WA/DL Capt. Michael Pappas

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Michael Pappas 

May 17, 1948 – October 15, 2026

Michael "Mike" Louis Pappas joined Western Airlines 07-12-1976 and retired with Delta Air Lines based LAX.  Mike is survived by his wife Mary, and by his children and grandchildren. 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-diego-ca/michael-pappas-13077657   

IN THE CARE OF

El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park

Michael Louis Pappas was born and raised in Los Angeles. While attending Cal State Los Angeles (majoring in Police Science), Michael became a flight instructor and served in the California Air National Guard. Michael's love of aviation began when he was just a little boy, and even then, his passion was unmistakable. What began with a child's fascination became a remarkable 60-year career in aviation.

Michael's distinguished career took him from Golden West Airlines to Western Airlines and ultimately to Delta Air Lines, where he retired. His love of flying extended beyond the cockpit, as he built a highly successful jet school, training advanced pilots to fly jets and sharing the knowledge and expertise he had acquired over a lifetime in aviation. Last year, Michael was honored to receive the FAA’s Wright Brothers’ Master Pilot Award. Michael turned his childhood dream into a lifelong calling, and as Mary would attest, he never “worked” a day in his life.

Above all, Michael was a devoted husband who absolutely adored his wife, Mary. Their marriage was built on a deep love, steadfast loyalty, and a shared commitment to one another, standing side by side through life's joys and challenges. Theirs was a remarkable partnership, and the love they shared will forever be part of Michael's legacy.

As a father and grandfather, he loved playing cards and Parcheesi with his children and grandchildren, continuing the same cherished traditions he had enjoyed with his own beloved father, Mike L. Pappas. Those games brought generations together around the table, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and time spent with the people who mattered most.

Michael's greatest joys were found in being with the people he loved, whether they were family or friends. He was gregarious, generous beyond measure, and the life of every party. His quick wit, warmth, and infectious personality could turn any gathering into a memorable occasion; after his stroke, he still had the rare gift of making people feel welcome, valued, and loved, whether they had known him for a lifetime or had just met him. Michael was loyal, devoted, and a man of unwavering integrity who stood by the people he loved. Most importantly, he was a faithful and devoted Christian who lived his life in accordance with his beliefs.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of over 46 years, Mary; his daughters, Stacy Sawaya and her husband, Pierre; Michele Payne and her husband, Mike; and his son, Michael G. Pappas and his wife, Kelsey. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Peter and Alexandria Sawaya, James and Weston Payne, and Michael Wyatt and Sophia Pappas, each of whom held a very special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike L. Pappas and Mena Pappas, and his sister, Alexis K. Fine.

Michael leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he treasured, the laughter he inspired, and the countless lives he touched. It lives on in the love he shared with Mary, and in the example, he set for his children and grandchildren. He had a larger-than-life personality, an unmistakable sense of humor, and a remarkable ability to make everyone he met feel special. Even after his stroke 22 years ago, Michael continued to connect with people, forging new friendships and relationships. To know Michael was to love him, and as one of his friends shared recently, “He brought people together…we all laughed, we all connected…He was an enthusiastic gatherer of genuine, good people. Whether it was on the ground or above it, in his cockpits on the radio…everyone… EVERYONE…wanted to be connected with Mike. His was a life, maybe not always easy, but so well-lived.” There will never be another Michael Pappas.

DL Capt. James R. Gatz

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. James R. Gatz

January 16, 1942 ~ October 22, 2026 

Just 31 days later he asked her, "How 'bout you marry me?" Connie said yes..................

James Robert "Gates" Gatz joined Delta Air Lines 10-18-1976 and retired with Delta in 2002.  He is survived by his wife Connie, and by his daughter-in-law and his grandchildren. 

Services will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope, Alabama on November 12th....please see obituary below for details.

PCN memorial site 

 

James Robert "Gates" Gatz Obituary (2026) - Daphne, AL - Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory - Daphne  

James Gatz Obituary

James Robert Gatz, known to nearly everyone as "Gates", lived a full and remarkable life defined by family, service, hard work, and a lifelong sense of adventure.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Robert and Helen Gatz, Gates was the oldest of three sons. He graduated from Shorewood High School in 1960, where he was an accomplished track athlete and held the state record in the 880-yard run for several years. His success earned him a track scholarship to Marquette University, where he graduated in 1965.

At his father's suggestion, Gates took a flying lesson and was immediately hooked. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966 and became a C-130 Pilot, flying west around the world three times and serving two tours in Vietnam.

While attending Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, Gates met Connie Collett over Thanksgiving weekend in 1971. The connection was immediate. Just 31 days later he asked her, "How 'bout you marry me?" Connie said yes, and they were married in May 1972. After living in Newport News, Virginia, Gates and Connie made their home in Montgomery, where they adopted their son, Robert Brent.

Gates joined Delta Air Lines in 1976 and retired in 2002 as a Boeing 767 Captain. But flying was hardly his only pursuit. Along the way, he flew with Maxwell Air Force Reserve, managed a cattle farm, and earned his law degree from Jones Law School in Montgomery. Though he never practiced law, he liked to joke that law school was a good way to make sure his brain was still functioning.

In 2012, Gates and Connie moved to Fairhope, Alabama, a place he loved and where he made many friends.

As accomplished as Gates was, those closest to him remember him most for his character. He was a man of integrity, generosity, faith, and loyalty. If Gates said he was going to do something, he did it. He quietly helped others, stood beside his friends when they needed him, and deeply loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

Gates passed away on October 22, 2026, at his home in Fairhope, Alabama.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his daughter-in-law, Jessica Stanfield; his grandchildren, Robert and Elizabeth Gatz; brothers, Tom and Mike Gatz; and many cherished friends whose lives were enriched by his friendship.

Funeral services will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 370 S. Section Street, Fairhope, AL, on Thursday, November 12, 2026. There will be a time of visitation beginning at 10AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM. Interment will follow at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL.

Those wishing to honor Gates may consider a donation in his memory to a charity of your choice.

Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family. Online expressions of condolences for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com 

NWA/DL F/O Frank J. Soave

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL F/O Frank J. Soave

May 23, 1959 ~ August 20, 2026

Noted in the ALPA AIR LINE PILOT magazine for October, the passing of Delta F/O Frank J. Soave in August 2026......

Frank Joseph Soave joined Northwest Airlines 10-28-1985 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Detroit.  He is survived by his wife Melliss, along with his siblings, nieces, and nephews.

PCN memorial site 

Obituary information for Frank Soave  

Frank Soave Obituary

Frank Joseph Soave, 67, of South Lyon, passed away on August 20, 2026. He was born on May 23, 1959 to the late Frank and Marian Soave in Livonia, MI.

Frank spent well over 30 years as a commercial pilot, a profession that reflected his discipline, responsibility, and calm nature. He approached his work with dedication and professionalism, earning the respect of those who knew him through his career.

Outside of work, Frank found great joy in the outdoors and in the company of those he loved. He spent many years walleye fishing in Curtis, Michigan, with his father and brothers. Being on the water with family and friends was among his greatest pleasures. He also enjoyed metal detecting, a pastime that suited his curiosity and appreciation for discovery. Franks happy place was anywhere up north, especially Mackinaw Island where he and Melliss were married in 2007. He also loved taking pontoon boat rides with Melliss on their lake.

Frank was known by those closest to him as generous and wise. These words captured the essence of who he was and the way he lived his life. Frank carried himself with a quiet dignity that left a lasting impression. He was a gentle giant in many peoples lives. His love for the Lord was evident in the way he lived ,loved, and cared for those around him,and he was a prayer warrior for others.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Melliss Soave; siblings Karen (Arthur) Sigman, Francene (David) Montgomery; Cheryl (Marty) Valentine - Cooper, Tony (Mary) Soave, Chris (Pam) Soave; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

WA/DL Capt. Don R. Gibbs

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Donald Roger Gibbs

May 7, 1939 ~ July 12, 2026

Noted in the ALPA AIR LINE PILOT magazine for October, the passing of Delta Capt. Don R. Gibbs in July 2026.

Donald "Don" Roger Gibbs joined Western Airlines 01-20-1964 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC.  Whitepages lists the Gibbs' most recent address as 

    23575 County Road 77, Calhan, CO 80808.

Don's death notice indicates no services.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site 

Don R. Gibbs Obituary May 7, 1939 - Monarch Society 

Don R. Gibbs 

May 7, 1939 - July 12, 2026

Calhan CO

In loving memory.

No services. 

Don R. Gibbs Obituary Jul 12, 2026 - Monarch Society 

DL Capt. Bryant Evans Massey

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Bryant Evans Massey

April 1983 ~ June 2026

Noted in the ALPA AIR LINE PILOT magazine for October, the passing of Delta Capt. Bryant E. Massey in June of 2026......

I was not able to locate an online obituary but did find some of his life history.....please see article excerpts below.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site 

Patriots Take to the Skies | Francis Marion University  

Fall/winter 2024 issue

Evan Dyne (’06) and Bryant Massey (’05) both studied business at Francis Marion University. 

After that, their careers took off.

They’re both commercial airline pilots for Delta Air Lines, based out of the company’s massive hub operation in Atlanta. Periodically, they meet in the airport on the way to and from their flights, to catch up and talk shop.

“While we haven’t gotten the chance to co-pilot, we occasionally run into each other in one of the crew rooms between flights,” says Massey. “It’s always nice to have a few minutes to catch up before we’re off to the skies.” 

Both Dyne and Massey have long-time interests in flying, but neither left FMU planning on careers as a pilot. Each had other career ideas, and becoming a pilot is a long haul...........

Massey has had an interest in aviation for a long time. He heard stories from his grandfather, a Navy pilot in World War II, while growing up. As he got older, his interest in aviation grew, so much so that he decided to start skydiving. That, says Massey, “jump started” his career as a pilot.

“I remember being in this plane, getting ready to skydive and just looking over at the pilot and thinking ‘Wow, this is cool. I should learn to fly,’” recalls Massey.

He says he knew at that point that he would one day get his private pilot’s license. He began working towards that shortly after earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in 2005.

Massey moved to Charleston after graduation where he took a job as a full-time firefighter while pursuing his private pilot’s license. He earned all of his ratings – private, instrument, and commercial – on his days off. Eventually, he left his firefighting job to build flight time and earn his instructor ratings...........

Massey began with Endeavor in 2011. Both also worked as flight instructors during this time, earning the hours necessary to become “big league” pilots.

A decade later they reconnected at Anderson County Airport when both were flight instructors for different companies. Massey was working for Airwolf Aviation based in Anderson SC................. 

Dyne and Massey both started as pilots for Delta Air Lines in 2022. Dyne lives a short, 20-minute drive from the Atlanta airport. Massey resides in the upstate of South Carolina with his wife Lindsey (nee Harte, ’07) and their two sons.....................