~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, PAA/DL FE/pilot Roger E. Behre
June 24,
1932 ~ July 22, 2026
He became a flight engineer and pilot for Pan
American Airlines during their glory years, and later for Delta Air Lines,
traversing the globe from JFK airport…………….
Roger joined Pan American 10-31-1966. Widowed in 2014, Roger is survived by four of
his children, along with his grand- and greatgrandchildren and their families.
PCN memorial site
https://www.bolesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Roger-E-Behre?obId=49083352
Roger E. Behre Obituary
Roger E. Behre, a man whose life was a tapestry of
adventure, took his final flight home, passing away peacefully on July 22,
2026, at the age of 94, in his home in Seven Lakes, North Carolina. Born on
June 24, 1932, in Newark, New Jersey, Roger was the cherished son of Walter and
Marguerite Behre. He carried the legacy of his parents with dignity and grace
throughout his life.
Roger's journey began in New Providence, New
Jersey, working in his families rose growing business. He graduated from Summit
High School and was a Pole Vaulter on the track team before following his older
Brother Charles to the University of Idaho earning a degree in agriculture and
making lifelong friends as a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. His flight
path was marked by a strong sense of duty, which led him to serve in the United
States Air Force as a Lt Col. In 1954, he took his first solo flight, a
momentous occasion that set the stage for a distinguished flying career. Roger
served as a pilot for the Strategic Air Command, flying refueling aircraft, and
later joined the New Jersey Air National Guard. During the Vietnam War, his
unit played a crucial role out of McGuire Air Force base training pilots and
navigators for radar patrol and surveillance operations in Southeast Asia.
After a brief stint as a salesman in NYC, Roger's
love of flying found a new home in the commercial aviation industry. He became
a flight engineer and pilot for Pan American Airlines during their glory years,
and later for Delta Airlines, traversing the globe from JFK airport. From the
DC-8 to the Boeing 737, 707, and the Boeing 747, Roger piloted numerous
aircraft to destinations in Europe, South America, and Africa. He flew to all
50 states and more than 50 countries and most major cities around the world.
With Pan Am, Roger volunteered to fly to combat zones in support of Desert
Shield and Desert Storm. They were the most satisfying and proudest flights of
his career when he was able to return those troops to America and their loved
ones. Roger often quipped that the only time he felt unsafe was driving in
Brooklyn on the Belt Parkway back and forth to the airport.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Roger was
a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the New Providence Fire Department,
serving from 1959 to 1992. He was also a proud member of the American Legion.
His commitment to community service was a testament to his generous spirit.
Roger had a passion for keeping his yard
immaculate and for tennis, which he played recreationally until tennis elbow
led him to rediscover golf, a sport he enjoyed immensely in his later years in
Seven Lakes, North Carolina. His vegetable garden was a source of pride and
joy, and he delighted in sharing his harvest with friends and neighbors.
Roger's warmth was truly infectious. Known for his
ever-present smile, sharing a beer, and quick wit, he had a unique ability to
make those around him feel valued and at ease. His kindness, humor, and
generosity left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He found happiness in
the joy of others, often putting their needs above his own. He never saw a need
to replace perfectly good, thirty-year-old furniture but always made sure his
family had funds for their education.
Roger was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55
years Claire, as well as his dear children, Suzanne and son Steven. He is
survived by his 4 loving children Walter Behre (Rebecca) of Moscow, Idaho,
James Behre, Karen Halada (Charles) of Middlesex New Jersey and Charles Behre
(Nina) of Costa Mesa, California, his 11 grandchildren, and 7
great-grandchildren. It goes without saying that his entire extended family
thought he was the best ever. His family extends heartfelt thanks to his
Hospice team and the friends who supported him in his final years.
In honor of his life and legacy, in lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers
Foundation, and Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, organizations that
reflect Roger's commitment to service and community.
A ceremony will be held to celebrate Roger's
remarkable life, at a later date in New Jersey.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/newsobserver/name/claire-behre-obituary?id=35756869
Claire Behre Obituary
Claire N. Behre, 81, Seven Lakes, died 11-10-2014.
Arrangements: Briggs-Candor F.H., Candor.
