Heart Association; Roslyn Little League; the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Program; the Village of East Hills; the Ronald McDonald House; St. Mary’s CYO and so many others.

Obituary: Lloyd Goldfarb Memorial Service

Lloyd Goldfarb Memorial Service
A memorial service for Lloyd Goldfarb, our architect and friend, will be held at Apex Senior Housing, 498 Union Ave., at 2 p.m. on April 22.

Obituary: Rebecca York

Rebecca York
Rebecca “Betty” York, of Westbury, died on April 7, 2010. Wife of the late James. Mother of James Jr. (the late Lydia), Sheila Fontana, Adam and Jade York Karacus (Suleyman). Grandmother of Bonnie and Kerry Fontana, Jason and Jesse York and Denniz Karacus. She was an unofficial mother and an inspiration to many. Arrangements were made by the Whitting Funeral Home, Glen Head. Funeral service at the funeral home. Interment V.A. National Cemetery, Calverton.

Obituary: Brian R. Moore

Brian R. Moore
Brian R. Moore, 49, of Westbury, died suddenly and tragically on March 20, 2010, the first day of spring. His gentle and loving spirit will be missed by his grieving mother Virginia H. Moore of Westbury; his loving partner Todd Yu; his sister Carol L. Moore, Esq., Huntington; his brothers, Robert A. Moore of Huntington and Donald C. Moore of Olney, MD; and his nieces, nephews and grand-nieces; as well as many friends. Brian was predeceased by his father Harold C. Moore. Arrangements were made by the Donohue Cecere Funeral Home, Westbury. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Brigid’s RC Church. Cremation private. The family requests that Brian’s love of animals, especially cats, be honored by donations in his memory to The Little Shelter or other charity of choice in lieu of flowers. Visit www.donohue-cecere.com.

Obituary: Barry Stokey

Barry Stokey
Barry Stokey, 67, of Fort Myers, FL, died on March 30, 2010. Formerly of Westbury, he is survived by his wife Angel Stelmack Stokey and his children, David and Jessica. Memorial services will be held in Fort Myers. Arrangements are by the Kiser Funeral Home, Fort Myers, FL (239-481-4341).

Obituary: Mildred Trawick Rice

Mildred Trawick Rice

Mildred Trawick Rice, age 94, died on Feb. 28, 2010 at home following a brief illness.

A journalism graduate of the University of Georgia, she enjoyed an early career in the field of advertising in Atlanta. After years as a dedicated parent and homemaker, she returned to school, earned a master’s degree in education, and, with two colleagues, pioneered in team teaching for the Carle Place School District.

Obituary: Alex Eliassof

Alex Eliassof

On Jan. 28 2010, Alex Eliassof, an original founding member of A & D Offset Printers, Ltd., which opened in the early ‘80s, passed away. Coincidentally, it was on his 89th birthday. Alex was a very well-known, liked and respected man. He will be missed very dearly by family and friends and will forever remain in their hearts and minds. Alex was also a member of many clubs and organizations.

Alex was a WWII veteran in the United States Navy.

Alex is survived by his wife Nina (Sarah) Eliassof; his son Mark Eliassof; grandson Adam Eliassof; and granddaughter Tara Eliassoff.

Obituary: James J. Harnett,

James J. Harnett,
Family & Children’s Association CEO,
Dies at 63

Known as the ultimate caregiver, Mr. Harnett shepherded the care of thousands of Long Islanders in his role as president/CEO of Family & Children’s Association, a human care agency serving Long Island’s neediest population. Mr. Harnett passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 23, 2010.

In addition to his role at Family & Children’s, Mr. Harnett served as advisor to The Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, member (formerly, Secretary of the Board and member of the Executive Committee); The Kimmel Housing Development Foundation, Inc., member, Board of Directors; Long Island Federally Qualified Health Center, Chair, Board of Directors; New York State Association of Family Service Agencies, Vice President and Chair of the Advocacy Committee; New York State Health Foundation, Special Opportunity Grants, Peer Review Committee; United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Consultant, Management Training; The United Way of Long Island, Vice President, Agency Executives Council; Anna and Philip Kimmel Foundation, Advisor and Community Advocates, Board member.