Calogero "Carl" A. Calma, a resident of Hicksville for over 50 years, died on March 8, 2004 from cardiac failure after a long battle with diabetes. He was 75 years old.

In the late 1940s, Mr. Calma or "Sonny" as he was nicknamed by family members, founded, conducted and played drums in his band Sonny Calma and his Jolly Swingters. In the 1950s, Mr. Calma put his musical career on hold while he served in the United States Army. After serving in the Korean War, Mr. Calma met his wife, Adella, and in July 1952 they were married and soon started a family that would include five children.

"He was a wonderful, giving man who always considered others over himself. He was always trying to help people. It was his nature," said Mr. Calma's son, Carl Chris. "He made sure that there was always food on the table for his children [and] worked two or three jobs at a time to keep things together. Unfortunately, you don't find these qualities in many people these days."

It wasn't until the late 1980s that Mr. Calma was able to focus once again on his love for the Big Band sound. In 1987, he began playing drums for the Hicksville Community Orchestra, but playing for someone else wasn't enough for Mr. Calma. He soon started his own 1940s style swing band, Second Chance, a group comprised mostly of retired musicians like himself. Under Mr. Calma's leadership, Second Chance's mission was to keep the "original" Big Band sound alive. He insisted that a song would only be played in its original arrangement, otherwise it would not be played at all.

A Korean War veteran, Mr. Calma made a point of performing free concerts for veterans, senior associations, nursing homes and other local events throughout Nassau, Queens and Suffolk. Despite health complications relating to heart disease and diabetes in his later years, he continued to lead his band because he felt strongly that someone should keep this type of music alive. In his spare time, Mr. Calma was an active member of several community-based organizations, including the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce through which he provided free concerts. He also played annually at the Hicksville Seniors Prom, which provided a night out for local senior citizens.

"He always admonished young musicians to not let the music die," said Carl Calma. He played so many places and we just want his memory honored."

Mr. Calma is predeceased by his son, Dennis and survived by his wife, Adella; sons, Richard A. and his wife, Debbie, Michael and his wife, Angela, and Carl Chris and his wife, Ellen; daughter, Lisa A. Ftitz and her husband, James; sister, Rosalie Grella; grandchildren, Marcus, Morgan, Nicole and James; and great grandchildren Aurora, Chance and Alex. The family was cared for by the Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home, Hicksville Chapel.

A funeral Mass was held at St. Ignatius Loyola RC Church in Hicksville followed by Interment at Calverton National Cemetery. Donations in Mr. Calma's memory can be sent to the Kidney/Diabetes Foundation.

(Editor's Note: The Hicksville Illustrated News would like to extend its sincere apologies to the family of Calogero Calma for reversing his first and last name in last week's obituary section.)

James W. O'Connor, of Hicksville, died on March 2, 2004. He was a WWII veteran of the US Army Air-Corp. and a member of Hicksville VFW Post #3211. He was a master gardener with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Program and a member of the NC Parks and Recreation Softball League. Husband of the late Helen (nee Davis). Father of Kathleen and James K. Uncle of Eileen Bishop. Arrangements were made by the Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Home, Hicksville. Funeral Mass at Holy Family RC Church. Interment Calverton National Cemetery.

William M. Veroxie, of Hicksville, originally from Glen Cove, passed away on March 5, 2004. Beloved husband of the late Christine. Loving father of Jaclyn, Steven, Mary Frances and Kathryn. Cherished son of Josephine. Dear brother of Joseph (JoAnne) and Jane Veroxie-Nyquist (Peter). Nephew of Helen Veroxie, Doris (godmother) and John Burns and Joan Mynarkiewicz. Arrangements were made by the Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Hicksville. Having served in the Navy, interment was at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY.

Ernest G. Mueller, of Hicksville, died on March 14, 2004. He was past commander of the Hempstead Bay Power Squadron, a member of Springfield Gdn Lodge #1057 F&AM, Matinecock Lodge #806 F&AM, Suffolk County East End Shrine Club, LI Scottish Rite, Rockville Centre, Masonic Grand Representative Barranquilla (Columbia). Husband of the late Frances. Brother of the late Charles and Edward. The family was cared for by the Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home, Hicksville Chapel. Power Squadron and Masonic services held at the funeral home. Religious service with Rev. Frank Nelson officiating. Interment St. Margaret's Cemetery.