James J. Siesto died on August 29, 2005, at the age of 76 from pulmonary fibrosis. He was born on the lower east side of New York City. He served in the US Marines during World War II and the Korean War. He lived in New Hyde Park over 30 years. Jimmy was a New Hyde Park letter carrier until his retirement in 1990. He was the head usher for the Saturday 5 o'clock Mass at Notre Dame RC Church in New Hyde Park. He also was a trustee for the New Hyde Park Elks Club # 2107, where he was the chairman of Italian night and volunteered for Bingo every Monday night.

He enjoyed traveling, fishing, claming, crabbing and gardening. He would grow dozens of tomato, pepper, cucumber, zucchini, string beans, basil and parsley plants so he could give them to his family and friends. He also had a prize fig tree that produced so many figs he would supply the senior citizens in town. Jimmy was a great storyteller and was the Merry Mailman from the North Pole at Christmas for his grandson, Frank's kindergarten and first grade classes at the Garden City Park School.

Husband of Santa for 53 years. Father of Angela Amato, James and Thomas. Grandfather of Frank, Michele Amato, Thomas, Christina, Victoria Siesto and Christina Speer. The wake was at Park Funeral Chapels, Garden City Park. His Funeral Mass was at Notre Dame RC Church and burial at Holy Rood Cemetery on Sept. 2. Memorial contributions in Jimmy's memory may be made to The American Lung Association of NYS, Region 1, 210 John Glen Drive Suite 3, Buffalo, NY 14228.

Steven Rettegi Jr., 50, pianist, teacher and resident of Bayville, died on Sept. 25, 2005. Treasured son of the late artist, Steven Rettegi, Sr. and surviving mother, Myrna. Still greatly beloved by surviving brothers Peter, Joseph, and John. Arrangements were made by the McLaughlin, Kramer, Megiel Funeral Home, Glen Cove. Services were held at North Shore Community Church, Oyster Bay. Interment at Locust Valley Cemetery.

Henry Chippindale, of Lake Monticello, VA, died on Sept. 25, 2005. He was born on May 21, 1920 in Richmond Hill, NY to Olga and Henry Chippindale. He had two sisters, Constance and Isobel, who predeceased him.

A '42 graduate of Columbia, Henry served in WWII as a fighter pilot, flying a P51 Mustang. He worked in Manhattan for Daybrite Lighting and later owned a photography studio in Mineola, where he lived and raised his family. Gifted with a rich baritone voice, Henry was a soloist with several church choirs. He also enjoyed golf, bridge and swimming.

In 1997 he retired to Palmyra, VA, but continued to spend his summers at the family cottage in Sag Harbor, where he died.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce; and three sons, Bruce (Svetlana) of New Zealand, Glenn (Carrie) of New Mexico, and Craig of Sag Harbor. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kjersti, Anders, Eva and Hunter.

A memorial service will be held this winter at the United Methodist Church of Palmyra and a celebration of his life will be held next summer at the family cottage. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 or Palmyra United Methodist Church, Palmyra, VA 22963.