NWA Capt. Dick Dodge

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA Capt. Dick Dodge

November 29, 1938  -  May 12, 2026

 

Richard Charles "Dick" Dodge joined Northwest Airlines 06-12-1967.  Widowed in 2024, Dick is survived by his son DL Captain David Dodge and by his daughter Susan, and by their families along with many more dear family members and aviation colleagues.

To share memories online please visit the funeral home website at https://www.shulerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Richard-Charles-Dick-Dodge?obId=48384438

 

PCN memorial sites

https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2024/08/gail-pons-dodge-wife-of-nwa-capt.html

 Gail Pons Dodge, wife of NWA Capt. Richard C. “Dick” Dodge

Sept. 30, 1937 – July 17, 2024

 

https://www.legacy.com/person/Richard-(Dick)-Charles-Dodge-61380572

Richard Charles Dodge Obituary

Richard Charles "Dick" Dodge, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on November 29, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dick's life was marked by a dedication to God and his church, a passion for adventure, and a heart full of love.

 

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tulane University, Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962. Over the next five years, he distinguished himself as a respected leader, rising to the rank of Captain before transitioning to civilian flying.

 

In 1967, Dick began his career as a pilot with Northwest Airlines, where he flew until his retirement in 1994. Following this chapter, Dick and his wife Gail relocated to Flat Rock, North Carolina, which they loved so dearly.

 

Dick was an avid golfer who enjoyed Kenmure Country Club, scuba diving, snow skiing, and motorcycle riding. His adventures on two wheels took him across most of the lower forty-eight states and Canada.

 

Dick's compassion extended beyond his interests to his community. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, where he sang in the choir and actively contributed to the men's ministry. Dick's commitment to mission work, especially in Russia, underscored his love of the Lord.

 

Known for his infectious sense of humor and support of family and friends, Dick's legacy is one of kindness and generosity. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daisy Glen Wolfe Dodge and George Whitfield Dodge, Jr., brothers George and Peter Dodge, and his beloved wife of 58 years, Gail Pons Dodge.

 

Dick leaves behind a loving family: his son David Dodge (Robin) of Georgia; his daughter Susan Renslow (Tom) of Minnesota; and his grandchildren Jacob Dodge, Phil Renslow (Chelsea), Carlie Phillips (Mathew) and Brandi Waters. He also leaves behind his special adopted Russian family, Ivan Sukhanov (Elena).

 

Services to celebrate Dick's life will be held on June 8th, 2026, beginning with a visitation at 2:00 pm, followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 pm. at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, NC. The service will be livestreamed as well, and a link will be provided. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites you to make memorial donation in Dick's honor to the charity of your choice, continuing his giving spirit.

 

The memory of Richard Charles "Dick" Dodge will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. May his adventurous spirit and unwavering love of God continue to inspire us all.

 

 

WA/DL Capt. Don Means

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Don Means

October 16, 1935 ~ April 18, 2026

 

Captain Donald “Don” Ray Means began his commercial flying career with Western Airlines and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1995 based LAX.  Don is survived by his three children and their families.  The family has provided us with Don’s obituary information….please see below. 

Don requested that there be no services.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site  

 

Obituary :  Captain Don R. Means passed away

Don R Means age 90, of Washington state, passed away April 18th, 2026. 

Don was born in Texas on October 16th, 1935.   His family moved to Los Angeles area in 1940s. 

He graduated from El Segundo High in 1954 and was employed by the Standard Oil of California.  Later he joined the US Army and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division for two years at Fort Bragg North Carolina.  

He attended the Northrop Institute of Technology graduating with an FAA airframe and power plant

certificate and was employed by Western Airlines in Los Angeles as an aircraft mechanic in 1961 in Los Angeles.  He started flying in 1962 and spent the next 26 years as a flight engineer, first officer and Captain with Western Airlines.   

Delta Airlines purchased Western Airlines in 1987, and Don flew as captain until his retirement

in 1995.  At retirement he had over 34 years of service with the airlines.  

Don served both airlines as a Line Pilot, Line Check Pilot, Chief pilot Western Airlines. He was a 

Training Captain for both airlines. Don has flown the Douglas DC6, Lockheed Electra, Boeing 737

727, 707, 720, 757, and 767.  The last 4 years before retirement he was a worldwide International Line Captain on the Douglas MD-11.

Don has owned several light aircraft, an Aeronca Champ, Aeronca Chief, Cessna 180B, Lake

Amphibian LA 4200, Cessna 172, Beach V35, Cessna 172 & 140, Lake Amphibian, Air coop

Forney Flyer Courtney.

There will be no services as was Don’s wishes.

Dowling Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. (360) 795-3591

Donna Helen Robb, wife of NWA Capt. Jon Robb

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Donna Helen Robb, wife of NWA Capt. Jon Robb

June 24, 1936 – March 29, 2026

 

As Jon served as a pilot in the United States Air Force, Donna served as his partner in every sense. They started their married life in France…………………

Jon joined Northwest Airlines 09-09-1968 and retired in 1995.

Donna is survived by her husband Jon “Mr. Wonderful”, and by their children and their children’s families.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.riemannfamily.com/obituaries/donna-helen-robb

Obituary

Donna Helen Robb passed away March 29, 2026… just three months shy of her 90th birthday and only 79 days shy of her 70th wedding anniversary with her Prince, Jon Robb. Those were the only things Donna Robb was shy of - she led an adventurous and joyful life, filled with family, faith, friendship and love.

 

Born June 24, 1936 in Columbus, Nebraska, she had a happy childhood with her parents, Lilly and Billy Jarecki, and her older sister, Betty. Graduating from St. Bonaventure High School in 1954, she married Jon, her high school sweetheart, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus in 1956. Their faith was strong, guiding them and growing through all their years.

 

As Jon served as a pilot in the United States Air Force, Donna served as his partner in every sense. They started their married life in France, which began travels to bases around the world. Along the way, they were blessed with four sons and four daughters. She called us “The Original Ten.” The family bloomed to include current count of 25 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

 

A dedicated wife and mother, Donna created a loving and supportive home wherever they landed, be it France, Okinawa, or coast to coast from California to New Hampshire with too many places to mention in between. A proud military wife, Mom kept the home fires warmly burning as many assignments took Dad away for extended periods. They made lifelong friends in the service, relationships strong to this day.

 

After leaving USAF active duty in 1968, they settled in Old Cottage Grove, Minnesota, as Jon started a new career with Northwest Airlines. An active family kept Donna hopping, seamlessly coordinating school, athletic and social calendars. We were always proud to share how at one point Mom had six children with the oldest being four (4, 3, 2, 2, 1 and a newborn). That statement was always followed by “and that was before disposable diapers.” Being a wonderful mother was her calling; she knew no other way.

 

At retirement, they moved to Pequot Lakes, MN for their next chapter. She loved living on Upper Hay Lake for thirty years with her sweetheart, the longest time they had lived anywhere. Friends and family were always as welcome as the loons up at da lake. A thoughtful hostess, her sincere goal was your enjoyment. At that, she was an overachiever.

 

Inspired from her mother… Mom embodied what became our family tradition of stating “Love You Round and Round and Never Stop,” symbolized by a swirl. One of her many gifts was that of unconditional love. She openly shared her pride in you, always making one feel noticed and special.

 

If you knew Donna Robb, you loved her. If you crossed her path, you’d remember her. Genuinely interested in you and what was going on in your life, she championed the art of conversation. Dad always said she could talk a half hour to a wrong number. Mom made and kept friends easily and everywhere, nurturing those relationships all her life.

 

She was amusing and creative. A believable teller of tall tales, many of her followers accepted her stories of being wedding fillers, of her mud wrestling career, of 7-Up Camp, of turning into a pumpkin and more! If you ever attended a “Sing for your Supper,” you’ll know its unique spirit. Her enthusiasm always inspired bonding over entertainment and good food. Mom so enjoyed friendly games of cards and dominoes around the kitchen table, staking your first round with quarters waiting on your bed. While not everyone’s mother is skilled at playing craps or poker in a casino - ours was. Impressive, this gal could hold her own anywhere. Mom was smart, respected, and fun to be with.

 

This small-town Nebraska girl travelled the world, visiting every state, plus countless countries on all seven continents. This past winter, she worked hard through health complications to earn what proved to be her final trip. As she had her whole life, Mom embraced the food, fun and card games of a family gathering in Biloxi, MS one last time. As they were to begin their journey back home to Pequot, her health took a turn for the worse. On March 29, 2026, she embarked on a different journey, one she always called “The Big Trip.” Being a person of faith, believing in an eternal life in heaven, she knew her parents, sister, two sons, David and Patrick, and her daughter-in-law Lana, would be waiting to welcome her.

 

Mom is survived and will be so missed by Mr. Wonderful, Jon Robb, their children: Kate (and Steve) Sames of Aurora, CO; Cindy (and Dave) Devlin of Chugiak, AK; Michael (and Suzanne) Robb of Minneapolis, MN; Mary (and Greg) Robb of Willow Park, TX; Jennifer (and Tom) Sandstrom of Wayzata, MN; Jonny Robb of Thompsons Station, TN and daughters-in-law Sharon Robb of Weaverville, NC; Jenny Robb of Meadview, AZ. As beloved Gramma, then GG, she felt blessed to have been gifted a long and happy life to know the children of her children’s children.

 

In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests that donations, in her name, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (StJude.org/donate)

 

We will keep Mom forever in our hearts and actions. As it should be, her life will be celebrated on Sunday, June 14 at the Wayzata American Legion Post 118, located at 949 Wayzata Blvd. We hope you will join us there between 3 - 6pm.

NEA/DL Capt. Nicholas Gravino Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NEA/DL Capt. Nicholas Gravino Jr.

May 25, 1936 ~ May 4, 2026

 

Captain Nicholas Gravino Jr. began his commercial aviation career with Northeast Airlines 10-04-1965 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1996.  He was based Boston, Atlanta, then JFK prior to retirement. Captain Gravino is survived by his wife Debbie and by his two daughters Linda and Leslie.

Services will take place in Florida May 12^th with visitation the evening prior.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/person/Captain-Nicholas-Gravino-Jr.-61317550

Obituary

Captain Nicholas Gravino Jr. (89) of Palm City, Florida peacefully passed away on Monday May 4th, 2026. He was born on May 25, 1936, 12:51 AM Mary Immaculate Hospital, Jamaica Queens New York. Nicholas was born, grew up, attended school, worked and retired in Jamaica Queens New York. Was enamored with Aviation at age three years old at the New York World's Fair of 1939. He was Baptized Catholic and remained a Catholic during his lifetime. Nicholas attended Mass with Pope John Paul Il at Aquaduct Racetrack in October 1995. He was also a Eucharistic Minister and an usher at Mass. He was a student of WWII. Nicholas had a great love for music and the arts. The name Gravina, which was the original name, can be traced to Gilberto Gravina, who was a great nephew to Richard Wagner and Franz List. Nicholas studied with Professor Augustin Duques, who was the principal Clarinetist with the NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. He had an uncle in the US Army Air Corps and an uncle in the US Navy. Nicholas became an Airline Pilot with Northeast Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Became friendly with John Cardinal O'Connor who was a passenger on one of his flights from Rome to JFK New York on June 24, 1995. Enlisted in the US Navy on January 14, 1955, which entitled him to the Korean War G.I. Bill of Rights. Nicholas was introduced to Naval Aviation while serving as a Meteorologist at Corry Field, Pensacola Florida. He would sit on the Hangar Roof and watch the Blue Angels practice and perform their maneuvers. He was so infatuated with Aviation; he decided to seek employment with an airline because he lived half a mile from Idlewild/JFK Airport. He was employed as a Passenger Service Agent and worked his way up the ranks and retired as an International Airline Captain. He retired on May 19, 1996, at age 60 and moved to Stuart Florida, where he remained with wife Debbie and his beloved Bichon, Bella. During his retirement he wrote his memoirs, entitled, "A Pilot's Memoirs-From the Ground Up. He also enjoyed writing children's Christmas Stories, entitled "The Adventures of Beppo, The Italian Elf " and "Bella, The Shepherd Dog of Bethlehem." In his later years, he enjoyed playing tenor saxophone with the Stuart Community Concert Band. Nicholas leaves to cherish his beloved wife Debbie Gravino, two daughters Linda and Leslie, two bichon dogs GiGi and Muffy.

 

The viewing will be held at Forest Hills Funeral Home located at 2001 SW Murphy Road Palm City, Florida 34990 on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 4PM-7PM. The Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 1454 SW Mapp Road Palm City, Florida 34990 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 10:00AM. The entombment will occur immediately following the Funeral Mass service at Forest Hills Memorial Park with Military Honors being rendered. Please keep the Gravino Family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

DL Capt. Julian Black

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Julian Black

July 19, 1939 ~ April 27, 2026

 

Throughout his adult life, Julian served and chaired several organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol, Delta Golden Wings, the Delta Sailing Club…………….

Julian joined Delta Air Lines 05-02-1969 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Joan, and by his children and their families.

Condolences may be sent to the family at

 1931 Village Creek Ct., Dunwoody GA 30338-5117.

A celebration of life for Julian will be held on May 17th at 2PM in the Pavilion at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sandy-springs-ga/julian-black-12863736

IN THE CARE OF H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

Julian Black, 86, passed away peacefully at home on April 27, 2026.

Julian was born in Barnwell, SC to Benjamin and Gertrude Black on July 19th, 1939. His family moved to Columbia, SC where he got his first job selling newspapers on Main Street at six years old. Julian attended Columbia High School where he was the captain of the football team and president of his class, then became a South Carolina Gamecock and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business.

 

While in college, he joined ROTC which led him to serve our country in the Marines, the Air Force, and the Air National Guard. Julian then completed his flight training and became an instructor on the T-38s while stationed at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, AL. He continued working for the Air National Guard when he and Joan moved to Atlanta, where they started a family and began Julian’s dream career as a commercial pilot for Delta Air Lines.

After 30 years of traveling domestically and internationally as a pilot, he retired and became an instructor on the 777s for the next 15 years.

 

Throughout his adult life, Julian served and chaired several organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol, Delta Golden Wings, the Delta Sailing Club, Village Mill Neighborhood Association, American Legion, and the Dunwoody Police Academy. He enjoyed life to its fullest and had many hobbies, including coaching youth sports, biking, tennis, skiing, woodworking, sailing, hiking, traveling, exercising, playing cards, and reading.

 

But most importantly, Julian cherished quality time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Joan Derrick Black; his children Jennifer Hill (Cullman, AL), Derrick Black and Brittany Suchanek (Atlanta, GA), and Karen Avery and husband Ged (Atlanta, GA). He adored his six grandchildren: Jude Black, Caroline and Anna Hill; and Jane, Graham and Austin Avery. Other beloved family members include his sister Ruby Reese, his brother-in-law Jimmy Derrick and wife Laura (Columbia, SC), sister-in-law Jean Holcomb and husband Paul (Columbia, SC) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Jeannette Jennings and husband Billy, and brother Olin Black and wife Shirley.

Last but not least, Julian valued his many friendships from his younger days in Columbia, the Air Force, Delta, Village Mill, and all the other facets of his life.

 

A celebration of life for Julian will be held on May 17th, 2026, at 2pm in the Pavilion at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA followed by a reception at the same location. The family deeply thanks all of their family and friends for the steadfast love and support during this difficult time. Those wishing to honor Julian's memory may donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, or American Lung Association, in lieu of flowers.