PAA/DL FE/pilot Roger E. Behre

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, PAA/DL FE/pilot Roger E. Behre

 June 24, 1932 ~ July 22, 2026

 

He became a flight engineer and pilot for Pan American Airlines during their glory years, and later for Delta Air Lines, traversing the globe from JFK airport…………….

Roger joined Pan American 10-31-1966.  Widowed in 2014, Roger is survived by four of his children, along with his grand- and greatgrandchildren and their families.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.bolesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Roger-E-Behre?obId=49083352

Roger E. Behre Obituary

Roger E. Behre, a man whose life was a tapestry of adventure, took his final flight home, passing away peacefully on July 22, 2026, at the age of 94, in his home in Seven Lakes, North Carolina. Born on June 24, 1932, in Newark, New Jersey, Roger was the cherished son of Walter and Marguerite Behre. He carried the legacy of his parents with dignity and grace throughout his life.

 

Roger's journey began in New Providence, New Jersey, working in his families rose growing business. He graduated from Summit High School and was a Pole Vaulter on the track team before following his older Brother Charles to the University of Idaho earning a degree in agriculture and making lifelong friends as a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. His flight path was marked by a strong sense of duty, which led him to serve in the United States Air Force as a Lt Col. In 1954, he took his first solo flight, a momentous occasion that set the stage for a distinguished flying career. Roger served as a pilot for the Strategic Air Command, flying refueling aircraft, and later joined the New Jersey Air National Guard. During the Vietnam War, his unit played a crucial role out of McGuire Air Force base training pilots and navigators for radar patrol and surveillance operations in Southeast Asia.

 

After a brief stint as a salesman in NYC, Roger's love of flying found a new home in the commercial aviation industry. He became a flight engineer and pilot for Pan American Airlines during their glory years, and later for Delta Airlines, traversing the globe from JFK airport. From the DC-8 to the Boeing 737, 707, and the Boeing 747, Roger piloted numerous aircraft to destinations in Europe, South America, and Africa. He flew to all 50 states and more than 50 countries and most major cities around the world. With Pan Am, Roger volunteered to fly to combat zones in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm. They were the most satisfying and proudest flights of his career when he was able to return those troops to America and their loved ones. Roger often quipped that the only time he felt unsafe was driving in Brooklyn on the Belt Parkway back and forth to the airport.

 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Roger was a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the New Providence Fire Department, serving from 1959 to 1992. He was also a proud member of the American Legion. His commitment to community service was a testament to his generous spirit.

 

Roger had a passion for keeping his yard immaculate and for tennis, which he played recreationally until tennis elbow led him to rediscover golf, a sport he enjoyed immensely in his later years in Seven Lakes, North Carolina. His vegetable garden was a source of pride and joy, and he delighted in sharing his harvest with friends and neighbors.

 

Roger's warmth was truly infectious. Known for his ever-present smile, sharing a beer, and quick wit, he had a unique ability to make those around him feel valued and at ease. His kindness, humor, and generosity left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He found happiness in the joy of others, often putting their needs above his own. He never saw a need to replace perfectly good, thirty-year-old furniture but always made sure his family had funds for their education.

 

Roger was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years Claire, as well as his dear children, Suzanne and son Steven. He is survived by his 4 loving children Walter Behre (Rebecca) of Moscow, Idaho, James Behre, Karen Halada (Charles) of Middlesex New Jersey and Charles Behre (Nina) of Costa Mesa, California, his 11 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. It goes without saying that his entire extended family thought he was the best ever. His family extends heartfelt thanks to his Hospice team and the friends who supported him in his final years.

 

In honor of his life and legacy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, organizations that reflect Roger's commitment to service and community.

 

A ceremony will be held to celebrate Roger's remarkable life, at a later date in New Jersey.

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/newsobserver/name/claire-behre-obituary?id=35756869

Claire Behre Obituary

Claire N. Behre, 81, Seven Lakes, died 11-10-2014.

Arrangements: Briggs-Candor F.H., Candor.