Home of Pan American World Airways Retired Pilots and Employees
1927-1991Remembering those who passed this year…
Daniel Lee Wambach of Larkspur, CA, passed away August 16, 2024. Born in Mineola on Long Island, NY, on November 26, 1934, to Albrecht G. Wambach and Marion Seagrave. After college, he spent 8 years in the USAF as a bomber pilot on the B47 and B52.
In 1964, Dan became an airline pilot with Pan American World Airways flying to Europe and Asia on the Boeing 707 and 747. In 1986, he transferred to United Airlines and continued to fly to the Orient on the B747 and retired in 1994 as a B767 Captain.
Dan met Chris, the love of his life, in Moorea, Tahiti, 50 years ago when he was working a flight with Pan Am and Chris was vacationing with girlfriends. In 1975, Dan and Chris built their home on the water in the Larkspur Marina.
He had a Master 100 Ton License, was a lifetime member of the Navy League and a member of the Marin Yacht Club since 1992. Dan enjoyed many wonderful friendships with fellow members and the fun cruises with the Marin Yacht Club internationally, locally and in the Delta and the Blue Water. He also enjoyed cruising on cruise ships to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, to the Panama Canal, Columbia River and New England.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Chris, as well as his children from a prior marriage: Barbara of Mill Valley, Leslie (Laurent Pacalin) of Portola Valley, and William of Valley Springs, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
We will forever cherish our wonderful memories with him and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Albert W. Wheeler, 90, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2024. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Al joined Pan Am in 1964 in ground operations at SFO before moving to New York to join the operations staff. Al returned to SFO in 1966 as a 707 flight engineer and later became a 747 co-pilot. He stayed with Pan Am until United took over and he retired his United 767 captain duties in 1993. Al spent his retirement years traveling, gardening, attending reunions and working on hot rods. He will be deeply missed.
Harold Elton Lawrence passed away at his home in Conroe, Texas on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the age of 89. He was born on December 18, 1934 in Lufkin, Texas to his mother, Daisy Lawrence, and father, James Lawrence. He is survived by his loving wife, Kate Lawrence; daughter, Stacy Blevins; son, Jeffrey Lawrence; brother, Norman Lawrence; five grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Harold grew up in the Houston Heights with his sister Janice, twin brothers Stephen and Norman, and his baby sister Linda. He attended Rice University and University of Houston and was a proud graduate of The University of Texas with a degree in engineering. He served as a peacetime fighter pilot in the United States Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard. He later joined Pan American Airways in 1964, and remained Captain until Pan Am ceased operations in December 1991. He flew one more year for Taiwanese China Airlines as a Captain in their 747 fleet, before retiring in 1993. Harold and his wife Kate have resided in Conroe, Texas since 1993. He had a deep love for flying, travel, art, beautiful scenery, and volunteering. His family was everything to him. He will be missed by his family and friends and all who knew and loved him. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 11:00 am at: St. James Episcopal Church, 1803 Highland Hollow Drive, Conroe TX, 77304. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Music Fund or a Charity of your choice.
Robert James Nichols (Bob), age 91, formerly of Greenfield, passed away on February 29,2024. Bob was born on Decem ls. He grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1950. After high school, he attended both Central Missouri State College and Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College. In 1955, Bob began a decades-long career as a pilot for Pan American World Airways, followed by several years as a pilot for United Airlines until his retirement in 1992. In 1952, Bob married Carole Elaine Shutts, with whom he spent 56 years before her passing in 2009. Throughout their many years together, Bob and Carole were blessed to be parents to eight children—four sons and four daughters. Later, their extended family grew as they welcomed many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over the years, Bob and Carole called several places home. After living more than 20 years in the greater New York area, they moved to Greenfield, New Hampshire in 1977 where they lived until 1995 when they retired to Turtletown, Tennessee. They thoroughly enjoyed life in retirement and spent 13 wonderful years living in an idyllic lakeside log home. After Carole’s passing, Bob lived again in the Kansas City area briefly before relocating to Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, where he resided for over 12 years with his daughter and son-in-law until very recently. Bob’s family meant the world to him. In lieu of traditional hobbies and pastimes, he derived great joy from spending time with and unwaveringly supporting his children, grandchildren, and extended family. His love for his family–whether they knew him as Dad, Grandpa, Grandpa Bob, Uncle Bob, or simply Bob–knew no bounds. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carole Nichols, son Steven Nichols, parents Paris and Ruby Nichols, brother Arthur Nichols and his wife Freddie, and brother James Nichols and his wife Elaine. He is survived by his son F. Thomas Nichols (Lisa), daughter Therese Wise (Kenneth), daughter Mary Jane Nichols, daughter Amy Nichols, son Barton Nichols (Christine), son Robert Nichols (Samuel), daughter Rebecca Marshall (Kenneth), 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A private, graveside service will be held later this year. If you would like to remember Bob, donations can be made in his memory to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or True Friends Animal Welfare Center (www.truefriendsawc.com).
Robert Staples Steiner was born in Red Wing, Minnesota. Graduated from Austin High School in 1948, studied at University of Minnesota, then enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. Bob completed basic training in Waco, Texas Class 52G. He served as a combat pilot in the 58th Fighter Bomber Wing APO 970. Living in NYC in 1956, he was hired on at Pan American Airlines as a navigator.Bob flew for 32 years with Pan Am, retiring as Captain in 1990, flying 747s exclusively. He excelled at golf; scoring six holes-in-one. He was a SIRS member for years. He loved going to Graeagle, CA, where some of his ashes will be scattered, the rest being released outside the Golden Gate Bridge.He will be missed by his family; adopted daughter Karen, son-in-law Chris as well as friends and neighbors. He is reunited with his parents, Wesley and Nancy Steiner; his wife of 64 years Barbara; and faithful dog, Patches.Memorial at Sleepy Hollow Church May 18, 11am. 100 Tarry Rd. San Anselmo.
Ralph William Luther went to be with his Lord, dying peacefully at home on the ranch he shared with his wife, Penny, near Hamilton Montana on April 8, 2024, at the age of 97.
He is survived by his wife, their children, Steve and wife Sara, Karen and husband Steve, and Linda and husband Don, six grandchildren and spouses, and eight great grandchildren, all of whom were surrounded by his love and warmth.
Ralph grew up in West Michigan where he flew private planes, raced stock cars at a local track and worked various jobs as a young man. He fought in World War II as a paratrooper in the Pacific Theater with the 511th Parachute Infantry and served in the occupation army in post-war Japan.
Ralph and Penny were married in Los Angeles, California on Valentine’s Day in 1953. They moved to New York in 1955 where he began a lifelong career as a commercial pilot for Pan American Airlines, and later for United Airlines, moving their family from one coast to the other as part of the job. In 1968, he moved his family to a ranch in the Bitterroot valley, Montana, where he lived for the remainder of his life. Ralph retired from flying in 1986 at the age of 60.
Ralph enjoyed the outdoors and spent much of his spare time fishing, hunting, mining and rock hounding. He also enjoyed a good hat and had a quirky sense of humor. He has been, and is still, beloved by his family and many friends.
Services will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 11:00 am in the Daly-Leach Chapel, 1010 W. Main St., Hamilton, MT. There will be a reception following the chapel services in the funeral home’s community room. Graveside services with full Military Honors will be held at 2:00 pm at Victor Cemetery, 2588 Chief Victor Camp Rd. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Ernest A Schwab, 90, of Wilmington passed away on July 11, 2023. He was born in New York City on July 24, 1932 to German immigrant parents, Ernst Eugene and Louise Marazzi Schwab. Ernie earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Syracuse University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He also held an MBA from the University of Delaware. He started his professional life as a Marine fighter pilot from 1954-58, achieving the rank of Captain. Out of graduate school, Ernie accepted a job with DuPont in Wilmington where he worked in marketing for seven years. In 1966 he returned to his love of flying, joining Pan American Airways until his retirement as Captain in 1989. Concurrently he served part-time as a commanding pilot for the Delaware Air National Guard, retiring in 1986 with the rank of Colonel. After Pan Am, he went to work as a flight instructor for Flight Safety International in Wilmington until his final retirement at the age of 75. Ernie was honored with induction into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame in 2015. READ MORE >>>
Peter Bennett, resident of Fort Pierce, FL, passed away on April 6th at age 85. Peter was born in Framingham, MA, on March 19th, 1939. After graduating high school in Barrington, RI, in June 1957, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a Russian language specialist while based in Osan, Korea. He was accepted into the Aviation Cadet program and was a distinguished graduate of Class 61-B, receiving his USAF pilot wings and commissioned a second lieutenant. In 1966, Peter was hired by Pan American World Airways and flew for them for the next 25 years, retiring early as a Captain on the 727 in 1991 to join Delta Airlines, where he retired as a Captain in 2001. Peter completed his military service with 24 years including active and reserve duty and retired as a Lt. Colonel. READ MORE >>>
Thomas J. Stone, 84 of Key Largo, FL and Carrollton passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Jersey Community Hospital. He was born March 26, 1939 in Carrollton, the son of Leonard and Marie Kaiser Stone. He is survived be several cousins and friends. Tom served in the United States Navy as a pilot. He enjoyed traveling, his home in Key Largo, FL, and his service to the United States though his time flying for the Navy. He was a pilot for Pan Am for several years and loved traveling around the world. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Cafeteria Building Fund or Meals on Wheels. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com READ MORE >>>
Kenneth Slobody, 84, of Alachua FL, died at University of Florida, The Villages hospital. Ken was born in the Bronx NY. He married the love of his life, Davida, and together they had two children, Tara and Kirk, and loving daughter-in-law, Janine, all of whom he was very proud. Ken served in the US Navy with his last duty assignment in the Air Anti-Submarine Squadron VS Twenty-eight aboard the carrier USS WASP stationed at Quonset Point, RI. He worked most of his life as a pilot for Pan American Airlines where he flew co-pilot on the 707, 737 Captain in West Berlin and 747 Captain based in New York. He ended his career flying as Captain on the 747 for Delta Airlines. He loved training dogs and riding horses with Davida on their retirement “dream farm” in Alachua, FL.
Tauno Kalevi Wirkki, 83, of Salem, passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at his home with family holding his hand.
He was born in Manhattan March 8, 1940 the son of the late Eino and Aino (Viitanen) Wirkki.
Tauno graduated from Salem Washington Academy as Salutatorian of his class and received his Bachelor’s in Science from Cornell University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam Era.
Tauno began his career with, and flew for, Pan American Airways for many years until 1991; advancing from Engineer, to Co-Pilot and then Captain. He then worked for South African Airways and finally Atlas Air until he retired.
He was a man of devout faith. He was also a servant to his community, holding many positions within the Village and Town. He was a strong advocate for anything that enhanced the community, such as supporting the proposed sewer system to allow for Salem’s growth. Most recently, he became a member of the Salem Rescue Squad, a source of connection and camaraderie that he deeply valued. Tauno was also an active and dedicated member of the Cambridge Flying Club, the Historic Salem Courthouse and the 221st Aviation Company. READ MORE >>>
Jerry Holmes – October 27, 1934 – January 10, 2024. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2024 at the age of 89 with Louise, his wife of 65 years, at his side. Jerry was born on October 27, 1934 in Muskegon, Michigan to Stella Howe and Lawrence Boozer. When he was four months old, his father died of a heart attack, and he was subsequently adopted by his oldest half sister and her husband, Inez and Henry Holmes; he was their only child. Jerry graduated from Muskegon High School in 1953, and briefly attended Ferris College before deciding to follow his lifelong dream to fly. He joined the Navy in March 1955 as a cadet, and served his country until being honorably discharged in 1959. He met and married the love of his life, Louise Christensen, in the fall of 1958. They married just two months later, on December 22, 1958, and eventually settled in Grand Rapids, where Jerry worked as a corporate pilot. A few years later, after a brief stint at Eastern Airlines, he got his dream job with Pan American Airlines, where he traveled the world and eventually became a 747 Captain, all while raising his three children William, Andrew, and Jacqueline with Louise. During these years, the family lived in Madison, Connecticut and Titusville, Florida.
After raising their family, Jerry and Louise relocated to Temecula, California in 1987, where he finished his career as a 747 Captain for United Airlines. After retirement, they moved to Sequim, Washington, where they were active in the local Car Club and enjoyed spending time with their many friends and loved ones. Jerry was active in retirement with the Pan American Clipper Pioneers Club, publishing the group’s newsletter for many years. In 2019, they moved to Vero Beach, Florida to be closer to their family.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Louise; his children William (Tina), Andrew (Nola), and Jacqueline (David A. Edwards); nine grandchildren Stefanie Williams (Mikel), Michael, Jennifer Offringa (Kyle), Michelle Marietta (Joseph), Kathryn, Rachel Hershberger (Trent), Angela Sowder (Wesley), David (Hailey), and Hope Edwards; and nine great grandchildren, Eleanor, London, Lennon, Joseph, Owen, Jenna, Maurice, Roman, and Parker.
Services are private. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s honor be made to the Treasure Coast Food Bank, www.stophunger.org, 401 Angle Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34947.
John Franklin Reigart Wysard, 87, of Westfield passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, at UPMC Hamot Hospital in Erie, PA. He was born May 21, 1936, in Portchester, NY, the son of the late Herbert and Frances Reigart Wysard.
John was the president of the graduating class of 1954 at Babylon High School, Babylon, Long Island.
He then proudly served his country for 16 years in the United States Navy, Marine Corp, Coast Guard and Army as a pilot of both fixed wing planes and helicopters. After his military service, he continued his love of flying as a commercial pilot for 20 years with Pan Am and 10 with United Airlines, flying 707’s and 747’s.
John was a patriot, a much-loved husband, and a terrific dad for his 8 children. His life was an adventure from start to finish – he is sorely missed. ~Bonnie Wysard. READ MORE >>>
John (Jack) R Young quietly passed away on on October 2, 2023 at Marin Health Hospital with close friends nearby. Although born in New York state on Jan. 2, 1938, Jack grew up and received his university education in New Jersey. Shortly after getting his degree, Jack entered Naval Pilot Training where he received his wings in the summer of 1960. Jack separated from active duty in 1964 and was immediately hired by Pan American as a pilot based in San Francisco. In 1981 Jack was promoted to Captain B-747 which is a position he held until retiring in 191. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Dorothy Young. A celebration of life is planned, date to be announced.
Robert “Bob” Ober passed away on December 6, 2023. The following was written by Dave Ober: My sister and I owe our existence to the fateful day in 1960 when Robert “Bob” Ober — while sneaking his friend back into the University of Buffalo infirmary — mistakenly entered our mother’s room during her recovery from chicken pox.
Following a mischievous adolescence in which he stole an airplane, launched a rocket from inside his college dorm and ran all-night underground poker games, Bob tried his hand at professional golf until he “matured” to embark on a career as an airline pilot for Pan American and Delta airlines.
Bob, 83, was first and foremost a dedicated husband for six decades, sharing a lifelong love affair with Lynda that included high daily doses of laughter. A committed father and grandfather, Bob embraced his family with every fiber of his energetic and colorful existence. He had an insatiable curiosity, an enormous heart and unending generosity, spending most of his time focusing on the problems of the world and the well-being of others. Bob died on Dec. 6 of an aortic dissection.
Following his retirement from aviation, Bob’s second calling was teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Stony Brook University. At OLLI, Bob enthralled his students for a dozen years by using his tireless curiosity to sprout spirited debate and brought compelling, high-profile guests to classes in current events and “law and politics.” His classes were always oversubscribed as local learners were eager to hear from the many experts he recruited to educate others and respond to his penetrating and provocative questions.
Bob grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, in the shadow of the U.S. Open tennis tournament where he honed his skills watching the greats and even had the good fortune to hit with some of the top pros of the day, like Pancho Gonzalez and Lew Hoad. When he wasn’t working to perfect a golf swing he spent his entire life honing, Bob found ways to defy authority and push the envelope.
Roger Pierce Wicker passed away on July 4, 2023 in Dallas, Texas from pancreatic cancer. He was born in Prescott on October 20, 1935. World War II brought him and his family to Dallas where his father worked building airplanes for the war effort. Roger graduated from Sunset High School 1954, went to college in Arlington Texas and studied Mechanical Engineering. He joined the Nav and went to flight training in Pensacola and got his wings in 1958 in Corpus Christi. He flew various aircraft for the Navy including the P5M Seaplane and the Gruman 8A-16 search and resuc aircraft. In 1966, he was hired by Pan American Airlines as a Navigator on the 707. He flew for Pan Am for 20 years before he was hired by United Airlines in their purchase of the Pacific routes. By then, he was flying the 747. He became captain on the DC8, the 757 and th 767 and retired in 1995 with his wife Catharina to their arm in Arkansas, where they raised cattle. They stayed on the farm for 20 years, then moved back to Dallas where they still owned a home, but went back to their farm frequently. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Catharina, his three children David, Lori and Danny, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Ironically, the room number in hospice was 747, an airplane he flew for 20 years. He Flew West in style, I would say…
Charles (Chuck) Cutting, a beloved commercial airline pilot for Pan American World Airways, passed away on October 3, 2023, in San Jose, California, after a brief illness. Born on February 28, 1930, in Pacific Grove, California, Chuck had an esteemed career as an airline captain, spanning an impressive thirty-five years.
Chuck was not only known for his professional accomplishments but also for his warm and helpful nature. Always friendly and willing to lend a hand, Chuck was a beacon of kindness and generosity. With his infectious smile and bright blue eyes, he had a way of lighting up a room and making others feel at ease.In addition to his love for flying, Chuck had a green thumb and found great joy in gardening. Whether it was tending to his vibrant vegetable garden or carefully cultivating his myriad of fruit trees, Chuck possessed a deep appreciation for the beauty and serenity of nature. His garden was not only a source of pride but also a place of solace and reflection. READ MORE >>>
Delbert R. Ackley, age 88, passed away at his home in Prescott, Arizona, on November 27, 2023. He was born in Bakersfield, California, and got his bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University. A lover of all things related to flight, Del started his career with the U.S. Air Force during the late 1950s, training in the T-28s and T-33s, which prepared him for his favorite plane, the F-86-F. He then transferred to the Strategic Air Command, where he flew B-52G bombers around the top of the globe on 24-hour shifts. After the Air Force, he became a commercial pilot for Pan Am, based in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and West Berlin. When Pan Am closed in 1991 he transfered a pilot at Delta Airlines until his retirement in 1995. During his career, he flew 707s, 720s, 727s, 737s, 747s, DC-8s, and A-310s. Del is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Ackley and Ida Mae (Gates) Ackley, and his brother, Jerry Ackley. Del is survived by his loving wife, Elsemarie (Mia) Ackley; his two sons, Scott and Karl and wife Toni; his two daughters, Diane and Payton; and five granddaughters.
Alan James Jacobsen died peacefully October 13th, 2023 in Stuart, Florida with his wife Pamela by his side. He was born to Elmer and Adele Jacobsen on July 6, 1936 in New York City. His aunt and uncle, Florence and John Bradshaw, fostered his love of classical music and supported him graduating from St. Louis University in 1956.
Alan met his wife Pamela Morgan Dunlap in Norfolk, Virginia. In Pensacola, Florida, he trained as a Naval carrier pilot, logging hundreds of aircraft carrier landings. Alan raised his family in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, enjoying many days sailing from the Wickford Yacht Club with longtime friends.
As a Pan American pilot, Alan traveled to dozens of countries and was based in Berlin, Germany for several years. Later in life, Alan and Pam moved to Stuart, Florida where Alan enjoyed many Saturday lunches at Frank ‘n Stein.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pamela Dunlap Jacobsen; three children, Karen (Drew) Brent, Chris (Tracy Ramos) Jacobsen, and Eric (Elaine) Jacobsen; and five grandchildren, Alex, Emily, Amy, Julia, and Alan. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Treasure Coast Hospice or your local hospice center.
Rex D. Smith, age 92, passed away on August 2, 2023 in Cameron Park, CA. He was born on May 21, 1931 in Tulsa, OK. He worked as a flight instructor and airplane salesman for Beechcraft. He started his airline career with Mohawk Airlines and joined Pan Am in April 1966. Rex was very talented and played the ukulele and the guitar, gave tennis lessons, played a good game of golf and studied history. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell stories. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Deirdre Browne-Smith. He is survived by his three lovely daughters, Lezlie Daugherty, Lori Barnett and Louann McKinnon. Rex was flying as a Captain when Pan Am went out of business in 1991. He was a unique individual and will be greatly missed.
USAF veteran, NAL/PAA/DL Capt. Donald Eugene Griffin
Donald Eugene Griffin, 81, passed away on November 20th, 2022 in Orlando, FL. He was the loving husband of Raelene Seiler Griffin. They shared 52 years of marriage together. Born in Hominy, Oklahoma on July 10, 1941, he was the son of Ruby Lay Griffin and George Griffin. He attended Hominy Highschool and Oklahoma State University. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the Airforce as an F-4 fighter pilot. His commercial aviation career span through National, Pam Am, and Delta airlines. Don will be remembered for his love of golf, having home cooked meals, and spending time with friends and family. He will be remembered for his humbleness and easy-going personality. He always thought of others before himself and would give anything to make sure his family was happy. He is survived by his children, Kelly Griffin Koller and Jeffery Griffin and his spouse, Callie Griffin; grandchildren, Seiler Griffin, Koen Koller, Casey Griffin and Kamron Koller, and his siblings, Georgia Griffin Hester and Joe Griffin.
John Francis Grady, age 87, of Lake Forest, California passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022. John was born August 22, 1934. Perhaps, one of the greatest of men that I’ve ever known is now flying in the heavens above. My Uncle John was always kind, charming, witty, engaging, a wee bit sarcastic (Hey, we’re Irish) but nonetheless a loving man that I was ever so fond and enamored of. I looked up to my Uncle John immensely as an incredible and amazing force of strength and endearing love to me and his family and friends. After many years of flying, his hearing began to wane and my Uncle John knowing about my own significant loss of hearing bought me a pair of hearing aids which I was indeed grateful for his and my Aunt Betty’s benevolent gift. I’m proud that I was so lucky to spend time with my Uncle John and his family when visiting FL and CA. Those were the best of days with the best of people. Fly on my uncle, my uncle. We’ll all see you in regaling and loving glory once again. – Kyle Grady.
Gordon F Young Jr, age 85, of Skillman, NJ, passed away, suddenly and unexpectedly, on April 30, 2023. He was born in Troy, NY on July 4, 1937, to Ruth and Gordon Young Sr. He was joined by two sisters, Priscilla and Judy, in the following years. After grade school in Ardsley, NY, he graduated from Mount Hermon School for Boys in Gill, Massachusetts, in 1955, and the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, in 1959. Upon his graduation in 1959, Gordon entered the United States Marine Corps, where he served for seven years, and received an honorable discharge as Aviation Captain. After this, he spent several years in the Yukon and Northwest Territories of Canada as a bush pilot, assisting prospectors and scientists with their work.
From there, he pivoted into commercial aviation, and began an exciting and successful career as an international airline pilot for Pan-American World Airways, and later, Delta Airlines. He began with Pan Am on Valentines Day 1966, as a Navigator on the Boeing 707 Airplane, using the ancient art of celestial navigation to navigate the skies. During the Vietnam War, Gordon was assigned to assist the military by flying supplies on Pan Am aircraft to Vietnam. In his 42 year career, Gordon advanced from Flight Navigator, to First Officer, to Captain, and had ratings on many different aircraft, including B707, B747, B727, B737, B767, DC8 and L1011. He had an illustrious 42 year career as an international Pan Am and Delta Airlines Captain. Gordon is and was one of the few pilots remaining from “the Golden Age of Air Travel.”
Work, life and play took him to many parts of the world. Gordon lived in quite a few- and shared interesting stories about all of them! He commuted from Queens, San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais in Mill Valley, CA and Southport, CT to pilot 747s out of JFK Airport. In 1969, he contracted Cheoy Lee of Hong Kong to build the 36′ ketch sailboat, AUM, and deliver her to FL. Gordon docked AUM in the Bahamas, a frequent destination for his mother, stepfather, and many friends who enjoyed exciting and amusing boating holidays. He lived in New York, San Francisco, off his sail boat in the Bahamas, in Berlin, Germany, and eventually settled in Lawrenceville, and later Skillman, NJ.
Gordon’s big passion was hunting, a hobby since childhood. He went on many hunting trips all over the United States, in Germany, and Argentina. A nature-lover at heart, he and his dog were always planning their next outdoor adventure. Gordon even completed the German hunting license, the Jaegerbrief in Germany and was subsequently invited to a German Hunt. He began hunting as a young man with his father in upstate New York, and didn’t stop until his last hunting trip in Arizona at the age of 85.
After retiring, Gordon was also actively involved in social services as a friend and mentor to many in the community. He volunteered with Stanford Rescue Squad in Stanford, NY; the Juvenile Conference Committees of New Jersey in Lawrenceville, NJ, and did dog therapy with his hunting dog, Adal, at Morris Hall, also in Lawrenceville, NJ.
Gordon was also a loving husband and father. He married his college sweetheart, Wendy Faber in 1960, and they welcomed a daughter Annette together. In 1975, Gordon married his second wife Maria Catell, and spent fifteen years together. In that time, they designed and built a passive solar house in the 1980s in upstate New York, a mostly unknown concept at the time. In 1991, Gordon married his third wife, Heidi, and later that year, their daughter Jennifer was born . Gordon’s family had many branches, but he always made sure to keep in touch and let his loved ones know he cared about them; many of his friends and family members remarked that they had “just spoken” to him prior to his passing. He especially enjoyed connecting with his daughters Annette and Jennifer, whom he spoke to every night.
Gordon is survived by daughters Annette Czack (Jim) of Loudon, NH and Jennifer Young (George Athanail) of Brooklyn, NY; grandchildren Langdon Tarbell (Molly) of Lee, NH and Josie Toepfer (Owen) of Phoenix, AZ, and great grandson Lawrence Toepfer.; sisters Judy Townsend of Guttenburg, NJ and Tonbridge, England and Priscilla Mathews Young of Minneapolis, MN. Gordon lived a remarkable and fruitful life and made a difference for many. He is dearly and deeply missed by his family, and many friends and fans, around the world.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 1-4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-7626. Service begins at 1:15pm.
Please RSVP via link Paperless post link https://pp.events/aad7YM4x, or to Jennifer Young, 929-393-9898, with questions.
Published by Legacy Remembers from Jul. 17 to Jul. 18, 2023.
John (Jack) McEwan, passed away Thursday, July 6th, 2023, at Concord Hospital – Concord New Hampshire. He was born May 4th, 1938, Son of the late Sheldon and Pearl (Lake) McEwan.
Jack attended Viewpoint (Barlow School) where he graduated from the Prep School as Valedictorian of his class. He and his friend Ted were coeditors of the school’s first Yearbook. Jack graduated in 1961 from Middlebury College with a bachelor’s degree in business economics.
Jack was accepted into Flight School with the US Army in June of 1962. In 1963 he transitioned to the Caribou aircraft, then joined the 18th Aviation Company and flew to Nha Trang , Vietnam. He joined the 17th Aviation Company and was promoted to Captain.
Jack was hired by Pan Am June 20th, 1966. After training in Miami Florida, he and his family moved to Hong Kong. During his time there he helped to carry out soldiers on the R&R respites.
In 1968 Jack returned to JFK and transitioned to the 707 aircraft. In June of 1970 he was offered a position in Germany flying the Internal German Routes. Later that year Jack transferred from Berlin to San Francisco as a 747 Co-pilot, and then became a 727 Captain with Pan Am. READ MORE >>>
Enrique Rendon of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, has passed away at the age of 97 at Little Company of Mary hospital in Torrance. As you know, he was diagnosed with dementia several years ago. It was a tremendously difficult disease for him to live with. While we’re so sad he’s no longer with us, we are relieved to know he is finally at peace.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, his four children and their spouses, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
Rick had a 35-year career with Pan American Airways, beginning as a cargo agent in Los Angeles and continuing in a career that took him to places that included Canton Island, Guam, Panama, New York, Iran, and San Francisco.
He was an avid fly fisherman, enjoying the sport in California, Alaska, and places abroad. He was also active in the Rotary Club of Del Amo (Torrance, California) and in local Pan Am retiree organizations.
Memorial services will be held on August 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the historic church on the grounds of the Mortuary at Green Hills, 27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
James D. LeMay, a man filled with love, integrity, compassion, and a spirit of adventure passed away on March 31st, 2023. He was born in Watertown, SD on October 2nd, 1939, raised in Jamestown, ND and married Janice Peterson on June 7th, 1959, in Langdon, ND. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of North Dakota in 1961 and joined the Air Force shortly thereafter. He completed pilot training at Williams AFB before serving 5 years in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He moved to Chandler, AZ with his lovely wife and 3 children in 1968 where he resided for the remainder of his life. After serving in the Air Force, he flew with Pan American Airways until 1991 and then with United Airlines until he retired in 2001. Through his work and love of travel he was ultimately able to visit 88 countries. Hiking became one of his retirement passions, especially near Pine where he and Jan had a cabin for many years. James was preceded in death by his mother Daisy LeMay, father Orville LeMay, brother Keith LeMay, and grandson Parker McCollum. He is survived by his cherished wife of 63 years, Jan LeMay, sister Vivian Dahlen, three children: Brian LeMay (Lucy), Carmen Davenport (Bill), and Heather McCollum (Richard), five grandchildren: Lynea (Joe), Bill III, Natalie (Chris), Ryan (Sarah), and Preston, and two great granddaughters: Mae and Ariya. We bid a fond farewell to our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend with a joyous wish for his heavenly flight. A memorial service for James’ celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 22nd at 10:00 A.M. at the Arizona Community Church at 9325 S. Rural Rd Tempe, AZ 85284.
James “Ron” Nuss, dear husband, father and grandfather, passed away of covid and other complications on February 16, 2023, age 89. Ron was born on January 29, 1934 to Naomi and Charles Nuss in Lehman, PA. Ron graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1955. Being. in ROTC in college, he joined the Air Force to become a fighter pilot stationed in Germany. Ron had 5 wonderful years in the Air Force and made some great life long friends. Imagine a 23 year old being trained and ready to carry a nuclear bomb during the Cold War!
In 1964, Ron joined Pan Am Airways as an engineer and then had a long, great career with Pan Am working up to Captain of the 747 and Airbus 320, enjoying the world. His favorite assignments with Pan Am were twice in Berlin. Once with his first wife, Judi Greenwald, married in 1964, where they became the parents of James and Heidi. Judi sadly died in 1977.
Ron married his second wife of 44 years, Jan Switzer in 1979. From 1985-1990, Ron and Jan, too, had 5 wonderful years in Berlin. Ron retired in 1994 as a Delta pilot after flying 26 years with Pan Am and 4 years with Delta. During his wonderful career, he was based in Seattle, SF, LA and Berlin.
Adding to their family in 1993 were 2 daughters, Larissa and Laissa, adopted from Ukraine, ages 4 and 6. “Welcome to wild life with children again!” Ron was a very dedicated dad, cook, builder, gardener, so knowledgeable about anything and everything. He was a helpful neighbor and friend. He just generally enjoyed life in his quiet and unassuming way. He was such a good man, a wonderful husband and father, a man who could take pleasure traveling the world or in the simplest of things in life. He is so loved and missed.
Please join us: Ron’s Memorial Service-August 12, 2023 at Allyn Historic Church- 3:00 o’clock- -18510 WA-3, Allyn, WA 98524.
Captain Harry “Bud” Barker passed away peacefully on November 26, 2022. He was a pilot with Pan Am from 1966 until both Pan Am and he retired in 1991. He trained in San Francisco in 1966, then flew two years in the Trust Territories, based in Guam, followed by twenty two years in New York where he ended his career as an Airbus Captain. He passed from Alzheimer’s disease.
Donald “Don” Lee Funk of Evergreen, Colorado passed away on May 19, 2023. Don was 90 years old.
Don was born on June 13, 1932 to his parents Adolf and Olga (Weinbrenner) Funk at their home in Hope, KS He graduated from Hope High School in 1950. Following high school, he attended Kansas Wesleyan and then transferred to the ROTC program at Kansas State University. He graduated from the ROTC program in 1955. He was commissioned into the United State Air Force as a pilot and was honorably discharged after 9 years of service.
Following his discharge, he flew for Pan American World Airways for 28 years. San Francisco was his home base until November 1989 when he retired to Evergreen, Co. During his years at Pan American, he met his future wife, Hannelore “Lore” Busse, who was serving as an airline purser. Don and Lore were married in Germany on February 11, 1983. They were married for 32 years.
Dale Russell Fernandes, 90, of Carlisle, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at Chapel Pointe. He was born on January 9, 1932, in East Orange, NJ and was the son of the late Joseph C. Fernandes and Ethel May (Hawkins) Fernandes.
Dale graduated from Nutley High School in Nutley, NJ in 1950 and Bucknell University in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. It was at Bucknell University that he met Joy, and they were married in 1955. He retired as a Commander from the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1975 after serving 2 years in submarines, then 18 years as a Naval Aviator, flying various anti-submarine aircraft. Dale spent 20 years flying around the world as a pilot for Pan American World Airways and 7 years as a pilot with United Airlines. Dale flew DC-8, B-727, B-707, L-1011 and B-747 aircraft. Dale retired to Walpole, NH, where he spent 6 years building an airplane which he flew around the country for 6 years! Dale enjoyed painting watercolors, singing in barbershop quartets and playing handbells. Dale moved to Florida in 2007 and then near Gettysburg, PA. READ MORE >>>
Retired Captain Edward M. Rizzi of Sherman, CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. At a young age, he became enamoured of aviation. He became a pilot with Pan American World Airways in 1951. Over a 39-year career, he advanced from co-pilot on piston engine propeller planes to early jet airliners, to captaining the Boeing 747. He retired in 1990 as the Senior Captain at Pan Am in New York.
Captain David Meade Criley died at age 88 on August 8, 2022, of Pancreatic Cancer. He was at home under Hospice care surrounded by his wife and family members. David was preceded in death by their beloved 10-year-old son David; his brother Walter and sister Jean; parents Marjorie and Walter; beloved aunts and uncles.
Dave hired on with Pan American Airlines in July of 1964 as a Flight Engineer on the Boeing 707, later to make Captain and fly both the 707 and 747, as well as the Lockheed 1011, until Pan American closed its doors in 1991. With 3 more years of eligibility left to fly, he took a job flying Captain on the 747’s for Connie Kalitta’s Charter Airline out of Ypsilanti, Ml, to the Middle East. (READ MORE >>>)
Captain Roger Spencer Barous, a resident of Seabrook, New Hampshire and beloved husband of the late Margery Davenport (Ricker) Barous, passed away at his home on Wednesday afternoon, August 10, 2022. He was 87 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Lawrence and Andover, he was the beloved son of the late Francis and Constance (Ryan) Barous. Roger was a US Air Force veteran, entering the military after serving in R.O.T.C.AF in high school and college, and receiving his Honorable Discharge at the rank of Captain from Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and at the beginning of the Vietnam conflict. While in the Air Force, Roger was a Bomber Pilot with the US Strategic Air Command (SAC). Roger was awarded the Longevity Service Award for his exemplary service. Following his military career, Roger became a commercial airline pilot for Pan American, a career he loved for more than 26 years. After retiring from Pan American, he started a successful realty company with his beloved wife Margery out of Ipswich where they had lived for many years and raised their family. During this time, Margery and he enjoyed traveling and cruising on Holland America together. (READ MORE >>>)
Marvin “Randy” Carter, 87, of Orlando, FL went to his heavenly home on December 26, 2022.
Randy was a very loving and devoted husband, father and son. Born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, Randy was the son of the late Berney Solomon and Alberta Carter. He grew up helping his father on the family farm. After serving in the Army and working as an Air Traffic Controller, he pursued his dream of Aviation. First as a Flight Instructor and then as a Commercial Airline Pilot, ultimately flying all over the world as a Captain with Pan American World Airways. (READ MORE >>>)
Oliver G. “Tim” Locher was called home to his Lord and Savior on 29 November 2022 at the age of 83.
Tim was born on 29 June 1939 to Oliver Glenn and Lela Barbara Locher in Bluffton, Ohio. The family moved to South Florida where Tim and his sister, Nan, attended Lake Worth High School. It was there that Tim enjoyed football and basketball. More importantly, Lake Worth is where God blessed him with the love of his life, Karen Thoureen.
After graduating high school in 1957, Tim accepted an appointment at the Naval Preparatory School and in 1958 reported to the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1962. While at Annapolis, Tim played on the varsity football team and developed a love for the Mighty Goat.
Receiving his naval aviator wings in 1964, Tim flew the E-2 Hawkeye before transitioning to a career in civil aviation where he flew for National, Pan American, and Delta Airlines. (READ MORE >>>)
Maurice J. “Jack” Grainger, 94, born in Brooklyn, NY on November 29, 1927, died October 30, 2022, after a brief illness. Raised by his mother, Lucille C. Grainger, and his grandfather, Henry E. Colton, Jack attended a one room school in Sharon Station, NY and high school in Windsor, CT. He returned to New York where he graduated from Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades.
Enlisting in the U.S. Navy in the spring of 1945, he served on the USS Enterprise, as a Plane Captain maintaining a Grumman F6F-5 fighter plane in the Pacific. He later served onboard the USS Guam, preparing the aircraft catapults for long term storage. Upon the completion of that task, he was an Admiral’s Chauffeur until his discharge in 1946.
Capt. Manueal F. (Buzz) Labbee, 89 of N. Palm Beach, FL passed away on June 25, 2022. He attended the University of Miami (1950-1956). His studies were interrupted by his service in the US Air Force (1953-1955). He ultimately pursued a career in aviation graduating from Avex School of Aviation in 1957. He flew for Northeast Airlines (1957-1964) and Pan American Airlines (1964-1991). Buzz also served as Custodian of Pan American pilots and as an ALPA negotiator and representative. He was proud of his work and association with Pan American. Some of the Pan American items he collected have been donated to the Pan American Historical Foundation and are on display at the Pan American Museum in Garden City, NY.
He is survived by his five children, Deanna Labbee (Rusty) Kinnard, Terri (Carlos) Gasperi, George W. Labbee, Michael F. (Lisa) Labbee and Christian Labbee, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Jeffrey F. Kriendler, the public voice of Pan American World Airways during some of the airline’s most tumultuous years, and beloved by countless colleagues around the world, died on September 3, 2022 in Miami. Jeff had been hospitalized after a fall in his home. He was 76 years old.
Jeff joined Pan Am in 1968 as a management trainee in the Flight Service department. He went on to hold senior management positions with Pan Am in both Flight Service and Dining Services, and later in the Public Relations department. In 1982, he was named Vice President of Corporate Communications, and from that time until the airline ceased operations in 1991, Jeff was the airline’s chief spokesperson, an exceptionally high-profile job of dealing with the media, investors and the public.
Jeff loved Pan Am. “Jeff was Pan Am,” said Ed Trippe, son of the airline’s founder, Juan T. Trippe, and chairman of the Pan Am Historical Foundation.
James “Jim” McIver Harrell passed peacefully on July 12th, 2022 at his assisted living in Tucson, Arizona. Jim loved flying and learned to fly a Piper Cub in Ft. Pierce Florida and soloed when he was 16. He entered the Navy V-5 Flying program in 1946 and soon after became a Naval Aviator. He did a European tour on the Midway Aircraft Carrier in 1950, flying AD-1 Sky Raiders. Jim had a long carrier with the Naval Reserve and flew many types of Navy aircraft besides the AD-1, including the F4U Corsair, Panther, Banshee and Cougar jets. In the mid 60’s Jim was the Navy Reserve Commander of VR-743 at Jacksonville NAS and his group made several cargo resupply missions to Da Nang, Viet Nam flying C-118 transports. Jim ended his Naval Reserve career in 1971.
In 1955 Jim joined Pan American World Airways. During his 32 year long career with Pan Am he lived and was based in San Francisco, Miami and New York JFK. Jim flew Douglas DC-4 prop airliners in the beginning, then progressed to the Boeing 727, 707, and 747. Jim retired from Pan Am in 1988 as a Boeing 747 Captain. (READ MORE >>>)
George William McCollom—Bill—passed away at his home in Mission Viejo, California on July 7th, 2021.
Bill was born in Lihua, Hawai’i, January 15, 1932. We can still hear him say that flying was really the only thing that he ever wanted to do. He received his pilot training through the School of Hard Knocks and paid for flying lessons—one hour at a time—cleaning and gassing planes at the Honolulu Airport.
In 1954 he was hired by Pan American Airways (PAA), which began an extraordinary journey of life-long friends and far-out places. While his first love was PAA (where he spent the majority of his flying career), during multiple furloughs, he had stints with Aloha, Northeastern Airlines, Civil Air Transport (CAT), and finished with United Airlines. Some notable experiences include secret missions all over the South Pacific. He flew embassy personal out of Baghdad during the 1958 Iraqi Coup and Charles Lindberg from Tokyo to Hong Kong in 1968.
Captain Donald Earl Wright died May 19, 2022 after battling cancer for several years. He was 82 years old and in good health until a few weeks before his passing. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, HIROKO and his parents; JAMES and INEZ Wright. He leaves a son, BRET, daughter, LORINDA, grandsons, JAMES and SCOTT, and first wife, ANGELA Wright.
Captain Wright attended Pendleton Oregon high school and joined the U.S. army soon after when faced with a choice between military service and reform school. While serving his country at Fort Bragg, NC and in post-war Korea he learned to fly and quickly accumulated enough flight hours to qualify for commercial and instrument pilot certificates. He graduated Oregon State University in 1965 with degrees in general science and journalism. To help pay the bills, he also earned a flight instructor certificate and, with something like 400 total flight hours, began teaching people to fly. He was living proof of the adage “If you want to learn a subject teach it.After graduating college, Pan Am World Airways (Pan Am) hired him as a pilot/navigator flying Boeing 707s across the Pacific. There, he discovered an aptitude for staying awake all night and for plotting the aircraft’s position using a sextant and “dead reckoning.” He was 26 years old and frequently was the only one aboard the jet who knew where they were.
Two years after joining Pan Am he was promoted to first officer, a position that required him to stay awake all night and to navigate while peering at a tiny screen and plotting his position on a knee board. Looking to advance more quickly to the coveted left front seat of the 707, Don moved his family to the East Coast where they moved into a small house in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and he began flying from JFK airport across the Atlantic Ocean.
Several years later he upgraded to copilot on the Boeing 747 where he was required to stay awake all night and navigate using a magical new electronic device called an “Inertial Navigation System” originally developed for submarines. (READ MORE >>>)
David John Wilson – April 4, 1937 – June 28, 2021 Born in Lincoln, NB Dave attended UC Boulder and then in 1961 entered the US Air Force as a fighter pilot. In 1964 he joined Pan Am and began his career as an airline pilot, retiring from United as a 747-400 Captain in 2000. Dave was an avid skier, tennis player and fisherman and enjoyed traveling with his wife.
Dave is survived by his wife of 40 years, Angela, sister Lorna, sons David and Darren, their wives Amy and Kelly and grandchildren Kai, Bodi and Zanna. Known for his humor and intelligence, Dave will be missed by any who knew and loved him.Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate online to parkinsonsresource.org or 1-877-775-4111.
Charles H. Palmer was born in Denver, Colorado, June 12, 1929. He flew west into a beautiful sunset for his last big adventure as he called it, on November 17, 2021. After graduating from East Denver High in 1947, Charlie found work at a Ford Dealership in Denver. He worked his way up to parts manager when the Army called him for active duty in January 1952, prior to having enlisted in the USNR in June 1948 and was discharged in June 1954. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Denver. He was trained as an airplane mechanic. It was here that Charlie discovered what he wanted to do with the rest of his professional life. He took flying lessons whenever he could. Eventually he had earned a commercial license. The Spartan School of Aeronautics and Technology was the next step in his career. He had the good fortune to hire on with Pan Am. He put in 32 years of service as a flight engineer until the company declared bankruptcy. Charlie flew worldwide, starting with the DC-6 all the way up to the 747. His home base was New York. In November 1963 Pan Am sent him to Berlin to fly the IGS, the Inter German Service. It was here that Charlie met his future wife Inge. They were happily married for 56 years without children. READ MORE >>>
Robert Teagarden McCracken died at home on February 26, 2022. He was born July 30, 1924 in Wind Ridge, Greene County, Pennsylvania, just 2l years after the Wright Brothers’ first flight and 3 years before Lindbergh’s historic transatlantic flight.
Growing up on a farm family, he never dreamed of flying, but at l7 he received his father’s permission to enlist in the armed services during World War II and chose to serve in the Army Air Corps. Robert trained on the B-17, where he became a Command Pilot at the age of 18. The same week his 8th Air Force squadron was given orders to report for combat duty both Robert’s father and sister died. He was granted compassionate leave to attend their funerals but missed his deployment. Upon return, he trained on the B-29 for deployment in the Pacific when the atomic bomb ended the war with Japan. At that time, he was asked if he wanted to continue in the military (potentially attending West Point) or leave the service. He chose to leave and received an honorable discharge as a lieutenant. After Robert left the Army Air Corps, he taught flying at the Connellsville, PA airport to students studying under the Gl Bill. He began his career with Pan American World Airways in 1951 as third officer and then navigator flying 14 day trips from New York to Johannesburg. He went on to fly the DC-6, the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, then the DC-8, where he flew as first officer. He transferred from the DC-8 to the Boeing 707 with the goal to qualify as a Captain. He spent 12 years as Captain on the 707 on Pan Am’s international flights. Robert then transferred as Captain on the 747 and spent the remainder of his career on the jumbo jet. He retired in 1985 with 33.5 years of service with Pan American. READ MORE >>>
Don Browning passed away on December 31, 2021. The very interesting life of Don Browning began in Cleveland, OH on May 5, 1934. The proud parents were James Clapperton Browning and Marguerite Trumphour Browning, known to all as Pappa and Granny. Don was an only child for 7 yrs and then along came his darling little sister, Judy. on’s long career in Aviation began in 1957 when he earned his wings in the USAF. His service career ended in Vietnam with “one more take off than landings”. After his near fatal accident in 1966 he spent 3 months recuperating from his multiple injuries before joining Pan American Airways in Miami. We all said that career was “better than working for a living”! He traveled extensively through Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia and was still with the company when it ceased operation in 1991. That did not stop his need to fly and travel as he continued with his Captain’s status with Air Canada and Southern Air as well as Life Guard flying out of Ft Lauderdale. He finally hung up his wings in 2001 when he achieved his real estate sales license. Don was a self-made man. He is survived by his 5 biological children and 2 stepsons, 9 grandchildren, his sister and his wife of 40 years, Judy Hoffs Bailey Browning. READ MORE >>>
Theodore Karl “Ted” Fisch was born in Manhattan (NYC) on December 10, 1926, grew up in the Bronx, N.Y. passed after a long illness on August 21, 2021 in Danbury, CT at 94.5 years, a life well lived. He joined the U.S. Navy in late 1944 and served as a aircraft mechanic on PBY’s and F4U Corsairs until the end of the Second World War. After his honorable Discharge from the Navy he went to work for Trans World Airlines at La Guardia Airport as a mechanic. In 1952 he joined Pan American in Long Island City as a Flight Engineer/Pilot. He worked his way across many of the Pan American Fleet starting on the Pistons; DC – 6, 7, Stratocruisers, and Constellations. He got on his first jet the DC – 8 in the late 50’s early 60’s. He spent a short stint on the Boeing 707 and then quickly transitioned to the 747 – 100 and to the 747 – SP. He always spoke of his adventures and friends he made working for the Great Lady Pan American World Airways. He shall be missed just like Pan American World Airways.
Roald Alan Olson (Captain Ole), 84, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 17th, 2021. Born October 15, 1937, Roald grew up as the second youngest in a family of eleven on a farm outside Crosby-Ironton, Minnesota. He was a fun-loving kid who enjoyed fixing cars, playing Canasta, working the farm, wrestling, and captaining the football team. While attending junior college in Brainerd, MN he was inspired by his brothers to join the Navy. He drove with a buddy to California to enlist and soon after was selected for flight school in Pensacola, Florida.
Roald flew the Lockheed EC-121 Constellation for the Navy before becoming a commercial pilot. He started with Pan Am in 1964 and flew until 1991, captaining the Boeing 707 and 747 for 27 years, with his home base primarily being in Los Angeles, CA Some of Captain Ole’s favorite memories include flying with his Navy buddies patrolling the Atlantic seas around Newfoundland. He also fondly recalled his flights with Pan Am, including some momentous experiences. READ MORE >>>
Edward L. Shields, July 28th, 2021 , age 92, of Green Cove Springs Florida got his heavenly wings and went to be with the Lord. He was a Pan American Flight engineer for 38 years. Born in Union Port Ohio, he got his love of flying at the age of 14 from the local crop duster unknown to his mother Mae. He finished his schooling in Ohio and went on to join the Navy to serve in the Korean War on an aircraft carrier USS Tarawa CV-40. Then onto to Parks Aeronautical College in St Louis Missouri, and hired on by Pan American World Airlines He married his sweetheart Janice and went on to raise a family of 8 children. Married 65 years, until her death do part. READ MORE >>>
JAMES FLOYD BENNETT, 88, of Crescent City, Florida passed away peacefully at his home on September 9,2020 following an extended illness from kidney disease.
He was born and raised in New Lexington, Ohio and went on to establish a long career in aviation. He taught flying at Ohio State before being hired by Pan American Airlines in 1955. He flew for Pan Am for 30 years working his way to Captain and Check Captain. The last six years of his career was with United Airlines as a Check Captain. He logged over 38,000 international flight hours on every continent worldwide. Before the jet age he started his flying career flying the DC-3 and completed it on the 747-100. READ MORE >>>
Ian James Duncan, 86, of Heathsville, Virginia, passed away on August 24th, 2021. He was born January 1935 in Butler, Pennsylvania. His parents, George and Isabella Duncan, Scottish immigrants, preceded him in death, as did his sisters, Helen Armstrong and Isobel Hartley, son William Scott, and his only daughter, Natasha Jean. He is survived by his wife, Ilona Duncan, the love of his life, his partner in good times and bad, and his best friend for five decades. Ian is survived by three sons, David, James, Alec; and four grandchildren: Ian, Cole, Sydney, and George.
Ian spent a lifetime in all facets of flying. Beginning as a hangar boy at Butler-Graham Field in Pennsylvania, he went to the Spartan School of Aeronautics, and was a commercial and instructor pilot by 18. As an officer in the Air Force, and later the Air National Guard, Ian flew the Piper PA-18, the North American T-6, North American B-25, the Fairchild C-119, the Boeing KC-97, Boeing C-97 and KC-97L, the Lockheed T-33 and the Lockheed HC-130 Hercules. He retired with a rank of Lt Colonel in 1976.
His airline career began with DC-3s and DC-7s in the early 1960s, before being hired by Pan American World Airways. Over a 25-year span, Ian flew the Boeing 707, the Lockheed L-1011, and the Boeing 747. He was a check airman on all three aircraft, became chief pilot and Vice President of Flight Operations. He retired in 1988 and was hired by Airbus Industries to work in Toulouse, France, and retired in 1998 as Vice President of Technical Training for Airbus Industries of North America.
While serving in various Flight Management roles at Pan American and later at Airbus, Captain Duncan was an active participant in numerous aviation related activities, including the Air Transport Association, IATA, the Flight Safety Foundation, Icarus, and the Council of Aviation Accreditation. In addition, he worked voluntarily on numerous Aviation Safety sub-committees. For his many achievements, the College of Aeronautics, Flushing, New York, awarded him a Doctor of Science Honoris Causa. READ MORE >>>
Clyde Stuart Eberhardt passed away on June 28, 2021. In his 20’s, Stu flew DC-3’s for North Central Airlines and flew F-84F and F-86 planes for the Air National Guard in Springfield, IL. He was also in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1968-69 flying A-4’s in Alameda CA. It was in 1964, though, that he began working his dream job as a Pan Am Captain. His international routes allowed him to take his family to countries such as Germany, Fiji, Australia, etc. for months at a time. Pan Am, however, eventually filed for Chapter 11 in 1991, and Delta Air Lines became Stu’s new “work home”. He retired from Delta in 1996. READ MORE >>>
Richard W. Selph passed away on January 19, 2021. Rich was born in Pittsburg, PA, on December 21, 1939, and tragically died after an accident on his scooter. Rich was the only child of Edith and Vern Selph of Pelham, New York. He graduated from Pelham High School in 1957 and attended Dartmouth College. He became a Naval Aviator choosing to fly C130s in the Marine Corps. He joined Pan Am in January of 1965, flying the many routes and airplanes of Pan Am. He was assigned to Berlin in 1973 and loved flying the “corridors”. When Pan Am sold their Pacific Divison, Rich brought his family to San Francisco in 1986 to fly with United. He retired as a 747-400 Captain at age 60. Rich always said he was blessed to find a job he loved – flying! READ MORE >>>
Burton ““Burt” Paul Harger was born in Nampa, Idaho September 16th, 1936, died in Weiser, Idaho December 22nd, 2020.
Burton “Burt” Harger grew up in Idaho and Montana with his parents Helen and Henry Harger and brothers William “Bill” and Richard “Dick.” He lived his adventurous life first serving in the US Navy as a Lieutenant Naval Aviator aboard the USS Midway in the early years of the Vietnam War. This led to a career of 25 years as a Pan American pilot from which he retired as Captain. Upon retirement he moved to Weiser where he built and flew two experimental aircraft that still fly today.
He is survived by his wife Dixie of Weiser, Idaho, son Eric and wife Gilda of Mill Valley, California, and two daughters; Amy Nelson and husband David of Pataskala, Ohio, and Michelle Cannon and husband Dale of Weiser, Idaho. Burt had seven grandchildren; Bailey, Laura, Sarah, and Josh Nelson, and Dean, Joshua, and Shea Cannon. READ MORE >>>
USAF Major Roland Fraga, Ret., a 42 year resident of Boulder City, flew his final flight to Heaven on March 4th after a short battle with cancer. He was a loving husband to Peggy for almost 67 years. He is also survived by his son and best friend, Mark, of Carson City, NV, and his loving daughter, Karen Hayes (Dave), of Santa Rosa, CA. He has four grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his son, Ron, and daughter-in-law, Judy. After a military career, he began flying 707s, 747s, and A310s for Pan Am Airlines, and the family relocated to Connecticut. He became a Training Captain for Pan Am’s 707s and 747s for 14 years. He flew line for a total of 27 years which included the last few months of his career at Delta Airlines where he was an A310 Captain. READ MORE >>>
Captain Daniel “Dan” Ernest Lorenzo passed away on April 20, 2021 after suffering a fractured hip from an accidental fall. Until then, he was very active in daily activities and outings which he enjoyed and always liked “being on the go”. He was born on January 23, 1931.
Dan was a Marine Corps Korean War Veteran who worked on Corsair aircraft, loved flying and knew he wanted to be a pilot from the young age of 4, when his father used to take him to Floyd Bennett Field frequently to plane spot.
After his Marine Corps discharge, he finished flight school in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he became a flight instructor of light aircraft and later moved to Morristown, N.J. where he continued flight instruction and achieved many hours of flight experience which led him to fly early in his career with President Airlines and the Flying Tigers, among others. After rigorous competition and testing, he was chosen and hired by Pan American World Airways as a pilot where he flew during the Golden Age of Aviation out of JFK Airport and Miami International on everything from the Stratocruiser as a navigator to captaining many aircraft worldwide such as the 727, 707, Lockheed L1011 and retiring as Captain of the 747 after 33+ years with Pan Am.
He had met and married Ruta Oechslein, a fellow stewardess after a chance flight to Bermuda together and had two children, Holly and Daniel, who survive him. He was also an avid sport fisherman all his life, loved the beauty of the sea and a good catch and went out frequently on his 28 ft. Rampage. He fished the waters of South Florida where our family lived for many years in Hillsboro Harbour, to Greenwich, Connecticut’s Long Island Sound and then in retirement, enjoyed the waters off N. Topsail Beach, Topsail Island, N.C..
He was a raconteur who loved to tell of his new flight escapades with dry humor and regaled us all with stories about which famous celebrities he had met on board on worldwide trips and as such, he was a party favorite. He loved animals and our canine Millie, was a “foodie”, a gourmet cook and always had the newest front-runner gadgets.
He had a sense of adventure, loved his travels with Pan Am and the camaraderie of his fellow pilots and crew, always said the cockpit was his “office” and that it was the greatest job ever and that he would do it for free. His favorite subject in school as a young student in N.Y. was calculus. And now at 90, he has other flight wings and has gone to the sky on Final Approach where he always felt most happy. We will always love and miss him very much.
“The engine is the heart of an airplane but the pilot is it’s soul”.
Walter Raleigh
Jack Daniel passed away on Feb. 14, 2021. Hewas a pilot with Pan Am from 1964 to 1986 when United took over the 747 pacific route. He loved his job and missed flying after 9/11. He is survived by Maureen, his wife of 36 years, and was a great husband, father and grandfather. He had a full military service after serving for the Navy before getting hired with Pan Am.
Capt. Samuel Maurice Isbell, 86, of Georgetown, KY, left this earth on his last trip on March 18, 2021. Sam died peacefully at home from a short illness. Born June 14, 1934 in Prestonsburg, KY, he was the son of the late Samuel L. Isbell and Ruth Francis Isbell. Sam served in the US Navy for 4 years as an aviator, graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1961 and flew with Pan American Airways for 27 years, retiring as a captain in 1991, after “taking strangers to far-away places”. During retirement, Sam enjoyed life as a gentleman cattle farmer in Scott County, KY.
He was preceded in death by his late wife, Phyllis Gail Webb Isbell, a son, Capt. Samuel Maurice Isbell II USAF, a daughter, Nancy Ann Isbell, and brothers, Hubbard “Huck” Francis and Charles Joseph Isbell. He is survived by a son, Mark Frederick Isbell of Lexington, KY, a sister, Barbara Isbell Moore, of Georgetown, KY, nieces Carol Susan (Bill) Martin and Helen Ann (Gary) Vickers, nephews Rob Moore and Joe Moore, and many loving extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held in the near future at the Oxford Christian Church at a date to be determined, followed by a private family burial in the Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, KY. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Bluegrass Care Navigators (www.bgcarenav.org) of Lexington, KY and the Pan Am Museum Foundation (www.thepanammuseum.org) of Garden City, NY.
Care Cremation and Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with final care.
PanAm Captain Frank M. Herrera had passed March 11, 2021. He was “81” (Birthday: 16 July 1939), & was predeceased by his wife Ariane’s passing on 07 January 2021.
He was born in New York City in 1939, the middle child and only son of the late Frank A. and Marguerite D. (O’Brien) Herrera. Soon after he was born, his family moved to Rhode Island, where he resided for the majority of his life. He graduated from Providence Country Day in 1958 and Providence College, with a Bachelor of Arts. From there, he went on to serve his country as a Captain with the United States Air Force.
Following his military service—Frank became a pilot for Pan American World Airways, and once retired, he ran RI-based company: Quick Arms & Supply Company. He flew in the Air National Guard, was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Quonset Davisville Navy Yacht Club, and was a proud and dedicated member of the Exeter Juvenile Hearing Board, Exeter, RI, where he served as Chairman. READ MORE >>>
Robert Calhoun McGrory (January 10, 1935 – July 16, 2020), age 85, died after a sudden illness at Jefferson University Neuroscience Center. He was born in Philadelphia to Mary Edith (Calhoun) and George Frances McGrory and raised in Mt Airy. He will be interred at Washington Crossing National Cemetery after a private family service.
Bob graduated in 1952 from Central High School in the 198th class. An engineering major at Lehigh University, he was a leader in the Air Force ROTC and the Kappa Alpha Society, graduating in 1956. He maintained many lifelong friendships through his long-time alumni leadership. He met his wife Carolyn on a blind date when they were 17 and they married after graduation.
He served six years on active duty in the US Air Force flying B47s for the Strategic Air Command. He then joined the reserves during which he mentored young people considering the Air Force Academy, and retired as a Lt. Colonel after 27 years.
After his time on active duty, Bob returned to engineering and, on a business trip to New York, learned that Pan American World Airways was hiring pilots. He flew with Pan Am for 25 years, rising through the ranks to become a 747 Captain. READ MORE >>>
Harry C. Warnock Jr , 86, of Atlantic Beach, FL born to Harry C. Warnock Sr. & Alyce Harvey Warnock, passed away January 20, 2021. A graduate of Andrew Jackson class of 1952 and attended U of F. He was married to Elizabeth M Warnock who preceded him in death. Harry served in the U.S. Navy as a light attack fighter pilot. He further expanded his aviation career as a pilot flying for Pan American World Airways and retiring from United Airlines. He was an active member in Quiet Bird, Navy League, and Palms Presbyterian as well as Newcomers and various other organizations. His hobbies included travel, general aviation and boating. He is also preceded by his son Harry C. Warnock III in 1978. He is survived by his son Todd C. Warnock; sister Betty Ann McCowen (Bert); brothers, Harvey K. Warnock (Janice) and Joseph E. Warnock (Pat); Brother-in-Law, Wesley C. McIntyre (Patsy) and an extended family of nephews, nieces and cousins. Family will receive friends from 6-9 pm, Tuesday, January 26, at HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. Graveside service with Military Honors will be held 11 am, Wednesday, January 27, at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com. In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to your favorite charity.
In Memory of Bob McGrath
My Dearest Bob,
12 years ago you made your final flight and flew away to your peaceful and final resting place leaving me with an ache and emptiness in my heart that never goes away. I think of you and miss you every day and will cherish forever the memories of our 46 years together and the beautiful life you gave me. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal. Love always, Kathy
James Phillip Carter Sr went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. He was born in Carter 9 camp outside of Shilar, Oklahoma on January 27, 1928. He graduated from Fairfax high school in Oklahoma in 1945 and then started college at Oklahoma A & M (now called Oklahoma State). He interrupted his college career and joined the Army National Guard and served as a member of the 45th Infantry in Korea during the war. After having received an honorable discharge from the Army, Jim resumed his collegiate work at Oklahoma A & M. He graduated in 1953 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Simultaneously, he earned a private pilot’s license, which led to a brief stint as an Agricultural Pilot. READ MORE >>>
David Duane Fagerland died peacefully at home, at the age of 82, on November 14, 2020,surrounded with love from his family. David was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. On the day of his passing, he exclaimed he was a “lucky man”. We take comfort in knowing that he was ready to part with this world and join his son and parents.
David was born in Eleva, Wisconsin on December 28, 1937, and was the only child of May and Ernie Fagerland. He grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, then graduated from The University of Wisconsin in 1961 with dual degrees in Business Statistics and Naval Science.
In 1966, David had the good fortune of turning his love of flying into a career. He was hired by Pan Am and flew worldwide for them. He was initially based in San Francisco and eventually landed in Seattle, where he wanted to raise his family. READ MORE >>>
Captain Gerard (Jerry) McAlinden passed away at the age of 87 with his family at his side, on October 28, 2020 in Skillman, NJ. He was a Korean War veteran, an avid motorcyclist and an explosive specialist, joining his brothers, Joe and Meritt at McAlinden Coorporation, pioneering uses for explosives in precision demolitions. Jerry retired from Pan Am in 1988. He will be missed.
David FLocker passed in November 2020. No other information is available.
William Ingram “Bill”, age 94, of Tallahassee passed away on November 10, 2020.
Bill was born in Miami but grew up in Pelham Georgia. With a strong curiosity for airplanes, at the age of 14 he built a true to scale airplane glider in his backyard. After graduating high school Bill attended Dahlonega North Georgia College.
Knowing he was interested in flight aviation, he enlisted in the Naval Air Force. After serving his country he continued to follow his aviation passion and became a licensed aircraft mechanic at Emory Riddle in Miami. There he also attained a licensed instructor certification. With a new family living in Miami he worked For Pan-American World Airways as a mechanic while attending the University of Miami. Without the funds to afford an automobile, he would ride his bicycle to work and home.
Bill later moved his family to Moultrie Georgia where he taught aviation at Spence airbase. There he wrote his own curriculum and educated aspiring pilots from all over the world in basic aircraft physics. He was a “natural at teaching” according to his students and was the first teacher to have a yearbook dedicated in his honor.
In 1956 he moved his family back to Miami and became a certified pilot flight engineer with Pan-American World Airways. From the DC3 to the famed Boeing 747, he flew for 35 years. With his love of travel and history he was able to take his wife and three children to many international destinations. The family lived in Germany for several years where he flew the Berlin Corridor during the Cold War.
Gerard Ignatius McAlinden Sr. passed away at age 87 with his family by his side, on October 28, 2020, in Skillman, NJ. Gerard was born in Hopewell, NJ, to Merritt and Ethel McAlinden on May 14, 1933. He was an avid motorcyclist, purchasing his first motorcycle at nine years old; he loved antique Indian motorcycles and later taught all of his children how to ride. After graduating from Princeton High School, Gerard served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Next, he began his career as an explosives specialist, joining his brothers, Joe and Merritt, at McAlinden Corporation, pioneering uses for explosives in precision demolitions and industrial cleaning applications for the petro chemical industry.
Gerard also had a deep love for aviation, learning to fly light aircraft in the late 1950s, later lead him to flying crews all over the country for McAlinden Corp. He enjoyed being a pilot so much that he joined Pan American Airways, where he retired as a captain in 1988, amassing over 20,000 hours in the air and around the world.
James Floyd “Jim” Bennett, 88, of Crescent City, Fla., passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 9, 2020, following an extended illness from kidney disease.
He was born on Nov. 8, 1931, and raised in New Lexington, Ohio and graduated from New Lexington High School in the class of ’49 and established a long career in aviation. He taught flying at Ohio State University-Don Scott Field before being hired by Pan American Airlines in 1955. As an international pilot, he flew for Pan Am for 30 years, working his way to Captain and Check Captain. The last six years (1985-1991) of his career was with United Airlines as a Check Captain following United Airline purchase of Pan Am “Pacific Division routes.” He logged over 38,000 international flight hours flying to every continent worldwide. Before the jet age he started his Pan Am career flying the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser and the Douglas DC-4. As the jet age developed he flew the Boeing 707, Boeing 747-100, -200, -300, and the B747-SP (Special Performance). He ended his flying career in 1991 as a Check Captain with United Airlines flying the all new “glass cockpit” advanced Boeing 747-400. READ MORE >>>
Captain Norm Davies died on September 21, 2020. He was hired by Pan American in 1965 and retired from Delta in 1996.
Norm was born on June 7, 1936 and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey. He attended Blair Academy and Bucknell University. After graduating in 1959, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was trained as a U.S. Naval Aviator in Pensacola. Norm served on active duty as an A-4 Skyhawk Light Attack Pilot. He was discharged in June of 1964 and remained in the reserves for a number of years.
Captain Davies was hired by Pan American World Airways in 1965. He flew as an international pilot on 707’s and then later on 747’s. During his line flying days, he was based in Washington, D.C., Boston and Los Angeles. After becoming a captain at Pan Am, he served as Manager of Flying in West Berlin and was promoted to System Chief Pilot in New York. Following the merger of Delta and Pan Am, Norm served as Delta’s Chief Pilot in JFK and then returned to line flying for his last year at the airline, flying the B-767ER until his retirement in 1996.
June 24, 1919 – March 31, 2020
Sumner K. “Bud” Hushing II died at 100. He was born in the Panama Canal Zone, and reared in Illinois and Virginia during the Great Depression.
Sumner earned a law degree in 1941, just before World War II. Following his brother Bill into the Navy, Sumner first served aboard ships, then transferred to flight duty. In 1945 he became an airline pilot with Pan American until retirement in 1979 at the mandatory age of 60. During his time with PanAm he also flew in both the Berlin Airlift and Vietnam Airlift. After his retirement, Sumner spent several years in the South Pacific, finally settling in Palm Beach. In 1992 he met Adele Siegel with whom he enjoyed a remarkable partnership. Sumner was active as a board member in Palm Beach Navy League and Palm Beach Pundits and a lifetime member of the American Legion.
In the end, Sumner passed quietly, at home, and not alone, just as he had wished. In death, as in life, he “did it his way.” He is survived by all three of his children, Otamay, Sumner III and Mikele, three grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
A Celebration of his Life will be held when time and circumstances permit.
Donations in Sumner’s name can be made to the Navy League Palm Beach Council
Tad Howard Bingham January 23, 1934 – September 24, 2020
Tad Howard Bingham of Amalga passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at the age of 86. Tad was born to Howard Rulon and Violet Woolf Bingham in Logan on January 23, 1934. Growing up in Amalga, Utah, Tad graduated from North Cache High School in 1952. After graduation he attended Utah State University and studied engineering. Deeply fascinated with airplanes as a young boy, he gave into the urge during his junior year at Utah State and joined the Naval Aviation Cadet Program.
D
urward B. Bradshaw Jr. , 80 of Denton, TX passed away August 15, 2020. Durward was born July 5, 1940, in Waldron, AR.
Durward graduated from Sunray High School in 1958. He played football at West Texas State for 2 years before leaving and pursuing a career in aviation. He was married to Alice Ann Bradshaw, his high school sweetheart, for 48 years before her passing in 2016. He remarried later in life to Margaret Ann and they spent the last 2 years of his life together. Durward began his aviation career as a crop duster in West Texas and then transitioned to a bush pilot in Wyoming. His first commercial pilot position was in the early 1960’s with West Coast Airlines. He worked for Pan American Airlines from 1966 until 1986. During this time, Durward went back to college to complete a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry Riddle University. In 1986, Durward transferred to United Airlines where he ended his career as a Boeing 777 captain. He had a distinguished career as a pilot, fleet captain, flight trainer, as well as numerous management roles. He retired in 2000 after 36 years of dedicated service. READ MORE >>>
Robert Booth, aged 88, of Pensacola, FL, formerly of Navarre, FL and Guilford, CT, died after a brief illness on 30 July, 2020 in Pensacola, FL. He was a retired Pan Am captain, a former pilot in the United States Air Force as well as a pilot with American Airlines, Northeast Airlines and Eastern Airlines.
Bob, the eldest of four children, was born on May 26, 1932 in New York City to the late Robert Booth and Margaret Hogan A graduate of Fordham Preparatory School in The Bronx, NY, he attended Villanova University before joining the Air Force in 1952. Bob earned his silver wings in 1954 and was assigned as a flight instructor at Reese Air Force Base, Lubbock, TX. Leaving active duty in 1957, he began his airline career living in New York, NY, Berlin, Germany, and Guilford, CT. During Bob’s career he flew the T-6, T-28, T-33, F-84, and TB-25 in the Air Force, the C-119 in the Air Force Reserves, and during his airline career he flew the Convair 240, DC-3, DC-6, Vickers Viscount, Lockheed Constellation, B-727, B-707, and the B-747. The highlight of his airline career was flying as a B-747 Captain for eleven years, until he retired in 1991. READ MORE >>>
Robert Calhoun McGrory (January 10, 1935 – July 16, 2020), age 85, died after a sudden illness at Jefferson University Neuroscience Center. He was born in Philadelphia to Mary Edith (Calhoun) and George Frances McGrory and raised in Mt Airy. He will be interred at Washington Crossing National Cemetery after a private family service. Family and friends will be invited to celebrate his life when circumstances permit.
He flew with Pan Am for 25 years, rising through the ranks to become a 747 Captain.
Nathan Winter passed away on Nov. 22, 2019 in Dallas, TX of cancer. He served as a Marine, then later became a 747 pilot with Pan Am. He was 87 when he passed.
Jean-Jacques Pierre Aime Joseph (JJ) LeBlanc passed away on Friday, June 19, 2020 at the age of 85. He was born to Dr. Jean and Marie LeBlanc in Manchester, NH on December 8, 1934 along with his twin sister, Jacqueline.
JJ served as a lieutenant in the US Navy as a Naval Aviator. After his military service, JJ worked for PanAm as a pilot, where he met his wife of 53 years, Joan Novak. JJ finished his career with United Airlines. READ MORE >>>
Jerry M. Noosinow was a flight engineer with Pan American for 37 years. He was part of the crew that brought back many Americans that were stranded in Iran after the revolution in 1978. Which was just one of the things he got commendations for. I would like to have his name mentioned in a newsletter or any other appropriate
Publication. He was in Miami as a 747 Flight check engineer when Pan Am folded . And he along with several other crew members flew many of the tired and somewhat disabled planes back to who ever owned them at the time. He was an important member of the Pan Am family and I think he’s passing should be noted.
He Died May 27 2020.
Roy Sydney Griffin, age 87, passed away on March 5, 2020 at home. He was born on May 17, 1932 to Conrad Perry Griffin Sr and Owena Frances Sydney in San Mateo. CA. He attended Mt Carmel High School and graduated in 1951. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy as an Aviation Technician during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1955 as an AT2. –>>READ MORE
Capt. Carl H. Mohr passed away on April 25th due to complications from Covid-19.
Fred Gilchrist Memorial Video – Click here
Herbert M. Newstrom, Jr.
Sumner K (Bud) Hushing, 100 years and 9 months old, died unexpectedly late Tuesday night, March 31, 2020. He was able to continue living comfortably in his home to the end. He is survived by his children Otamay, Sumner III, and Mikele, his grandchildren Brighton, Tyler, and Dorothy, his great-granddaughter Alice, and his close companion of 28 years, Adele Siegel.
Sumner was born in the Panama Canal Zone to Sumner and Anne Hushing, who quickly nicknamed him Buddy, to avoid first name confusion, and he embraced that nickname until the 1980s. Bud grew up in Litchfield, IL, and Alexandria, VA. He learned the value of honest work, as he washed dishes in his parent’s restaurant in Carlinville, IL. READ THE REST OF HIS STORY – CLICK HERE >>>
Henry “Lew” Meloan, 85, of Chattanooga, TN, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020. Lew was born October 30, 1934 in Clarksville Missouri. A graduate of Louisiana High School in Louisiana, Missouri.
Lew graduated from the USMA, West Point, in the class of 1960. On June 8, 1960, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. After pilot training he was stationed in Evreux, France for four years and in 1995 he spent two years in Columbus, Ohio. Lew flew the C130s and earned the rank of Captain before leaving the Air Force to work for Pan American World Airways. Lew became a Captain for Pan Am before the end of that company. READ MORE – CLICK HERE >>>
Charles (Charlie/Chuck) Ross passed away at his home in Mill Valley, California on December 24, 2019 after a long and brave battle with cancer. He was born in 1926. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Barbara, and his daughter, Leslie. After graduation from high school in Medfield, Massachusetts, and following his studies at Norwich University in New Hampshire, Charlie joined the army paratroops and made many a jump. He was stationed in Japan during the concluding years of World War II.
From start to his retirement finish, his career with Pam Am was fully dedicated to not only the glories of “travel” in general but also to the importance of global communication/exploration. He visited so many world regions during his career with Pan Am – and he always returned home with fascinating stories and enthusiasm for his world travels. He was a consummate professional and loved his work. His perspective and experiences are cherished! READ THE ENTIRE STORY – CLICK HERE >>>
Angelo Piraneo, 97, passed away from the effects of Alzheimer’s on October 3, 2019. He was surrounded by his family at Legacy Heights Memory Care Unit in Charlotte, NC.
Angelo was born on January 2, 1922 in Manhattan, NY to the late Salvatore and Concetta Piraneo who immigrated through Ellis Island to the United States coming from Castrofilippo, a commune in the Province of Agrigento in the Italian region of Sicily.
Mr. Piraneo was very proud to be a WWII Veteran and while in the memory care unit, you would see him wearing his special WWII hat each day. Angelo served in the US Army Air Corps as a Staff Sergeant-Airplane Electrical Specialist in the 792 Bombardment Squadron. During the war, he was stationed in Tinian and was part of Air Offensive Japan, Central Burma, China, Eastern Mandates, India Burma, Air Combat. He received a Good Conduct Medal, and American Service Medal, an Asian-Pacific Services Medal, and a Distinguished Unit Badge.
Upon returning home, Angelo attended Casey Jones Aeronautics School. Mr. Piraneo starting working for Pan American Airways in 1948 and worked up to the position of Flight Engineer, based in New York, where he manned the third position in the cockpit for over 30 years, moving from flying prop planes up to the Boeing 747’s. He thoroughly enjoyed flying around the world with his Pan Am Crew Members and all the wonderful places he visited. READ THE ENTIRE STORY HERE >>>
Capt. Chuck Spencer passed away after a lengthy illness in Tucson, AZ.
More details to follow.
Richard Bertoli, age 82, after surviving many years of death-defying illnesses, passed away on February 27, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Rich was the first son of Charles “Chili” and Dorothy Bertoli. He was born in San Francisco on Nov. 28, 1937, and grew up in Berkeley, graduated from Berkeley High, Santa Rosa Jr. College, and Pensacola Flight School. Richard served eight years as a naval pilot and was hired by Pan American Airways in 1966. Rich relocated his family from Coronado NAS to Angwin in 1966 and St. Helena in 1977. As a PanAm pilot, he was able to take his family on many worldly vacations and after 28 years he retired as Captain. Rich loved nature, animals and was an avid birder with an extensive life-list. He enjoyed bluegrass and attending Dixieland festivals. He loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports. Rich and his family were at the 1982 Big Game to witness The Play. Rich is survived by his loving wife, Linda (nee Youso), of 57 years. They celebrated their 50th anniversary by renewing their vows in Reno accompanied by family. He leaves his three children, Paul, John (Jamie), and Sarah and four grandchildren, Charles, Callie, Jake, and Zac. He was preceded in death by his brothers David and John. Richard was loved dearly and will be missed. (Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 8, 2020)
Thomas Lester Wallace, 85, passed away April 11, 2019 in Las Vegas. He leaves behind his boys Lester, Darien, and Lyle, his wife Wanda, and his incredible passion for flying. You could take the boy out of Pan Am, but you truly could never separate Pan Am from Tom. Flying was Tom and Tom was flying. We laughed that you could start a conversation on any topic, and he could somehow link it to flying. Gorilla breeding in Argentina? He’d have a story about it. An exchange student told me he thought he might be an airline pilot, but I didn’t see how that could happen as he didn’t have that overwhelming passion for planes and flying that Tom did.
Captain John Andrew Ohrn, Sr., 80 years old, born in Hyannis, MA, August 17, 1939 passed away peacefully of natural causes in Jupiter, FL, February 16, 2020. John lived in Hyannis, MA and Jupiter, FL. John is survived by his children Lynn Ohrn Moen (Richard) of Centerville, MA, John Andrew Ohrn (Margaret) of Newburyport, MA and Leah Joslin Ohrn of North Palm Beach, FL. Captain Ohrn was born to Edna and Carl and raised on Cape Cod, MA. John attended Colby College, and matriculated to the United States Naval Aviation Academy in Pensacola, FL for flight school. He then became a Naval Flight Officer, stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI and met his wife Judy Joslin and began his family. Following his Naval career, John embarked on a prestigious career with Pan American Airways. His final base in Berlin, Germany as a Pan Am IGS pilot came with life long friendships and camaraderie that he maintained until his passing. Everyone who meets Big John remembers John and looks forward to seeing him again. Always quick with a joke, a flash of a smile and happy to tell a few tall tales, which oddly proved to be true. READ MORE >>>
Richard White passed away January 28, 2020 in Sun City West, Az. He was 85 years old, born on Jan. 5, 1935 in Connecticut. He was in the Air Force before joining PanAm. He also spent time with United before retiring. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.
James Sieger passed away Feb 3, 2020, in Las Vegas. He was 88 years old, born on June 15, 1931 in La Crosse, WI. He entered the Navy in 1955 and joined Pan Am in 1966 doing most of his flying on the west coast. He also spent 10 years with United before retiring.