Thanks everyone for your expressions of sympathy. I will tell you a few things about him briefly.

My brother had an infectious smile. When he smiled he lit up the room. He was a Lieutenant in the Nassau County Police Department. He was known for being somewhat of a cheap-skate - my mother called him frugal .

On the day of his funeral, the police department was so wonderful to us. It began with a motorcade from the funeral home, led by 17 motorcycle cops, and followed by five police cars. In the course of one morning, we shut down Hillside Avenue, Lakeview Road, Northern State Parkway, Meadowbrook Parkway, Southern State Parkway (twice), Sunrise Highway, Merrick Road and Merrick Avenue.

When we arrived at the church, no less than 200 police lined the street saluting, and there was a bagpipe band of about 30 strong.

While nothing will ever make me feel okay about having lost my brother, the respect shown to him and to us on the day of his funeral sure did take the sting out of it a bit.

I will say my prayers every day for all members of this wonderful board, that you recover from your illnesses and that you do not have to face a recurrence.

Be strong, keep the faith, and keep fighting.

Love to all,

Colleen

Colleen,

I am so sorry for your loss. Your brother must have been well regarded in the police department. I was raised on Long Island in Nassau County so I know that's an impressive feat to have all those roads closed. It's an amazing tribute.

Colleen,
My sympathy to you and your family. Your efforts to help him were sincerly admired. As time passes, you will G-d willing remember all the good and the unpleasant will fade. Your description of the tribute to him from the police force was touching. It is a testament to the fact that although he was so ill he was still "on duty." You were certainly blessed to have such a brother.
Malka