Joseph Cusato, of Mineola, died on Jan. 21, 2003. He was the former owner of the Mineola Music Store. Beloved husband of Clara. Devoted father of Paul and father-in-law of Kathleen. Loving grandfather of Nicole, Steven, David and Kristin. Dear brother of Amadeo. Visiting hours 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday; 2 to 5 and 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Cassidy Funeral Home, 156 Willis Ave. Funeral Mass at 9:45 a.m. Saturday at St. Aidan's Church, Williston Park. Interment Holy Rood Cemetery.

When one thinks of the statement, "Need something done? Ask a busy woman to do it," those who knew and loved her would tell you that Carol Tricomi La Sala was the woman to ask. Carol La Sala, longtime Williston Park resident, died Jan. 21, 2003, after a long battle with breast cancer. The recipient of the American Cancer Society's Top Hat award for dedicated volunteer service, Carol worked hard to "find a cure in our time." She served as a national chairperson for the American Cancer Society and was the recipient of the American Cancer Society's Crusader Award which was bestowed upon her by Matilda Cuomo, then first lady of the State of NY.

The daughter of Joseph and Marie Tricomi, of Astoria, Carol was a 1952 graduate of the Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates. As a young girl she played basketball and saxophone. She met her husband, Vincent Joseph La Sala, of Brooklyn, as a St. John's University freshman. Following their 1955 graduation, Carol and Vincent married at our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Astoria. They would later move to Williston Park, in the Herricks S.D., and raise four daughters, Carolann (La Sala), Vanessa (Rofsky), Linda (Crapotta) and Lauretta (Longman). Her husband, four daughters, and nine grandchildren survive Carol. Her brother, Joseph Tricomi, of Boynton Beach, FL, also survives Carol.

A compassionate educator, Carol was a pioneer in the field of learning disabilities. She received two master's degrees and taught for more than 30 years in the Glen Cove S.D., dedicating herself to children with special needs. As her own children were growing up, Carol served as president of the PTA at the elementary, junior high and high school levels - all in the same year! She spent many years as a Brownie and Girl Scout troop parent volunteer. She was the recipient of numerous school, church and community awards and honors.

Carol and her husband remained actively involved as alumni at St. John's University. For her hard work in helping with the university's fund drive to expand and renovate the campus, as well as for her selfless efforts in assisting those in need, she was honored with the prestigious Pietas Award.

An active Williston Park community member, Carol taught religious instruction for many years in the Parish of St. Aidan, where she and her husband remained actively involved for more than 40 years. She was a Eucharistic minister and a member of the Rosary Society. Carol was also active in many church, civic and professional organizations, including the American Association of University Women, Mercy League, Catholic Daughters of America, Rotary, Gift of Life and Women of the Willistons.

The most enjoyable moments of Carol's life were when her large and loving family surrounded her. Carol took great pride in her children, and especially enjoyed her nine grandchildren, ranging in age for 5 to 25.

A brilliant and articulate woman, Carol was well versed in Latin and history. She enjoyed working on The New York Times crossword puzzle and was a revered resource person to her family and friends. Carol always had time to lend a caring ear to those in need. She remained hopeful to the end.

Reposing at the Weigand Bros. Funeral Home, 49 Willis Ave., Williston Park, Thursday and Friday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Parish of St. Aidan, Willis Ave., Williston Park. Burial following at Calvary Cemetery in Queens.