Bernie Zinober, a longtime resident of Mineola (50 years), died on Jan. 29, 2003 in Palm Harbor, FL. During his lifetime, Bernie had been active in serving the children of the community. He had been president of the Father's Club of Mineola High School, president of the MAA, president of the PBC and a member of the Mineola School Board.

He retired in 1989 as an editor for Johnston Publishing Co. Bernie was a Marine Corps veteran of WWII and served on Iwo Jima and the occupation of Japan. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Mary; two sons, Richard of Moorhead, MN, and Fred of Palm Harbor; and a granddaughter, April.

In his eulogy to Bernie, Fred read some of Bernie's letters that had been sent to Mary when he was overseas. Fred paid a beautiful tribute to Bernie detailing much of his life and beliefs - and how he helped so many people. April sang You'll Never Walk Alone (one of Bernie's favorites), the Marine Corps Hymn and In the Arms of the Angels. Richard explained the Kiddish before we said it at the graveside and then Fred played taps. Two Marines (one black and the other a woman - so appropriate because Fred mentioned how Bernie was always helping minorities) handed Mary the flag that covered Bernie's casket.

Alexander Dobkowski, of Albertson, died on March 16, 2003. Husband of the late Rose. Father of Kathy Fischer, Alex, Barbara and the late Nancy Gales. Grandfather of Mark Galasieski, Lauren and Erica Fischer and Katie Dobkowski. Arrangements were made by the Weigand Bros. Funeral Home, Williston Park. Funeral Mass at St. Aidan's RC Church. Interment Calverton National Cemetery. Contributions can be made, in Alexander Dobkowski's memory, to the NYS Fireman's Home, 125 Harry Howard Ave, Hudson, NY 12534. Melissa M. LoPresti, of Mineola, died on March 21, 2003. Daughter of Edward and the late Deborah. Stepdaughter of Lori. Sister of Michelle, Edward Jr. and Joseph LoPresti. Granddaughter of Grace LoPresti. Arrangements were made by the Cassidy Funeral Home, Mineola. Funeral Mass at Corpus Christi RC Church. Interment Holy Rood Cemetery. Nettie Locascio (Spiegel), 90, formerly of Mineola and West Palm Beach, FL, died on March 23, 2003. Wife of the late Frank. Mother of Jerry (Cathy) Locascio and Barbara (Joe) Catuosco. Grandmother of the late James Locascio, Frank (Kim) Locascio, Jerry (Tracey) Locascio, Ann Marie (Michael) Lombardi and Jeannine (Henry) Brunjes. Great-grandmother of Shawna, Frank, Thomas, Kevin, Chelsey, Daniele, Henry, Michael and Victoria. Arrangements were made by the Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons West Islip Funeral Home. Celebration of the Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church. Interment St. John's Cemetery. Contributions can be made, in Nettie Locascio's name, to your favorite charity.