David Backel, 48, formerly of East Williston, died on May 13, 2003. He was a former volunteer fireman with the East Williston Fire Dept. Husband of Rose. Father of Veronica and Venessa. Son of Mary. Brother of Craig. Joseph A. Gurney, 82, of Mineola, formerly of Elmont, died on May 19, 2003. He was a US Army veteran of WWII and retired from Grumman Aerospace. Father of Deborah Gurney and Laura Centofranchi. Grandfather of Danielle and Joseph. Brother of Dorothy Candiotti. Arrangements were made by Fairchild Sons Funeral Home, Garden City. Columbus Tonini, of Williston Park, died on May 23, 2003. Husband of the late Louise. Father of Frances Mehling, Arthur and Joseph. Father-in-law of Robert, Marion and Christine. Grandfather of nine. Great-grandfather of five. Brother of Gaspar and Rose Prosperi. Arrangements were made by the Weigand Bros. Funeral Home, Williston Park. Funeral Mass at St. Aidan's RC Church. Interment St. Charles Cemetery. Margaret V. Hockenjos, of Mineola, died on May 25, 2003. Wife of the late Robert M. Mother of Joan Edward. Grandmother of Lindsay, Gordon and Scott. Aunt of Lucia Paolise. Arrangements were made by the Cassidy Funeral Home, Mineola. Prayer service at the funeral home. Interment Holy Rood Cemetery. Richard W. Benatti, of Mineola, died on May 27, 2003. He was the president of Steinway Van & Storage. He was an alumni of LaSalle Military Academy and a life member of BPO Elks Lodge #878. Husband of Joan (nee Winkler). Father of Terri, Jamie and Jocelyn and Beth and Patrick Kennedy. Grandfather of Kathryn, Kelly, Kira and Kaitlin. Son of Julia and the late William. Brother of Raymond. Arrangements were made by the Fairchild Chapel, Garden City. Mass of Christian Burial at Corpus Christi RC Church. Interment Holy Rood Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Heart Council of LI, 362B Broadway Mall, Hicksville, NY 11801 or the DeLasalle School, 87 Pine St., Freeport, NY 11520.