Jerome M. Grassi Jr., 49, of Plainview, died on Sept. 9, 2002. He was a member of Local 1500 Union. Son of Jerome and the late Mary Aileen Grassi. Brother of Marianne (Thomas), Frank, Acelia, Stephen and Michael Grassi. Uncle of Jason Bates, Teresa Grassi and Alex Black. Nephew of Elaine Gauck, Frances Johnston and Margaret Harris. Cousin of Arthur (Linda), Thomas (Leslie), Frank and Daniel Gauck, Maria (Ken) Ramirez, Brad and Christopher Homer. Joseph C. Branca, 83, a 50-year resident of Plainview, died on Sept. 26, 2002. A lieutenant colonel in the US Army during WWII, he was a graduate of City College of NY. He was acting Commissioner of Public Works, Town of Oyster Bay, a member of Knights of Columbus, Joseph Lamb Council, former president of the Plainview Republican Club, American Legion and VFW and former president of the NC Chapter of Society of Professional Engineers. Husband of Rosalie. Father of Joseph, Michael, Barbara Branca Cook, Joan Branca Bellos and Virginia Schaire. Grandfather of Alessandra, Sarah, Kate, Caitlin, Samantha, Gregory, Harrison, Collin, Thomas, Wesley, Elizabeth and Charles. Arrangements were made by the Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Home, Hicksville. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mercy RC Church. Interment Calverton National Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association.