LeRoy W. Bish, Jr., 84, died March 2, 2018 at his home in Vail, AZ from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Roy was a proud veteran serving in both the Marines and the Navy. After high school, he enlisted in the Marines and served in the Korean War. He then attended Parks College at St. Louis University where his love of flying began. He graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, joined the Navy and attended the Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, FL where he got his Naval Aviator wings.
Roy piloted the AD Skyraider while serving on the carriers USS Constellation and the USS Lexington. He then became a Navy test pilot of the A6A Intruder and the S2F Tracker at Grumman Aircraft Corp. He left the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander and continued flying for the Naval Reserves at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, NY.
His flying career continued as an airline pilot for Pan American World Airways, first as a navigator, then as a first officer on the 707 and then as Captain on the L1011 and 747. He served with distinction for over 27 years and never lost his love of flying.
When Roy wasn’t flying airplanes he was pursuing his love of history, with a particular interest in the Civil War that began as a young man growing up near Gettysburg. He had an extensive library of Civil War and history books and traveled to many of the historic battleground sites throughout the United States. He also took advantage of many overseas trips as a pilot to explore historic sites around the world.
His other hobbies included renovating old houses in his younger days and bass fishing with his grandkids off his dock at his home in Florida, where he lived for 18 years.
Roy was born in Hanover to LeRoy W. Bish, Sr. and Hilda Collins Bish. He grew up in Littlestown with his two sisters, Anna Mae Reinaman Snodgrass and Jean Bish, who both predeceased him.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; his son, Christopher; his daughter-in-law, Vicky; and his two grandchildren, Sara and Connor, also of Vail, AZ; as well as beloved in-laws; nieces; and nephews. His daughter, Tracy, predeceased him.
Funeral to be held at a later date and will be announced.
Online condolences may be shared on www.littlesfh.com