Dear Betty, Michele, Denice, Debbie,Doug(and families), I am so sad to hear about Russ(Mr Colbeck to me!). It is so hard for me to think of a once great time in my life, ticking away to a close with all the wonderful role models I had as a child leaving us. Michele was my first "best friend" and the Colbeck house was my second home. Denise, Michele and I spent many a day biking Commack, coming home when the street lights came on, only to get up and do it again every day at least during the summer. I was always welcomed into your home and grew up in a similar household with parents who loved and cared about me, as did/do yours. We had it good that way. I will always remember Russ as a warm, kind, gentle man with a smile and a good sense of humor. I seriously don't ever remember hearing him raise his voice, at least not when I was around. I remember being in awe of him- he flew those big planes! His smile that turned its way into a smirk and that little bit of twang in his voice will never leave me. Thank you all for letting me into your lives, for if you hadn't I would not have had the opportunity to know such a nice, hard working man. Please know that my love and heart is with each of you during this difficult time. I hope he meets my dad up in heaven and they say, "Hey, don't I know you from Commack???" , shake hands and maybe get to know each other some. Thinking and praying for you all- Sue Frankowski PS Mom sends her love and prayers as well