~ IN MEMORY ~
PAA/DL pilot USAF ret. Lt. Col John Becker ‘Mad Jack’
Riederich
July 25, 1937 - April 24, 2018
Notification with the passing of retired Pan Am/Delta
pilot and military veteran USAF ret. Lt. Col John Becker Riederich, age 80.
Captain Riederich joined Pan American 12-18-1967 and retired with Delta Air
Lines. He is survived by his wife Carole, their children and
grandchildren.
Obituary information may be viewed online at
Guestbook
memories may be shared online on the funeral home website at
Should more news be received we will be sure to pass it
along.
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
Obituary................Lt. Col. John Becker Riederich USAF
(Ret.)
On April 24, 2018, Lt. Col. John Becker "Mad Jack" Riederich
(Retired), at 80 years, "ran out of airspeed, altitude and ideas," as he lost
his battle with leukemia, and not without a fight. John was a graduate of West
Haven, CT High School, where he was later inducted into the school's Athletic
Hall of Fame for athletic achievement, dedication, courage and character. A Home
Town Hero from West Haven, CT (locally known as Johnny), he graduated from the
University of Connecticut and went on to be a pilot in the Air Force. He
survived two tours in VietNam as a helicopter rescue pilot, flying the
HH43-Husky. He completed over 500 missions in which he retrieved and or
recovered every person he was sent after. John achieved the Honor of the
Distinguished Flying Cross in VietNam. John was a pilot in the military for 28
years where he flew a multitude of aircraft including but not limited to F-102's
and F-4's. He had a profound effect on many under his command. He flew for the
airlines both Pan American Airways and Delta. John had a wonderful career and
life. Known as "The Colonel", "Captain Jack", "The Duke", "Giant Jack", and "Mad
Jack", he had a tremendous impact on many of the youth in Huntington Beach,
California. He was not only known as a war hero, but was most known locally for
his hard-nosed, no bones about it, tough, and fair coaching style of football.
John always emphasized the fundamentals and was a teacher of discipline, pride,
and integrity. He is survived by Carole, to whom he was married for 53 years,
and three sons, Brent, Bram and Brodie. John was a caring grandfather to 9
grandchildren.
John loved his sports and most importantly his home town of
West Haven, Connecticut. Johnny, you will be missed and always remembered for
the Giant of a man you were. May you Rest in Peace and forever fly high,
screaming across the skies at Mach speeds.
A proper full military honors send-off will take place on May
21, 2018, 1100 hours, at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.
Preston and Simons Mortuary Riverside, CA.
------------------
John Becker Riederich
July 25, 1937 - April 24, 2018
A viewing will be held Monday, May 21st from 9:00 AM to 10:00
AM in the Preston and Simons Colonial Chapel. A graveside service will follow at
11:00 AM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside,
California 92518.
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