Desert Regional Medical Center dedicates Ambulance Receiving Center to late trauma specialist, Dr. Frank Ercoli

On Friday morning Desert Regional Medical Center unveiled its new Ambulance Receiving center signage in honor of the late medical director of trauma services, Dr. Frank R. Ercoli. Family members and dozens of colleagues paid tribute to Dr. Ercoli at the internal event.

"To my dad, I’m honored to be here today as we honor decades of your tireless work helping to make this hospital what it is today. You are very much missed, and your legacy here will live on for years to come," said Dr. Ercoli's youngest son of 3, Robert Ercoli.

Dr. Ercoli, 67, was a prominent physician who first came to the hospital in 1989.

"The hole is incredibly large and I don’t think it will ever be filled completely. I think it’s very appropriate that the ambulance bay is where we chose to honor his legacy because this is where it all begins," said Desert Regional Medical Center Registered Nurse, Stan Hall.

Hall, a friend and colleague of Dr. Ercoli for 22 years, was among several people who spoke before attendees.

"I just found Dr. Ercoli to be the utmost professional. He really cared about his patients, he always wanted to do the right thing," said Desert Care Network Group Director of Marketing, Richard Ramhoff.

Dr. Ercoli died on June 9. According to the Riverside County Coroner, he was located on the Frank Bogert Trailhead in the South End of Andreas Hills Drive in Palm Springs at around 8:45 a.m. He was pronounced dead at approximately 8:58 a.m. in the same area.

"It was no secret that my dad was a man of passion and he was someone that really mastered his craft," said, Robert.

Dr. Ercoli was the hospital's first trauma specialist, and eventually became the medical director of the G.A. Richards Emergency Trauma Center.

"He was about a month away from retirement, but he put in a lot of blood, sweat and even some tears during his time here," said Dr. Ercoli's son, Chris Ercoli.

Many who knew the prominent physician described him as a man of many talents and passions, that included playing music and traveling.

Dr. Ercoli was also known for founding Hanson House Foundation, Inc., which offers affordable options for people to stay while their family members are critically ill and hospitalized.

The nonprofit organization has been closed due to COVID-19, but Robert Ercoli announced they planned on reopening in January.

"To see people here at the hospital remembering him and remembering the contributions to make the hospital what it is today- it’s really great. I know he would be looking down on this with a smile," said Chris Ercoli.