Perhaps you do not know: Frank McCOURT died yesterday. His footprints forever engraved in the world's communal soul, once we read "Angela's Ashes." If you are American and Irish, his memoir is a must read to understand Irish culture, humor, and pride vis a vis the backdrop of indigenous poverty. Although Frank was born in NYC, 'twas his father's idea to return to Ireland during the Great Depression. This bittersweet story of a dysfunctional family, forever affected by time, place, and "the Irish disease," prompted Frank's later escape to New York City. Here, he struggled to attain a formal education, and become an NYC public school teacher. Frank McCOURT inspired decades of NYC students. Through "Angela's Ashes," he touched decades of teachers too, who didn't know that we have valuable interior stories, that we might tell. Now, the literary community takes ownership for this everyman. But, Frank McCOURT was truly a man of modesty, a traditionally gifted Irish storyteller, a man of the people, a great wit, who overcame cultural and personal adversities, and disinherited the Irish curse, alcoholism. Move over Horatio Alger, you've been dethroned by Frank McCOURT. @MizScarlettNY-20July2009 OBITUARY http://tinyurl.com/lzmoco ONLINE BLOG FOR FRANK McCOURT > http://tinyurl.com/nqsyud > ************** An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221323041x1201367261/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62& bcd=JulyExcfooterNO62)