Louis Mancuso grew up with a love of aviation that would determine the path his life would take. He was born August 25, 1919 and as a young boy, remembered watching Lindbergh fly overhead as he departed Long Island for Paris in 1927. He took his first flight lesson in 1934. Due to the scarcity of money, many lessons lasted only ten minutes. In spite of this, Lou always said someday he would own his own airport. After he was fully licensed, he worked at Republic Field as a Certified Flight Instructor. Saving his money, he purchased his first aircraft, a Piper, J-3 Cub. In 1942, he moved to Florida to join a program whereby, as a civilian, he would train British RAF students to fly the Stearman and AT-6.

On September 4, 1943, he married Connie Savino in Clewiston, Florida. In September 1945, he and Connie moved back home to their families on Long Island. With the money he had saved during the war, he purchased another J-3, cleared enough land to form Deer Park Airport and began the Mid Island Flight School. His maiden flight into DPA was on January 27, 1946.

The flight school grew and Lou became a one man charter operation. Flying charters for several trainers and drivers, Lou was introduced to the world of harness horse racing. In 1954 he purchased his first race horse.

Many horses later, Lou traded a Cessna 337 Skymaster for half interest in "Rum Customer", a 2 year old standardbred pacer. In 1968, Rum Customer won the Triple Crown and Lou and Connie invested their winnings in registered Angus cattle in Grand Junction, Colorado.

In 1974, Deer Park Airport was closed due to escalating taxes, and Mid Island Flight School was relocated to what later became known as Long Island MacArthur Airport. Lou and Connie divided their time between VA and FL.

On November 1, 1997, surrounded by his four children and grandchildren, Lou was honored by his peers, The Long Island Aviation Recognition Council. Lou's legacy continues today as his son, Lou Jr., his daughter, Gail and his grandson, Michael operate the business which began as a dream of a young man.

Lou always said "If you want something badly enough and you are willing to work for it, you can accomplish anything!" He always said he would leave this world without regrets as he lived life to the fullest and accomplished whatever he set out to do. He enjoyed being a part of Long Island Aviation in its early days.