DL training Capt. John Valentine Sabel

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAir/AA pilot & DL training Capt. John Valentine Sabel

July 5, 1958 – October 22, 2025

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pittsburgh-pa/john-sabel-12575404

PCN memorial site

IN THE CARE OF H.P. Brandt Funeral Home

John Valentine Sabel passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle. John was patient, thoughtful, and humorous; a hard-working, devoted, and beloved family man. He was known for his kind-hearted nature and was an inspirational presence to those around him, ever wise and brave.

 

John was born in Chicago to Magdalena and Rudy Sabel and grew up in Clearwater, Florida. He was a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and later completed his studies at Duquesne University Law School.

 

In a distinguished career that spanned 38 years, John was a pilot for USAir and American Airlines. After retirement, he worked for Delta Airlines in their training department. He also practiced aviation law and taught aviation law at various universities, sharing his vast knowledge and experience.

 

For 35 loving years, John was the devoted husband of LeeAnn Sabel (Pallotti). John has two loving daughters , Alissa Poole and Mallory Sabel. John's family also included close pilot friends and his brother-in-law, Russell Pallotti (Lisa). He is the Uncle of Nicholas and Kevin Pallotti. John has a beloved Aunt Mary and cousins in Florida.

 

John's personal interests were as vibrant as his professional life. He enjoyed boating in Florida and was a big fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Clearwater, Florida, held a special place in his heart, where he found peace watching the sunrise and taking walks on the beach. Above all, he loved spending time with family and friends, creating cherished memories.

 

John Valentine Sabel will be remembered for the light he brought into the lives of everyone he touched.

 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday November 13th at 11am at

St. Margaret Mary Church, 1 Parish Place, Moon Township, PA 15108

 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s memory to The Sisters of Mercy,

3333 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3165.

Catherine “Lee” Pierce, widow of DL Capt. Albert ‘Pete’ Leon Pierce, Jr

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Catherine “Lee” Pierce, widow of DL Capt. Albert ‘Pete’ Leon Pierce, Jr

March 1, 1942 ~ November 21, 2025

 

https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/obituaries/catherine-pierce-6/obituary

 

Lee met and married the love of her life, Pete Pierce, both of them at a young age and after he had just joined Delta Airlines as a Pilot. While raising their three children, she worked as a model for Kim Dawson Agency for a number of years before deciding to go back to college to get her degree in Horticulture and Landscape Design. She worked with Pete, in his second business, as a high-end builder in the Park Cities. Lee designed the landscapes for the houses he built, and they shortly became a very successful team.

As time went on, Lee found her additional talent for painting and sculpting and was able to grow her business into a highly sought after commodity. She loved to paint and her paintings showed an inner talent that surpassed many. Lee and Pete owned several vacation homes in Carmel, CA where Pete played Golf and another in Durango, CO. Where Pete became an avid fly fisherman. In all the homes they shared, Lee was able show off her decorating skills and paint more paintings to occupy the walls. Not to mention the beautiful gardens she created, no matter where they resided.

People that knew her, constantly sang her praises as to how beautiful, smart and talented she was. Also, she had a unique sense of humor that would keep us laughing endlessly.

 

It has been almost four years since we lost our Dad to COVID. Mom has missed him every moment since. Since the decline in her health it has caused her to slowly become non-verbal, which made life for her unbearable.

 

On Friday, November 21, 2025 during the quiet of the morning, God had mercy on her soul and reunited her with Pete once again.

 

Soar high with the angels, sweet mother of ours. We will miss you, always.                                                                                                  

John, Annie and Stuart Lee Pierce is survived by:  Her children, John Pierce, Annie Peek and Stuart Pierce. John’s wife, Kendall Pierce, daughter, Kate Pierce and soon to be son in-law Michael Denson; Annie’s husband, Steve Peek, son, Winton Welsh Iii, daughter in-law Megan Welsh, grand children, Gwen Welsh and Beau Welsh; Stuart’s three son’s, Sam Pierce, daughter in-law Chloe Pierce, Stephen Pierce and Simon Pierce, Lee’s Nephew, Stephen Bartholow, his wife Lydia Bartholow, daughter Kate Bartholow and Nick Bartholow. Lee’s Sister, Jane Woods.

Services are being held on December 1st at 2:00 pm at Restland Funeral Home located at 13005 Greenville Avenue.

 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2021/01/dl-capt-albert-pete-leon-pierce-jr.html

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Albert ‘Pete’ Leon Pierce, Jr.

December 13, 1939 - December 30, 2020

Captain Pierce joined Delta Air Lines 10-28-1963 and retired in 1999, based 030/DFW.  He is survived by his wife Lee along with his children and grandchildren plus many more dear family members.

 

 

DL Capt. James "Mitch" Mitchell

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, DL Capt. James Eugene Mitchell

August 24, 1938  -  November 26, 2025

 

James Eugene Mitchell, known affectionately as "Mitch" by his friends and family, left this world on November 26, 2025, at his home in Montgomery, Texas…………..

Mitch joined Delta Air Lines 10-18-1965 and was based Boston.  Mitch had most recently resided in Texas : 21 Wedgewood Dr W, Montgomery, TX 77356.  He is survived by his children and grandchildren, and by his companion Marsha Inman.

 

To view the obituary online and to share memories please visit

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/james-mitchell-obituary?id=60188052 

also 

https://www.mcnuttfuneralhome.com/obituaries/James-Eugene-Mitchell?obId=46552447

 

James Mitchell Obituary

James Eugene Mitchell, known affectionately as "Mitch" by his friends and family, left this world on November 26, 2025, at his home in Montgomery, Texas. Born on August 24, 1938, in Jefferson, Iowa. He was the son of Cecil D and Beulah Mae (Swan) Mitchell. He is predeceased by two brothers, Charles and Dick Mitchell. His 87 years were filled with laughter, love, and the pursuit of his many passions.

After completing his BS in Business Administration at Simpson College, he went on to serve his country as a Naval Aviator in the United States Navy. His time in the service instilled in him a sense of discipline and camaraderie that he carried throughout his life. Following his military service, Mitch embarked on a distinguished 32-year career as a pilot for Delta Airlines, where his professionalism and friendly demeanor made him a favorite among his colleagues and passengers alike.

Mitch's interests were as vast as his personality. He had an insatiable love for traveling, often embarking on cruises that took him to all corners of the globe. He believed that travel was one of the best educators, providing new experiences and perspectives. Back on land, he was an avid football fan, enthusiastically cheering on his favorite teams every season. Above all, Mitch cherished the time he spent with his friends and family. He was the heart of every gathering, sharing stories that were both humorous and enlightening, and his presence was a source of happiness for all who knew him.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Mitch would describe him as funny, friendly, and intelligent. His quick wit and easy smile were infectious, and his intellectual curiosity meant he was always ready for a thoughtful conversation or a good-natured debate.

Mitch leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly: his sons Kent (Sofia) Mitchell and Douglas (Joddy) Mitchell, his daughter Becky Mitchell, and a sister-in-law, Bernice Mitchell. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Emily (Connor) Canty, Josh Ward, Michael Mitchell, Logan Ward, Adam Mitchell, Sean Mitchell, Ayden Mitchell and Sarah Mitchell. In addition to his family, he leaves behind his companion and close friend, Marsha Inman, and many nieces and nephews.

As we bid farewell to James Eugene Mitchell, we reflect on a life well-lived, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence all who were fortunate enough to have known him. We take solace in knowing that his spirit lives on through the countless lives he touched, and we celebrate a remarkable man who made the world a brighter place simply by being in it.

Services and visitation : December 4, 2025

Obituary published by McNutt Funeral Home – Conroe TX

 

NEA/DL Capt. Richard “Dick” Banfe Stone

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NEA/DL Capt. Richard “Dick” Banfe Stone

June 23, 1932 ~ November 23, 2025

 

A plaque bearing Dick's name hangs in the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. for his work on aircraft accident investigation……………….

 

Dick joined Northeast Airlines 08-05-1957 and was based Boston in the early years, and retired with Delta Air Lines based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Ruth, and by their daughters and their families.

 

PCN memorial site  

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/saltlaketribune/name/richard-stone-obituary?id=60159334

Richard Stone Obituary

Salt Lake City, Utah-Captain Richard (Dick) Banfe Stone died peacefully on November 23, 2025 with family and his wife, Ruth, of almost 72 years by his side. Never one to sit idle, he spent his professional career as a commercial airline pilot while also actively participating in the Air Line Pilots Association investigating cockpit noise, pilot medical issues, human factors in aviation, and aircraft accidents. Frequently, family dinners were interrupted by requests for him to talk to a pilot in need or to investigate the latest aircraft accident. He loved to tell stories from his accident investigations, focusing not on his intelligence, but his commonsense contributions. "I was never the smartest person in the room, but I was a hard worker," he often said. A plaque bearing Dick's name hangs in the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. for his work on aircraft accident investigation.

 

Dick's energy was immense. When he wasn't flying airplanes or investigating accidents, he was skiing, playing bridge, golf, handball or tennis, fly fishing, making Hungarian food, throwing pottery, tying flies, making wine, growing a victory garden, building furniture, playing the piano, or volunteering for The Nature Conservancy.

 

Dick was born on June 23, 1932, to Irving Charles Stone and Mary Banfe Stone at their home on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. While attending the University of Illinois, Dick met the love of his life, Ruth, when he followed her home from church. They married on January 31, 1954, and after graduating from college, Dick began serving as a pilot in the United States Air Force, living in Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas.

 

In 1957, Dick and Ruth moved to Massachusetts where he began working as a commercial airline pilot for Northeast Air Lines which merged with Delta Airlines.

 

Dick and Ruth settled their family in Hampton, New Hampshire. In 1966, Dick's took up skiing, patiently lacing his daughters' boots, attaching their cable bindings and teaching them to ski.

 

In 1978, Dick and Ruth moved to Atlanta, Georgia to enable Dick to fly large aircraft overseas for the final 14 years of his career. Upon retirement in 1992 and with 26,000 flight hours, Dick and Ruth moved to Bountiful, Utah where Dick enjoyed fly fishing, golfing and especially skiing at Alta with the "Wild Old Bunch." Dick was elected serve as the President of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators and served for two terms.

 

Dick and Ruth moved to The Ridge Foothill in 2021 and enjoyed dining with their new friends. Dick continued to ski until 2021. Dick moved to Memory Care at The Ridge in March of 2025 and enjoyed daily lunches with Ruth and their friends. The family is deeply thankful to the kind and caring staff members at the Ridge and at Canyon Home Care and Hospice.

 

Dick is survived by his wife, Ruth, his brother Irving, his three daughters, Katherine Carpenter (Chuck), Mary Dumler (Richard), Karin Hobbs (Lincoln), six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Dick is a member of Christ United Methodist Church. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

DL Capt. Robert Allen Parker

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Robert Allen Parker

November 25, 1954  -  November 22, 2025

 

Robert spent his life in service, adventure, and joy. He proudly served as a pilot in the United States Air Force for over 11 years, a role that shaped his discipline, courage, and lifelong love of aviation. Following his military career, he continued his passion for flying as a captain with Delta Air Lines………..

 

Robert joined Delta Air Lines 05-14-1990.  He is survived by his children and grandchildren.  Services will take place this Saturday the 29^th in Tennessee : Lane Funeral Home Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415.

 

PCN memorial site: 

 

https://www.lanefh.com/obituaries/Robert-Allen-Parker?obId=46482245

 

Robert Allen Parker Obituary

 

Robert Allen Parker, 70, of Chattanooga, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

 

Born and raised with deep love for family, Robert spent his life in service, adventure, and joy. He proudly served as a pilot in the United States Air Force for over 11 years, a role that shaped his discipline, courage, and lifelong love of aviation. Following his military career, he continued his passion for flying as a captain with Delta Air Lines, where he served with distinction for more than 29 years.

 

A talented musician, Robert majored in music at UTC and marched with the UTC Marching Band. He loved playing guitar and sharing music with others. His humor was one of his defining traits—he had a gift for making people laugh and could brighten any room with his quick wit. He cherished classic comedy, especially The Three Stooges and The Pink Panther films.

 

Robert was also a proud GEM member at Rock City and had a lifelong fascination with trains. His enthusiasm earned him the honorary title of train conductor at the Tennessee Railroad Museum—an honor he treasured.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Louvella Parker; and by his grandchild, Cameron Roden.

 

Survivors include his son, John Parker (Jackie); daughters, Natalie Parker Tuders (Wesley) and Gretchen Parker; grandchildren, Makayla Parker, Brayden Howard, Patrick McElhaney, and Janna McElhaney; great-grandchild, Shiloh Parker; and his former wife, Rachel Alexander.

 

Robert will be remembered for his humor, stubbornness, passion for music and flight, and the love he carried for his family. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the laughter he inspired, and the lives he touched.

 

Visitation is 12:00-2:00 pm Saturday at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace. Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Saturday in the Coulter Chapel of Lane Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Chattanooga Memorial Park.

 

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415, (423) 877-3524, lanefh.com