NEA/DL Capt. David Dutton

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NEA/DL Capt. David Dutton

December 23, 1941 ~ May 19, 2026

 

Captain David A. Dutton first joined Northeast Airlines 03-31-1967 and retired with Delta Air lines based Boston.  He is survived by his wife Marilyn, and by his children and stepchildren and their families.  The Dutton’s residence is in Merrimac, Massachusetts.  A visitation time will be held May 22 at the Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home in Merrimac…..please see obituary below.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.paulcrogers.com/obituaries/david-dutton

David A. Dutton, of Merrimac, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at the age of 84.

David was born on December 23, 1941, in Randolph, Vermont, to Howard F. Dutton and Beverly L. Dutton. He grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts, at the family home where his lifelong passion for aviation first took flight. Under the guidance of his father, Howard, who operated Dutton Flying Service, David learned to fly and quickly discovered what would become the great love and purpose of his life. At just 16 years old, he soloed for the first time, beginning a journey in aviation that would span decades. David not only loved flying but also enjoyed the thrill and challenge of aerobatics, embracing the excitement and freedom he found in the skies.

 

David graduated from Haverhill High School and turned his passion for flying into a career. At the age of 22, he began working for commercial airlines, flying for Northeast Airlines before continuing his career with Delta Air Lines. Through years of dedication and experience, he became a respected Captain and retired from Delta in 1996 after an accomplished career in aviation.

 

While aviation was woven into the fabric of David’s life, his interests and talents extended far beyond the skies. He enjoyed bowling, motorcycles, softball, basketball, reading, cooking, and walking. Before his airline career, David also shared his love of cooking as Head Chef at Faulkner Hospital. He enjoyed traveling with the Retreads and especially treasured the time spent visiting his children and grandchildren. He was also a proud member of the Lions Club.

 

David is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Marilyn F. (Slye) Dutton; his daughter, Deborah A. Dutton; his son, Derek J. Dutton and his wife, Linda Geiger; his stepsons, Shawn J. Patten and Joel A. Patten; his 12 grandchildren; his 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

 

He was predeceased by his parents, Howard F. and Beverly L. Dutton; his sister, Diane D. Wilson; and his brother, Donald H. Dutton.

 

David will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous spirit, his warmth, and the passion that carried him both on the ground and in the skies. The miles he traveled and the lives he touched leave a legacy that will continue through all who knew and loved him.

 

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, Merrimac, MA 01860. Funeral Service and burial will be private for the family.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of David A. Dutton to LBDA, Lewy Body Dementia Association.

DL Capt. Gerard McPartlan

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Gerard McPartlan

April 10, 1959  -  April 23, 2026

 

Gerard Patrick McPartlan joined Delta Air Lines 03-01-1990 and was Atlanta based.  He is survived by his wife Beth, and by his children and their families.

Services for Captain McPartlan will be held May 9^th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marietta. 

The Mayes Ward Dobbins funeral home of Marietta has been assisting the family. https://www.mayeswarddobbins.com/

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.mayeswarddobbins.com/obituaries/Gerard-Patrick-Mcpartlan?obId=48223101

Obituary

Gerard Patrick McPartlan went home to be with our Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2026, surrounded in love by his adoring family. He had recently celebrated his 67th birthday with family and friends.

 

Gerard was a lover – he was an incredible husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. He had a great sense of humor, never met a stranger, and was warm and generous to all. When asked how he was doing, he would often respond “better than I deserve”. He had unwavering faith in God and was a good and faithful servant.

 

Gerard was a fighter – he graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1981 and spent 9 years active duty before trading in the F-111s for commercial planes as a Delta pilot. He ran a half Ironman at age 55 and hiked 400 miles of the Way of St. James Camino pilgrimage in Spain at age 65. He fought cancer for 22 years and no longer has to fight.

 

Gerard is reunited in heaven with his parents, Patrick and Eileen McPartlan. He is survived by his wife and best friend of over 40 years, Beth McPartlan, his sister, Deirdre Finnegan, his children, Sarah and David Brinkmann, Sean and Hannah McPartlan, and Mary and Chris Ford, his grandchildren, Abigail and Luke Brinkmann, and extended family and friends.

 

He had a positive impact on so many lives in his 67 years and lives on in our hearts forever.

 

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marietta.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Vincent de Paul or Food for the Poor.

 

“It’s nice to be nice”

NWA Capt. Lowell Keith Williams

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Lowell Keith Williams

November 11, 1938 ~ May 17, 2026

 

Captain Williams joined Northwest Airlines 07-10-1967.  Lowell had most recently resided in Minnesota : 891 Redwood Dr, Saint Paul, MN 55124.  He is survived by his wife Kathlen “Kathy”, and by his children and their families.  Funeral Services for Lowell will be held June 19 at the White Funeral Home in Apple Valley MN.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/lowell-williams-obituary?id=61506686

Lowell Williams Obituary

White Funeral Home - Apple Valley

https://www.whitefuneralhomes.com/obituary/lowell-williams

Our loved Lowell, age 87, of Apple Valley passed away morning of May 17, 2026 at The Moments, Lakeville. Preceded in death by parents, LeRoy and Mary Williams; sisters, Karen, Carol and Sally; children, Kristen and Timothy Williams.

 

He was a U.S. Navy Veteran. Lowell Retired in 1998 from Northwest Airlines as a DC10 Captain. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend; his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.

 

Lowell is survived by wife of 63 years, Kathleen Diane; son, Brian (Lois) Williams and daughter, Erin Kickhofel; grandsons, Nathan (Ellie) Williams, Joshua (Madison) Williams and Lucas Kickhofel; granddaughter, Sophia Kickhofel; great grandson, Brooks Williams; many other relatives, as well as friends.

 

Funeral Service Friday, June 19th at 2pm at White Funeral Home 14560 Pennock Ave, Apple Valley. Visitation before service 1-2pm.

WA/DL Capt. Lothar Biermanski

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Lothar Biermanski

April 2, 1940 ~ May 3, 2026

From family we have learned of the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Lothar Biermanski.  Lothar Peter Biermanski began his commercial flying career with Western Airlines 09-03-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC.  He is survived by his wife Karen, and by his children and their families along with many dear friends and aviation colleagues.

Bowman Funeral Home of Boise, Idaho is assisting the family.

Should we receive further information, we will be sure to pass it along.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

NWA/DL Capt. Bradley Root

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Bradley Root

April 29, 1956 ~ May 7, 2026

 

Captain Bradley “Brad” Vohn Root, aviator, husband and man in command, passed peacefully……………. Captain Root joined Northwest Airlines 12-08-1989 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2021. Bradley is survived by his wife Cathy and had most recently resided in Sarasota, Florida.

Services for Captain Root will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota.

PCN memorial site  

 

https://www.heraldtribune.com/obituaries/psar1478111

Bradley V. Root, aviator, husband and man in command, passed peacefully on May 7, 2026, at 70 years old. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Mary Ellen Harrison Root and Clayton V. Root.

From early in life, Brad knew what he wanted. He became an Eagle Scout in high school. While in college, he earned his private pilot’s license, beginning his lifelong passion for aviation. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin as a finance major, he joined the United States Air Force. Excitedly driving off to Officer’s Training School, he forgot to say goodbye to his mother. Brad received his Officer’s Commission and was based at Travis Air Force Base, initially as a Budget Officer and then as a Pilot. He flew the C-141 out of Travis. He later flew the C-23 out of Zweibrücken, Germany. From Zweibrücken, Brad flew many missions, including those in the First Gulf War - Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. During the course of his nine years of active duty and 11 years of reserve duty, Brad flew missions all over the world, including to Antarctica. He received numerous Awards and Commendations of Valor.

Upon discharge from active duty, Major Bradley V. Root was hired by Northwest Airlines, which later merged with Delta Air Lines. He retired in 2021. Brad loved flying long haul, international flights, with his favorites being Amsterdam, Rome and Mumbai. When not working and after retirement, he enjoyed flying his several small planes.

Brad was a man of little patience, deep kindness and great humor. He loved his family and was interested in his family histories dating back to the Antebellum South and Alsace, France. Having proudly served his country, he was deeply grateful for the experiences and opportunities he had during those years. Brad made and maintained treasured friendships throughout his life. Brad always said that his most valued points in life were, in no specified order: receiving his Commission as an Officer to the USAF, getting his job as a pilot at Northwest Airlines and marrying Cathy, the love of his life.

Brad will be forever loved, remembered and missed. He will receive a military funeral at Sarasota National Cemetery. Those wishing to pay their respects, please raise your glass and toast our dearly loved one, always.

 

WA/DL Capt. Joe B. Taylor

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Joe B. Taylor

June 19, 1940 ~ May 13, 2026

 

Captain Joseph “Joe” Berens Taylor joined Western Airlines 02-24-1969 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC.  Joe is survived by his wife Margaret, and by his large and very close extended family as well as many dear friends and aviation colleagues. 

Joe had most recently resided in Idaho :  1148 N Eagle Hills Way, Eagle, ID 83616.

Joe’s funeral service will be held May 19 at Eagle Nazarene Church, Eagle, Idaho.

 

PCN memorial site

 

To view the obituary and share memories online please visit the funeral home website at

  https://www.aldenwaggoner.com/obituaries/joseph-taylor

Joseph Berens Taylor

d. May 13, 2026

Eagle ID

Joseph Berens Taylor, a retired airline pilot and father of six, passed away of natural causes on May 13 in Boise. He was a month shy of his 86th birthday.

He had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, though the condition never fully progressed. He remained friendly and retained his sense of humor pretty much until the end.

For the past eight years, Joe lived in Eagle, Idaho, with his wife, Margaret (née Thengvall; later Gee). They first met in high school in the 1950s in Biggs, a small town in Northern California. As family legend has it, Margaret’s father, Ralph, was taken with Joe’s athletic prowess on the football field and basketball court and told him so after a couple of games.

The Taylor family—Ralph, Leona, and Joe—moved to Willows, California, where Joe had been born. (Joe’s older sisters, Lorajean, known as Jeannie, and Lovie, had already moved out.) He attended his senior year in high school there, playing on the football and basketball teams.

Joe was offered a full football and basketball scholarship to the University of North Dakota. He excelled on the football team, playing halfback on offense and safety on defense. During the 1961 season, he rushed for 248 yards, had 135 receiving yards, and scored 38 points. He was selected as the team’s “most valuable back.” His player number, 24, remained his favorite number throughout his life.

As a teenager, Joe was captivated by the sight of crop dusters sweeping low over nearby fields. The thought of becoming a pilot thrilled him, and he decided to learn how to fly a plane and pursue a career in aviation.

In college, Joe enrolled in ROTC, and after graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas, where he learned to fly the T-38, and later Otis Air National Guard Base in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where he gained significant flight time. After five years, he deployed to Vietnam, stationed in Korat, Thailand. He primarily flew T-38s on reconnaissance missions. He also piloted Lockheed C-121s and U-10s, sometimes landing them in areas without prepared runways, including short jungle clearings. His third son, Brett, was born in 1968 while Joe was overseas. His fourth son, Rick, was named after a close friend serving with him.

After returning to the United States, Joe became a pilot for Western Airlines. He loved Western, with its memorable ad tagline, “The only way to fly.” Around the same time, he also joined the Air National Guard. He flew Cessna O-2 aircraft, sometimes transporting the governor of California and other dignitaries. At air shows, he became known for flying the plane backward, made possible by strong winds and low air speeds.

For many years with Western, he was based at the San Francisco International Airport and commuted from towns many miles away, including Dixon. Joe served as first officer on the Boeing 737 and later the 727. In 1987, Delta Air Lines and Western merged. At Delta, he mastered additional aircraft, including the DC-10. In the later years of his flying career, he served as captain on the 757 and 767.

Following mandatory retirement at age 60 in 2000, he worked part-time as a simulator flight instructor for Delta pilots. He also would assert to anybody who would listen that age 60 was too young for mandatory retirement. The flying public was missing out on healthy and highly experienced pilots, he said. In 2007, the longtime “Age 60 Rule” was abolished, and the mandatory retirement age was lifted to 65.

In retirement, Joe enjoyed playing golf, occasional tennis, and watching sports, including football, basketball, and hockey. He especially enjoyed watching his son Grant play tennis and cheering on his grandchildren in golf and many other sports.

In his later years, he became more active in his church community, and his Christian faith became an ever more meaningful source of peace and strength. He found great meaning in reading Scripture and discussing questions of faith with others.

Joe’s adult life unfolded in three chapters. He and his first wife, Bev (née Ferris, now Hansen), made their home in Northern California, where they raised five children: Joe Jr., Tim, Brett, Rick, and Heather. They were married for 15 years.

Later, with his second wife, Beverly (née Arthur), he lived in Salt Lake City and welcomed a son, Grant. They were married for 34 years, until her death in January 2017.

In Boise, Joe found happiness with his third wife, Margaret, and was blessed with three adult stepchildren: Colette, David, and Ian. He also delighted in a large and growing group of step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him much pride and joy.

His immediate beloved surviving grandchildren include Benjamin, Morgan, Addison, and Colten, from Brett and Stephanie; Taylor and Reagan, from Heather and Jerry; Ella, from Tim (and now Tatiana); and Giuliana (Gigi) and Griffin, from Grant and Cierra.

Years ago, Joe liked to joke that with his first five kids he had created his own basketball team. Over the years, this team grew into a full bench and spilled into the bleachers. One day, it may fill an entire stadium. And somewhere high above, a jersey bearing the number 24 will float in the rafters.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Eagle Nazarene Church, 1001 W. State Street, Eagle, Idaho. He will be laid to rest in Salt Lake City at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) or Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

 

WA/DL Capt. Robert "Bob" Engel

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Robert "Bob" Engel

June 28, 1935 ~ October 13, 2025

 

 

Robert DeLong Engel joined Western Airlines 01-09-1967 and was based SLC.  Bob had most recently resided in Washington state : 4613 Petrel St, Port Townsend, WA 98368. 

Bob is survived by his wife Charlene, and by his children and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.bradley-kosec.com/obituaries?query=engel 

Robert ("Bob," "Dink") DeLong Engel passed away October 13, 2025 in Seattle, WA. He was surrounded by his loving family.

 

Bob was born in Peoria, IL to Robert F. and Maurine D. Engel on June 28, 1935. He started his school days in Washburn, IL but it was his dad's Engineering career working job sites all over the country that eventually landed the family west. At a young age Bob loved cars and knowing how things work. He could fix anything. He was instinctively great at reading maps and getting around. He made friends easily, so moving often as a young boy suited him well. In 1947, the family packed up their new red Studebaker Champion and headed to Richfield, UT. Then they went further west to Bishop, CA where Bob took on a love of skiing and the mountains. The next move was to San Mateo, CA where they bought their first house but uprooted often to temporary job sites in Blackfoot, Idaho and Sweetwater, TX. In these places Bob always had a job often on a nearby farm cleaning eggs or harvesting potatoes. He had several paper routes and cherished his Wards Hawthorne bike with its large wire basket that could hold 60 papers.

 

Bob graduated from San Mateo High School and went on to San Jose State University where he was in ROTC and a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

 

After graduation, Bob joined the United States Air Force where he went to flight school. After training he was stationed in Ramstein, Germany as a squadron member of the F100 Super Sabre - the world's first supersonic military aircraft. Bob was a great story teller and there were plenty of stories to tell about the training missions and comrarderie during these years. On one such training mission to France, the bold pilots couldn't resist a little fun and buzzed the Eiffel Tower. On another mission, Bob and two others were dropped in the German forest with limited supplies and directions. With map and compass they avoided ending up in East Germany. One member of the group tapped out early, but Bob and the other spent several days testing their skills in survival and navigation.

 

In 1963, Bob was home from Germany. He brought with him a Super-90 Porsche convertible that he bought at the factory. He loved everything about cars. He shared this passion with his dad and they would often travel to car shows and work on cars together.

 

He retired from the USAF and settled in Tucson where he was a safety officer of the Air National Guard again flying the F100 and later the F102. It was there that he met his beautiful wife to be, Charlene. They soon moved to Foster City, California where Bob was based with Western Airlines ("The Only Way to Fly"). He had a long career as a commercial pilot retiring as a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 and 767 Captain after 30 years. Being a commercial pilot allowed he and Charlene to raise their family in beautiful places. After Foster City and Sonoma, CA they lived in Reno, NV. Bob loved water skiing and cruising around in his boat at Lake Tahoe and snow skiing at Mt. Rose.

 

After retiring, Bob and Charlene moved to Port Townsend, WA in the Pacific Northwest. They fixed up several homes and loved living in the quirky maritime town. Bob was a member of the Rakers car club, he supported the Port Townsend Aero Museum at the Jefferson County Airport, and loved attending and volunteering at the Wooden Boat Festival. He loved lunch at the airport on a nice day. Bob had an incredible library of books that many book collectors might envy. Both he and Charlene loved following Seattle Sports. They planned and ventured many trips together that included their favorite places - Italy and Cannon Beach. They put in many miles to Florida, Nevada, and Canada to be with grandkids.

 

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlene, his three children - Trent "Richard" Engel, Michelle Little (Larry) and Anne Newlin (Lance). Nine grandchildren - Sam, Natalie, Charlotte, Claire, Cameron, Emily, Jake, Hannah and Grace. One great-granddaughter Whitney and one on the way. His brother Jim (Lynn Johnson) and sister Barbara (Norm Anderson, deceased). And his nieces and nephew Amy, Barry, Allison, Peter (deceased) and Maurine.

Family and friends are invited to share memories of Bob and sign the online guestbook.

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-engel-obituary?id=61480331

Robert Engel Obituary

Longtime Port Townsend resident Robert ("Bob," "Dink") DeLong Engel passed away October 13, 2025 in Seattle, WA. He was surrounded by his wife Charlene and their three adult children. Bob was born in Peoria, IL on June 28, 1935. He served in the US Air Force and flew as a commercial pilot with Western and Delta Air Lines. A full copy of his obituary is online at https://www.bradley-kosec.com/obituaries/robert-engel

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.