NCA/RC/NWA Capt. Ronald Lee Olson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NCA/RC/NWA Capt. Ronald Lee Olson

November 4, 1943 ~ June 10, 2026

 

In 1977, his dream came true when he was hired by North Central Airlines, which later merged and became a part of Northwest Airlines……………..

Ron is survived by his wife Sara, and by his children and their families.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://couleecremation.com/ronald-lee-olson/

Ronald Lee Olson, 82, of Holmen, WI, passed away peacefully with his loving family around him on June 10, 2026, at Caretta Senior Living in Holmen. He fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia. He was born on November 4, 1943, in Moline, IL, to Glenn and Lorraine (DeMeyer) Olson.

 

Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961. After basic training, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Sara Paschall, on June 3, 1961, at the First Congregational Church in Moline, IL. In October 1961, Ron and Sara welcomed their first child, Paige Ann, born at the Army hospital at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. Ron served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1963. After being discharged from the Army in Louisiana, their family moved back to Moline, where Ron worked for Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric as a meter man while he attended Blackhawk Junior College.

 

It was during college that Ron would pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. He trained at D and D Aviation in Moline, IL, and became a flight instructor until he was offered a position as a pilot at Mississippi Valley Airlines in La Crosse, WI, in 1969. He later became a Captain and Director of Training. Ron and Sara then welcomed their second child, Ronald Lee (R.L.) Olson II, into their family in August 1970.

 

His biggest goal was to become a commercial airline pilot. In 1977, his dream came true when he was hired by North Central Airlines, which later merged and became a part of Northwest Airlines. During his career, he was a Captain and became a Check Airman on the DC-9, training many pilots. He flew many different planes and ended his career as a Captain on the Airbus A320. It is estimated that Ron flew over a million passengers during his career. He flew his last flight and retired from Northwest Airlines on October 15, 2003, when mandatory retirement for airline transport pilots was age 60.

 

What made Ron happiest was spending time with his loving family. They enjoyed many years of family vacations in the Cayman Islands on Grand Cayman. The family all agreed that this was their little piece of heaven on earth. Ron loved scuba diving, and he formed many fond memories diving there with family members.

 

His other interests were downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and boating on the river, where he was quite the water skier.

 

Ron and Sara had a loving and beautiful life together, and they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 3, 2026. Throughout Ron’s life, he gave his family so much love, support, and laughter. He will be in our hearts forever.

 

Ron is survived by his wife, Sara Olson; his children, Paige (Travis) Brush and R.L. (Amy) Olson; his grandchildren, Megan (Aaron) Kopp, Abby (Jordan) Knutson, Hunter (Erin Markworth, fiancée) Brush, and Aidan Olson; his great-grandchildren, Grace and Wren Kopp; his sister-in-law, Ann (Paschall) Halsted; his brothers, Jack (April) Hoefer and Kurt (Diana) Olson; his sister-in-law, Carol Olson; cousins, nieces and nephews.

 

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, father Glenn Olson and mother Lorraine Hoefer; stepmother, Marian Olson; stepfather, Hugo Hoefer; his father-in-law, Dr. Ronald Paschall; his mother-in-law, Harriett Paschall; and brother, Douglas Olson; and several loving aunts and uncles.

 

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at noon at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

 

The family would like to give great thanks to the staff at Caretta Senior Living for all the caring, love and support they gave to Ron and his family during the past two and a half years. Also, a special thanks to all the caregivers at Gundersen Hospice for giving so much comfort and care to Ron and his family during such a difficult time.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Gundersen Hospice Program.

 

NWA Capt. Vincent J. Catalano

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Vincent Joseph Catalano

August 14, 1942 – June 12, 2026

 

RNPA member retired NWA pilot Captain Vincent Joseph Catalano joined Northwest Airlines 06-03-1968.  Vincent is survived by his wife Valerie, and by his children and his stepdaughter and their families.  Having most recently resided in Florida, whitepages lists the family’s address as

3142 W Vina del Mar Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706.

Services for Vincent were held this past week in Florida….please see obituary below.

PCN memorial site  

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/largo-fl/vincent-catalano-12924347

IN THE CARE OF

Serenity Funeral Home & Serenity Gardens Memorial Park

Vincent Joseph Catalano, 83, of St. Pete Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026.

Born on August 14, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, Vincent was the son of Jasper and Frances Scully Catalano. He graduated from Delavan High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree at the University of Wisconsin. During his life, Vincent built a remarkable career as a pilot, serving as a Captain for Northwest Airlines and as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard in Madison. He was also a lifelong entrepreneur and proudly owned several restaurants and other businesses over the years.

 

On February 27, 2010, Vincent married Valerie Duncan Catalano. Together they shared many wonderful years filled with love, adventure, and devotion to family.

 

Vincent had a passion for his family, world travel, flying, and boating. He often said that he never "worked" a day in his life because he truly loved what he did. He will be remembered not only for his tireless work ethic and determination, but also for his kindness, generosity, and the quiet strength that touched so many lives.

 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Valerie Duncan Catalano; his children, Kellie (Charles) Kidd, Karie (Greg) Padgett, Kristin Catalano, Vincent (Chanel) Catalano II, Anthony (Sarah) Catalano, and stepdaughter Allison (Marshall) Garrett. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Kylie (Nicholas) Namacher, Karlie Drew, Kaymin Baldwin, Khloe Baldwin, Virgle Garrett, Vincent Catalano III, Santino Catalano, and Carmine Catalano.  Vincent was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kalie Drew.

 

His legacy lives on through his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his love of family, adventurous spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and unwavering dedication to those he cared about.

 

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on June 22, 2026, from 1pm-2pm at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Florida. A funeral service will follow at 2pm.

A committal service will then be held at 3pm at Serenity Memorial Park and Cremation Gardens. Following the services, a reception will be held at Serenity Funeral Home from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations are made in Vincent's memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout 

DL Capt. Stephen “Steve” Gray

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, DL Capt. Stephen “Steve” Gray

October 16, 1942 ~ June 12, 2026

 

True to his adventurous spirit, he was in Las Vegas preparing to participate in the Seniors Event of the World Series of Poker when he passed away unexpectedly……………..

Captain Stephen Roberts Gray joined Delta Air Lines 11-27-1972 and was Dallas based.  Steve is survived by his wife Alma, and by his sons and their families.

For those who may wish to send a personal note, whitepages lists the Gray’s address as

355 Tejas Dr E, Hemphill, TX 75948.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.hennekefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Stephen-Roberts-Gray?obId=48740542

Stephen Roberts Gray Obituary

Stephen Roberts Gray, known to family and friends as Steve and to his grandchildren as Pop, passed away unexpectedly in Henderson, Nevada, on June 12, 2026, at the age of 83.

 

Born on October 16, 1942, in Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois, Steve grew up in Duncan, Oklahoma, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. As a Boy Scout and Explorer Scout, he spent countless hours camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing—interests that remained central to his life for more than eight decades. He graduated from Duncan High School in 1960 and attended the University of Oklahoma for two years before answering a call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy.

 

Steve began his naval career as an enlisted sailor. He served as an Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician (AX) with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Nine (HS-9), the Sea Griffins, flying aboard SH-3A Sea King helicopters in support of the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare mission. After being selected for the Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) program, he reported for pre-flight training on October 7, 1964. In June 1966, he earned his wings as a Naval Aviator and received his commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy.

 

On July 24, 1966, Steve married the love of his life, Alma Mae Thumann, in Weimar, Texas. Their marriage endured nearly sixty years and served as the foundation for a lifetime of family, adventure, and shared experiences.

 

After completing training in the A-4 Skyhawk, Steve joined Attack Squadron VA-212. During two combat deployments to Vietnam aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard, from 1967 to 1968 and again from 1968 to 1969, he flew more than 250 combat missions and completed more than 300 carrier landings. During his distinguished military career, Steve earned 18 Air Medals, including 17 Strike/Flight Air Medals and one Individual Air Medal, seven Navy Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross. Following his combat deployments, he served as a flight instructor with VT-25 at Naval Air Station Chase Field in Beeville, Texas, helping train future naval aviators before leaving active duty in 1969 with an Honorable Discharge at the rank of Lieutenant after more than seven years of naval service.

 

Following his active-duty naval service, Steve earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Alvin Junior College in 1971 before continuing his aviation career. He first flew as a corporate pilot before joining Delta Air Lines in November 1972. During a distinguished aviation career spanning military, corporate, and airline flying, Steve accumulated more than 24,000 flight hours and flew more than thirty different aircraft types. He retired from Delta Air Lines in October 2002 as a Captain on the Boeing 767ER. Aviation was never merely a profession to Steve—it was a lifelong passion.

 

Steve’s gift for storytelling was legendary among family and friends. Whether recounting combat missions, fishing adventures, airline experiences, or family memories, he had a remarkable ability to bring events to life through vivid detail, humor, and insight. That talent ultimately led him to author Rampant Raider, his memoir of naval aviation and combat service during the Vietnam War, preserving an important chapter of history for future generations.

 

A lifelong learner, Steve was an avid reader who consumed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of books throughout his life. He possessed an extraordinary memory and could effortlessly recall passages of literature, poetry, history, and countless stories accumulated over a lifetime of experience. He enjoyed spirited conversations and never shied away from a debate. Known for his quick wit and colorful sayings, one of his favorite expressions when someone made a mess of things was that they would “make Hogan’s goat look like a precision instrument.”

 

Steve was deeply patriotic and loved his country throughout his life. He believed strongly in the principles upon which the nation was founded and remained engaged in civic affairs, history, and public discourse. He held firm convictions, welcomed spirited debate, and never hesitated to stand up for what he believed. While his opinions were often strong, they were grounded in a sincere love of country and a lifelong commitment to service.

 

His commitment to service extended well beyond his own military career. As a Blue and Gold Officer for the United States Naval Academy, Steve mentored and guided countless young men and women through the admissions process. His influence was especially personal within his own family, helping both of his sons earn appointments to the Naval Academy. His son Chad graduated with the Class of 1993, and his son Scott graduated with the Class of 2001, continuing a family tradition of naval service and leadership.

 

Away from aviation, Steve remained deeply connected to the outdoors. In the early 1980s, he and Alma relocated to the Toledo Bend area near Hemphill, Texas, where they built the log home that became the family’s cherished gathering place for decades. Between airline trips, Steve could often be found working on the property, hunting, fishing, or enjoying life on the lake. Toledo Bend provided the perfect setting for the outdoor life he loved and for the friendships he and Alma built through their shared passion for fishing.

 

Steve and Alma also shared a love of travel and adventure. They made countless trips together throughout their nearly sixty years of marriage. Steve was an enthusiastic poker player for more than forty years and relished both the challenge of the game and the friendships it fostered. True to his adventurous spirit, he was in Las Vegas preparing to participate in the Seniors Event of the World Series of Poker when he passed away unexpectedly.

 

Steve came from a family with deep naval roots. His father, Cecil Roberts Gray, served as a gunnery officer aboard USS Gwin (DM-33) during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Inspired by that example, Steve dedicated his own life to service, aviation, and leadership.

 

Whether flying combat missions, building a log home, mentoring future naval officers, writing stories, fishing Toledo Bend, or teaching his grandchildren about life, Steve approached every endeavor with intelligence, determination, humor, and a deep love for family and country.

 

Above all, Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. His grandchildren will remember Pop for rides on the boat, days on the lake, shooting on the farm, and the stories and laughter that accompanied every visit.

 

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Roberts Gray and Johna Faye Cordell Gray.

 

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly sixty years, Alma Mae Gray; his sister, Cecile Marie Crabtree; his sons, Chad Roberts Gray and wife Natalie Gray, and Scott Thomas Gray and wife Samantha Gray; and his cherished grandchildren, Wyatt Roberts Gray, Levi Arrington Gray, and Sawyer Stephen Richard Gray.

 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church in Weimar, Texas. Interment will follow at Weimar Masonic Cemetery. A reception will follow at Faith Lutheran Church.

 

Memorials may be given to Parkinson’s Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Dr., Ste 310, Miami, FL 33126, American Diabetes Association, 2400 Augusta Dr. #175, Houston, TX 77057, or the charity of your choice.

 

Fair winds and following seas.

 

 

 

 

DL Capt. John O'Shea

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USMC, DL Capt. John O'Shea

October 20, 1939 ~ June 23, 2026

 

As a young man, John proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, where he was trained as a pilot…………Captain John Patrick O'Shea joined Delta Air Lines 11-30-1964.  John is survived by his wife Catherine "Marikay", and by his children and their families.  Visitation and Funeral Mass will be held tomorrow June 27^th in Chicago as is noted in John’s obituary below.  Interment private.

 

PCN memorial site    

 

 

https://www.donnellanfuneral.com/obituaries/John-Patrick-Oshea?obId=48846215

John Patrick O'Shea Obituary

It is with great sadness we announce that Captain (retired) John O’Shea passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

 

Born on October 20, 1939 - he lived a life defined by deep faith, service, and unwavering devotion to his family. Though he accomplished much in his lifetime, he would have been the first to tell you that his greatest achievement was the family he built and his commitment to the people he loved.

 

As a young man, John proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, where he was trained as a pilot. Following his military service, John had a distinguished career as a commercial airline pilot for Delta Air Lines, where he spent decades safely carrying passengers across the country and around the world. On many of the days he wasn't flying, John was also a commodities trader and respected member of both the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Board Options Exchange.

 

John was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Catherine "Marikay" Harty, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Together, they built a life grounded in their faith, love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Their devotion to each other remains one of the greatest legacies he leaves behind.

 

As a father, John was a steady source of love, guidance, and support. He encouraged dreams, quietly made sacrifices that often went unseen, and taught life's most important lessons through the exemplary life he lived.

 

Those who knew John will remember his kindness, quiet strength, generosity, and deep Catholic faith.

 

John devoted countless hours to charitable work serving migrant and underserved communities in South Florida. He treated people with dignity, carried himself with humility, and tried to make the world a kinder place.

 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine; his children, Brian (Britt) O'Shea, Thomas O'Shea (Renne Holmquist), and Catherine O’Shea (Joseph) Rivera; his cherished grandchildren, Sydney, Madeline, and Joseph Rivera; his brother and sisters; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives were enriched knowing him.

 

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27 at The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington Street, Chicago, IL.

 

A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m.

Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii

1224 W. Lexington Street

Chicago, IL 60607

 

Clear skies and tailwinds, Captain. We love you, and we will miss you beyond measure.

 

 

DL Capt. David W. Smith

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF, DL Capt. David W. Smith

March 23, 1937 ~ June 16, 2026

 

From family comes word with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain David Windsor Smith, age 89.  Please see obituary information below that has been provided by the family …..

PCN memorial site

 

David or "Capt'n Dave" as he was known by his friends and family, joined Delta Airlines on 9/30/1963 and was based in Atlanta his entire career with the exception of a short time in Los Angeles where he flew the MD-11. 

 

He is survived by his longtime partner Susanne and his daughter Elizabeth and her family.  Preceding him in death was his son Aaron, a Captain with ASA and later a pilot with American Airlines. 

 

He most recently resided in Sarasota, FL.  His final earthly resting place will be in the Sarasota National Cemetery.