Donald (Don) Gregg Lyon, longtime resident of Mineola, passed away on his 90th birthday on Aug. 26, 2006. Don was born on Aug. 26, 1916 in Belleville, NJ, to Marcus and Florence Lyon. Soon after his birth the family moved to Mineola. He passed away in Port Richey, FL. Don was a graduate of Mineola High School where he was recognized as a track and drama star. He served in the Navy in WWII as a chief petty officer aboard the Liberty Ship Ole E. Rolvaag, where he was known as the guy with a quick wit and great sense of humor; especially when morale was in need of a boost.

His 90 years covered several aspects of public service which included serving on the Mineola Public Library's Board of Trustees, past post commander of the Mineola VFW and lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of the Masons. For many years he organized and presided over the Mineola Memorial Day parades.

Besides his full-time job as district manager for Breyer-Sealtest where he was honored as Salesman of the Year on several occasions, Don had a passion for music which led him to form the Don Lyon Trio. Many weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries and New Year's Eve celebrations all over Long Island had the pleasure of hearing his famous Gibson guitar and smooth tenor voice.

After retiring Don moved to Port Richey where he continued playing and composing music and pursued other pastimes which included many hours on the golf course, seeking out the best places to enjoy a good meal and enjoying the love of his many pets.

Don will be missed and remembered by his brother, his three daughters, six grandchildren, family and friends as the man who was always willing to help a stranger and loved nothing more than bringing a smile to your face.

Franz Gustav (Frank) Rotter was born at home in Brooklyn on Aug. 26, 1916 to Alsatian and German parents. He graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in 1934. After a brief stint as a stock clerk at Woolworths, Frank found a position as a distributor for the Interboro News Corporation.

When WWII came along, Frank enlisted and was classified 4F. Refusing to take no for an answer, Frank was inducted as a medical soldier. After training at Fort Lee in Virginia, Frank traveled to North Africa with the 45th General Hospital. He served with the 45th in Italy as well before returning home at the end of the war. He was honorably discharged in November 1945.

Frank then began a career with the US Postal Service, working first at LaGuardia Airport and then at Idlewild/JFK Airport in the airmail facility. He retired in 1980, thus concluding nearly 40 years service to the federal government.

Joan Marie McDonald became Mrs. Frank Rotter in September 1951 and the births of their children Vera and Chris in 1959 and 1960 precipitated the couple's move from Queens to Mineola. Joan continues to reside in the home the couple purchased 45 years ago.

Frank was a life member of Corpus Christi Council #2502 Knights of Columbus. In addition, he served on the Corpus Christi Parents Club and Parish Council. He also took the occasional turn as a religious instructor of Catholic youth. He was a life member of VFW Post #1305. He also served as president of the Friends of Mineola Memorial Library, committing many voluntary hours of his later years to the organization. Many people will fondly recall the film program Frank organized at the library. An avid film buff, Frank served as coordinator, master of ceremonies and projectionist of the "movie night" for many years.

After his retirement from the Postal Service, Frank worked for the Mineola American for eight years.

Frank Rotter died at the age of 90 on Sept. 3, 2006 after a long illness. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 55 years, Joan; two children, Vera Ponti and Christopher Rotter; and three granddaughters, Danielle and Nicole Ponti and Hadley Rotter. He is interred at Calverton National Cemetery.

John Francis Hickey, of Mineola, formerly of Albertson, died on Sept. 9, 2006. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the US Navy. Son of the late Robert J. and Rose Hickey. Brother of Robert J. Hickey Jr. (Kate) and Dennis Hickey (Carol). Also survived by four nieces and nephews and seven grandnieces and nephews. Arrangements were made by the Weigand Bros. Funeral Home, Williston Park. Funeral Mass at St. Aidan's RC Church.