Dr. Frank Ercoli memorialized by loved ones.
Dr. Frank Ercoli, Desert Regional Medical Center's medical director of trauma services was memorialized by loved ones Saturday.
Dr. Ercoli died on Tuesday at the age of 67.
Several prominent members of the community remembered him for his dedication to his patients and the community.
"Dr. Frank Ercoli was not only an outstanding surgeon, he was a long-time leader in our community whose extraordinary compassion for others went above and beyond the emergency room. He was devoted to helping everyone in our community, whether it was the victim or suspect in a crime – or a non-profit in need, Frank had the same level of respect and compassion for every human being. I am proud to have called him my friend," wrote Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes
Dr. Ercoli worked at Desert Regional since 1989 and served as medical director of the G. A. Richards Trauma Center since it opened in 1993.
He conceived the idea for the Hanson House, which provides housing for loved ones of critically ill and injured hospitalized patients at little to no cost. He was the president of the board of the Hanson House Foundation.
"We wanted to take trauma and critical care a step beyond just our patients and help their families too," Dr. Ercoli said of the endeavor.
An accomplished musician, Dr. Ercoli actually earned a music degree before he attended medical school. He used his love of music to raise funds for the Hanson House.
"It’s my way of giving back," Dr. Ercoli said.
Ercoli was the surgeon during one of the darkest days in the history of the city. He 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.
"Dr. Ercoli responded to the emergency room to attend to our fallen but their injuries were too traumatic and we tragically lost them. His testimony during the trial was absolutely remarkable and his mere presence in the courtroom while the verdicts were read today was one of the most impactful experiences I have ever witnessed. Thank you Dr. Ercoli for what you have done and for what you continue to do."
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
