Desert Regional’s medical director of trauma services dies

Dr. Frank Ercoli, M.D., a Trauma Surgery Specialist at Desert Regional Medical Center and a well-known member of the community, died on Tuesday.

"Dr. Ercoli epitomized the spirit of community and volunteerism and was loved deeply by the members of our community. His philanthropic legacy will be felt in our community for years to come.

In memory of Dr. Ercoli, the flags at Desert Regional Medical Center will be flown at half-staff, and tonight we will be lighting the Stergios Tower in blue.

Dr. Ercoli will be missed by all who knew him. May his soul rest in peace."

- statement from Michele Finney, CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center

Dr. Ercoli has been at the hospital since 1989 and served as medical director of the G. A. Richards Trauma Center since it first opened in 1993.

He was also the President of the Board of the Hanson House Foundation, which provides housing for loved ones of critically ill and injured hospitalized patients at little to no cost.

Dr. Ercoli actually conceived the idea for this housing to help provide comfort and care for the families of patients in the intensive care units of local hospitals, according to the foundation's website.

Ercoli was the surgeon who treated Palm Springs Police officers Jose "Gil" Vega and Lesley Zerebny after they were shot on October 8, 2016.

Ercoli would later testify in the case against the officers' killer and in attendance when the guilty verdict was read.

In addition to his work as a surgeon, Ercoli was an accomplished musician, occasionally performing around the community. In fact, before attending medical school, Ercoli earned a music degree.

He would use his love of music to help raise money for the Hanson House. Ercoli was one of the driving forces behind the Palm Springs Jazz Festival

He even took the stage with Tower of Power during the 2012 Palm Springs Smooth Jazz Festival.

Ercoli received many awards and honors for his work with community and patients. In 2018, he received Richard M. Milanovich Community Leadership Award at the Palm Springs Chamber's Police & Fire Appreciation Luncheon.

There was no information on Dr. Ercoli's death at this time. We are working on gathering more information at this time. Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

Community Remembers Dr. Ercoli:

"I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Dr. Ercoli's passing. Frank epitomized dedication to our community. His compassionate work at Desert Regional and his commitment to helping families deal with the challenges of cancer at THE HANSON HOUSE serves as an example of the amazing good one person can do for a community. 

He was also a lover of Jazz.  I had the honor of hosting a couple of Frank's Palm Springs Smooth Jazz Festivals in the Indian Canyons and O'Donnell golf course which he did to raise funds for his beloved Hanson House. I will always remember his wit and humor when we used to talk about trading places as promoters and doctors."

- Jimi "FITZ" Fitzgerald, singer and local radio personality