Francis Padar of Manhasset died on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. Mr. Padar was born in New York City and grew up in Brooklyn. He and his three sisters were the children of Jennie and Francis Padar. Mr. Padar attended Poly Tech in Brooklyn and graduated from the City College of New York with a degree in civil engineering. After graduation he joined the Corps of Engineers of the United States Army and served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the Corps of Engineers with the rank of colonel. During his army career, Colonel Padar had top security clearance and was involved with the installation of Nike missile silos for the protection of New York City, according to his son, Kevin.

In Manhasset Mr. Padar was active with Post #304 of the American Legion, serving as third, second and first assistant commander before becoming commander of the Post. John Keitz of Manhasset, who followed Mr. Padar as commander, remembers him as an impressive individual who led the Memorial Day Parade with true military precision. In addition to serving as commander of the post, Mr. Padar was the Post's historian and was recognized by New York State for the excellence of his work in that position.

After his military service, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Public Health by County Executive Eugene Nickerson and continued in that position for many years. His son, Kevin, said that his father received many accolades and awards for his service.

Mr. Padar was married to his wife, Ruthanne, for 55 years. Their son, Kevin, was born in1958. The Padar family moved to Strathmore Vanderbilt in 1963.

The American Legion Post held a service in his honor at Fairchild Funeral Home in Manhasset on Monday, Dec. 18.