DL Flt Ops agent Dick Steele

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

ATL DL Flt Ops agent Richard "Dick" David Steele

July 21, 1940 ~  June 18, 2026

 

R.I.P. RICHARD STEELE ( DICK)

DELTA ATL Flight Control

One of the really great guys.

Suffered a stroke a few years ago.

Many rounds of golf in PTC.

JoAn Adamson Steele you are in our prayers.

 

PCN memorial site

https://www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Richard-Dick-David-Steele?obId=48821292

Obituary

Richard David Steele (Dick) age 85, of Griffin, Georgia passed away Thursday, June 18, 2026.

 

Dick was born in Watertown, New York on July 21, 1940. His parents David James Steele and Olive Myrtle Horton Steele, and siblings, Raymond Steele, Howard Steele, and Patty Steele Harrison all preceded him in death. Dick lost his parents at a young age and was raised by his Aunt Myrth and Uncle Pete Pietro.

 

Dick was a veteran of the United States Air Force before he joined Delta Airlines. He loved his job at Delta in Flight Control and retired after 34 years. After retirement, Dick worked in the real estate community as a loan officer in a local mortgage company.

 

Those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 41 years, JoAn Adamson Steele; sons: Richard David Steele II (Candace), Bryan Scott (Jamie), and Randy Scott. Grandchildren: Tripp Steele, King Steele Sailor Steele, Randall Scott, Sarah Scott Fleming, Mason Scott and Emily Scott, Sisters Mary Steele Newbanks (Mike) and Patti Snyder (Warren). Sisters-in-law Sandra Howard and Brenda Allen (James) Brother-in-law, James Allen and Joe Adamson. He is known as Uncle Dickie by many nieces and nephews as well as many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

 

Dick was a pilot and joint owner with friends of a private plane for many years. He was an avid golfer, loved airplanes, flying and traveling. He loved people and his outgoing, generous, fun-loving nature shined daily with anyone that crossed his path. His love of life was contagious! He never met a stranger, was tender hearted, loved animals (neighbors dogs knew where the treats were at the Steele house)!

 

The family finds comfort in knowing we will be together again. He was a member of Harps Crossing Baptist church and was baptized on March 13, 2005. His memorial service will be Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Conner Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 West McIntosh Road., Griffin, Georgia 30223. Family will welcome friends at 1:00-2:00, and the memorial service will be at 2:00 in the funeral home chapel.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Harps Crossing Baptist Church, 1183 Highway 92, Fayetteville, GA 30215 or Akins Ministry, P.O. Box 142639, Fayetteville, GA 30214.

DL Pilot/Flight Instructor Norbert John West Sr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Pilot/Flight Instructor Norbert John West Sr.

May 11, 1933 – March 26, 2026

 

Mr. Norbert “Norb” John West Sr. enjoyed his 35yr career with Delta Air Lines.  Norb is survived by his wife Svetlana, and by his children and their families.

PCN memorial site  

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sandy-springs-ga/norbert-west-12806787

Obituary of Norbert John West Sr.

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

Norbert “Norb” John West, 92 of Kennesaw passed away March 26, 2026. Early on, our dad achieved his dream of becoming a pilot. He also had a lengthy career with Delta Airlines. In his final years at Delta, Dad enjoyed being a pilot instructor, developing the manuals and the simulator programs. He retired from Delta after 35 years of excellent work. He was an amazing man and had many successful accomplishments in being an entrepreneur. Dad also served as the mayor of Riverdale in 1964. Yet, all his accomplishments, his most treasured accomplishment was being a faithful servant of God and serving his family with all his heart.

 

Mr. West is survived by his wife of 25 years, Svetlana West; daughter, Jenny Murray (Jdavid), Trisha Craft (Doug); sons, John West, Karl West (Lori); grandchildren, Jamie Williams (Billy), Julie Uden (Shannon), Jessica Murray, Charlie Craft, Jonathan Craft, Sarah Johnson (Chance), Faye West, Leslie West, Jennifer Ashgar, Regina Glanton, Elizabeth West, Charles West; numerous great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Siblings Forever | nonprofit | Georgia, USA https://share.google/kYVND4JiEXXi8qf7j

 

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 1, 2026 beginning at 10 o’clock with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd., NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Interment will follow at 2 o’clock at Camp Memorial Park, 1095 Hwy 54 E, Fayetteville, GA 30215.

DL Flt. Instructor Capt. Don Strickland

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Flt. Instructor Don Strickland

July 24, 1939  -  January 22, 2026

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Don-Strickland?obId=47064341

 

Donald Elmo “Don” Strickland, 86 of Milner, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

 

Don was born on July 24, 1939, in Hull, Georgia to the late Euel Thomas “E.T.” Strickland and the late Roberta Thompson Strickland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Hilda Virginia Fortson Strickland; siblings, Betty Fortson, Cecil Strickland, James Strickland, Florene Jenkins, and Curtis Strickland.

 

Mr. Strickland was a devoted and loving husband to his childhood sweetheart, Hilda. Their life together was rooted in deep love and companionship, and they found their greatest joy simply being together. Whether they were spending time with family, traveling, camping, fishing, or sitting in the back porch swing. Those moments side by side meant everything to them.

 

That same love carried through every part of Mr. Strickland’s life. Don was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He retired as a pilot instructor from Delta Airlines after 32 years. Don was a “jack of all trades” and could build or fix anything. He was proud of his farm and loved to cut his grass on his tractor. Don enjoyed sports, but especially loved fishing and golf. He was an avid sports fan and loved his Atlanta Braves and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He served his country proudly as a Corpsman in the United States Navy and attended Milner Methodist Church. His memory will forever be cherished by those he leaves behind.

 

Those left to cherish Don’s life are his children and their spouses, David Strickland (Marcia), Donna Farrenkopf (Don Ransom); grandchildren and their spouses, Erin Studstill (David), Meghan Wiggins (Alvin), Loren Strickland, Ethan Strickland, Ashley Chatley (Scott), Taylor Farrenkopf (Brittany); great-grandchildren, Reagan Studstill, David Studstill, Remy Wiggins, Mackenzie Chatley, Reagan Farrenkopf, Madison Farrenkopf; God-son, Eli Fouts.

 

There are no formal services at this time

 

 

NEA/DL Flt. Control Edward “Ed” David Lennon

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, NEA/DL Flt. Control Edward “Ed” David Lennon

July 9, 1934 ~ December 22, 2025

 

Ed’s long career with Delta Airlines in flight control operations was the result of a lifelong interest in aviation, which was kickstarted by four years in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic…………….

Ed hired on with Northeast Airlines in November 1963 and retired with Delta Air Lines in August 1999 based ATL/022.

Ed is survived by his wife Pat, and by his daughters and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

https://ripostafh.com/tribute/details/21398/Edward-Lennon/obituary.html#tribute-start

 

https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/edward-david-lennon-obituary/266253

 

Edward David Lennon of Belfast, Maine, and formerly of Dunwoody, Georgia, passed away at his home on Monday, December 22, 2025. He was surrounded by his three daughters, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Victoria; his second wife, Patricia Heinz, her daughter Anne; and by the love and prayers of family and friends, both near and far. He had achieved his oft-stated goal of a long and storied life, on his own terms and in his own time.

-

Ed was born in Concord, Massachusetts, on July 9, 1934, and was the first of four children born to Joseph and Dorothy Lennon. He grew up in Natick, Massachusetts. While living in New York, New York, he met Mary Elizabeth Scott and they soon married. Ed and Mary settled into their first home in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

-

To his family, Ed was a real renaissance man and a gifted storyteller. He wrote a book of his “Early Years,” which he presented to family during a celebration for his 90th birthday. He was an amateur historian and many family trips were spent visiting battlefields, parks, and museums with Ed as docent leading the way, sharing insights with his children and grandchildren.

-

Ed was a modern father long before they were celebrated as they are today. His spaghetti sauce and meatloaf were legendary. His daughters all marvel at how he was able to be such a hands-on father despite a demanding job and many other hobbies and passions. Hockey was a huge part of his life, and he played in amateur leagues well into his 70’s alongside players who were decades younger.

Ed’s long career with Delta Airlines in flight control operations was the result of a lifelong interest in aviation, which was kickstarted by four years in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic. Coupled with an insatiable curiosity about the world and some serious wanderlust, he followed his aviation dreams from Boston to New York to California, back to Boston and finally to Atlanta, where he and Mary raised their daughters. Mary shared his curiosity about the world and his love of travel, and they definitely passed those genes down to their daughters and grandchildren.

Retiring to Maine took a bittersweet turn as Ed became the primary caretaker for his wife of 47 years, as Mary’s Alzheimer's disease progressed. He found solace in researching his genealogy, building out his already impressive library collection, and enrolling in senior college classes. His love of learning was contagious, and his daughters received many phone calls about must-visit places, must-read books and must-see documentaries. Importantly, he modeled for his family what resilience looks like. Ed was active in his AA chapters in Dunwoody and Belfast, where he hosted a weekly meeting at his home, mentoring many during his 45 years of sobriety. He was an active board member of the Belfast Historical Society & Museum and active member at his local church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Belfast. A deep appreciation for the arts, music, and theatre had been an important part of Ed and Mary’s life together, and he continued to seek opportunities to enjoy and support these things in Maine.

After Mary’s passing in 2010, Ed married Patricia Heinz and they had 15 wonderful years together. Pat and her family embraced Ed and ensured that his last chapter of life was filled with love, travel, and sailing. The number of Red Sox, Bruins, UMaine Blackbears, and Patriot games that Pat patiently endured is surely a testament. Quiet moments on his sunporch, listening to music, reading books, and watching the sparkling waters of the Maine coast were among the things Ed treasured in his final months.

Ed Lennon was a bright light, and the world is a better place for the 91 years he spent here. As a father and grandfather, he set the bar almost impossibly high. As a loyal and devoted friend and husband, he was all in. His positive outlook on life, zest for knowledge in all forms, his compassion and service to others, and his gift of storytelling are his legacy. We honor his memory by telling his stories.

Ed is survived by his wife Pat; his three daughters; and his seven grandchildren: Sophia Petritz, Annelise Petritz, Genevieve Petritz, Mary Grace Leatherbury, James Leatherbury, Natalie Dettwiler and Samantha Dettwiler.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 81 Court Street, Belfast, ME 04915.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave, Belfast, ME 04915. 

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to donate in Ed’s name to the Belfast Historical Society at https://belfastmuseum.org/ and using the donate button at the top of the home page or by mailing a check.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com

 

LAX/ATL WA/DL Flt. Control/Dispatcher Robert “Bob” Baird

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

LAX/ATL WA/DL Flt. Control/Dispatcher Robert “Bob” Shelley Baird

October 29, 1937 – January 6, 2026

 

Bob attended Airline School which helped him get a job with Western Airlines. This was the beginning of a distinguished 49 year career……started with Western as a clerk and worked his way to becoming a dispatcher and eventually Director of Flight Control for Western Airlines………..after a merger with Delta Air Lines, he stayed in a management role and moved to Atlanta GA. …..his final years with Delta doing what he loved best, dispatching airplanes. Bob was a pioneer in his field……

Bob hired on with Western 12-14-1957 and was based LAX.   

PCN memorial site

 

 

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

https://www.premierfuneral.com/obituaries/robert-baird-20  also 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-baird-obituary?id=60531052

Obituary

Robert S. Baird Passed away peacefully, Tuesday January 6th at Cache Valley Assisted Living in Providence UT. He was born, the first of three children, to Bob and Annie Baird in Hailey ID, October 29th, 1937.

 

“Bob”, as he was known to all except his mother, was raised in and around Melba ID where he graduated from Melba High School in 1955. Following High School, he was afforded the opportunity to attend Airline School which helped him get a job with Western Airlines. This was the beginning of a distinguished 49 year career. He started with Western as a clerk and worked his way to becoming a dispatcher and eventually Director of Flight Control for Western Airlines. In 1986 after a merger with Delta Airlines, he stayed in a management role and moved to Atlanta GA. He decided to step away from management towards the end of his career and spent his final years with Delta doing what he loved best, dispatching airplanes. Bob was a pioneer in his field. If you spend time with those who have worked with him, you will hear numerous stories of how his innovations were not only essential to the success of Western Airlines but shared with other airlines as well.

 

In December of 1960 Bob married Janis Rene Leonhardt. They had one child, Bart, and would move to Inglewood CA. Bob and Janis divorced in 1971. In April of 1972 Bob Married Wanda Hope Williamson. She had four sons, Dennis, Larry, Keith, and Jeff.

 

Bob and Wanda lived in Carson CA until 1986 and then moved to Georgia, eventually building a home in Fayetteville and living there for over 35 years. Together they enjoyed square dancing and working in their yard. They were very avid square dancers and had the opportunity to dance all over the country together. Bob loved fishing and NASCAR. He and his brother-in-law Jim had season tickets to the Atlanta Motor Speedway for a number of years. He especially enjoyed his beloved Atlanta Braves. He lived in Los Angeles for twenty-five years as a devoted Braves fan with disdain for the LA Dodgers.

 

While in Georgia, Bob and Wanda became members of the Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church of Fayetteville. So many of their best friends came through this association. When Wanda passed in June of 2021 Harp’s became a lifeline to Bob as his friends wrapped their arms around him and helped him through his grief. In 2024 Bob Moved to Utah. His declining health had made it too difficult for his family to care for him long distance. He hated to leave Georgia and went “kicking and screaming” but as was Bob’s nature he developed new friends and he was a joy to the residents at Blacksmith Fork and Cache Valley Assisted Livings. Dementia stole so much from Bob, it is truly a blessing for him to be reunited with Wanda and other loved ones. But despite the challenges he faced he was always able, in his own way, to keep his loving nature and sly sense of humor and quick wit.

 

As a family we (as well as Bob) would like to thank those who have helped him through his final journey. His good friend and Pastor Ken Helms as well as all the members of his Harps Crossing family. His friends and neighbors David and Ariska Griggs. His nurse in GA and friend to he and Wanda over the years Jacklyn Holcombe. With out you all he would not have been able to stay in Georgia as long as he was able to. His friends and the staff at Cache Valley and Blacksmith Fork Assisted Livings. Special thanks to Shana and her staff at CVAL and his nurse Beckie and Atlas Home Health and Hospice for loving care and support.

 

Bob is survived by his sons James Dennis Williamson (Suzan) Lampe MO, Lawrence Williamson (Penny) Colleyville TX, Johnnie Keith Williamson (Nancy) Seattle WA, Bart Baird (Heidi) Hyrum UT, and Jeffery Williamson, (Jennifer) Huntersville NC, 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren and a sister-in-law Jelene Baird.

 

Bob was cremated with the services of Premier Mortuary of Roy Utah. No formal services are scheduled at this time. He will be interred with his wife Wanda in Jasper Alabama. His family, and I am sure Bob as well, would like to thank those who have helped him over the last few years.

 

DL FA Cathy Carrasco-Pate, wife of DL Capt. J. Doug Pate

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL FA Cathy Carrasco-Pate, wife of DL Capt. J. Doug Pate

April 30, 1947 ~ January 9, 2026

 

1-10-2026    From friends and colleagues…….sad news that retired FA Cathy Carrasco-Pate passed away yesterday.   She started dialysis 3 times a week about 18 months ago & handled it very well until Thanksgiving.  Since that time, she has gotten weaker & weaker.  Her husband, retired DL Captain Doug Pate, would take her to dialysis whenever she was not up to driving herself.

Cathy put up a good fight, cheerful to the end.   She will be cremated & a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date, probably in March.  Details will follow then.

Please no calls or visits for the time being.

Thank you.

 

Address:  Doug Pate, 3050 Creekbend Circle, Grapevine TX 76051-6311

 

PCN memorial site

Sylvia Hodnett Gex, former stewardess & widow of DL Capt. Robert Gex

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Sylvia Hodnett Gex, former stewardess & widow of DL Capt. Robert Gex

September 14, 1933 ~ October 27, 2025

 

 

….she became a Stewardess working for Delta Airlines in 1957…. loved her years of flying. Yet those were to change as she fell hopelessly in love with a dashing flyboy named Robert Brooking Gex III who also worked at Delta…………

 

Captain Gex (1920-1978) joined Delta Air Lines 12-12-1949 and was based Atlanta.

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.rememberobits.com/obituaries/valley-point-funeral-home/sylvia-hodnett-gex-obituary

 

Obituary For Sylvia Hodnett Gex

Monday evening, Oct 27, 2025, after a challenging recovery from a recent surgery, Sylvia Hodnett Gex passed away after 92 years traveling around the sun, picked up stakes on the rock we call earth and moved into her Heavenly Father’s house. We have no doubt that her arrival was met with welcoming hugs of family and loved ones already in residence and of course our Lord & Savior!

 

Sylvia’s legacy is carried forward by her three most precious loves, her three sons – Jack, Brook and Danny Gex. Jack and wife Nancy Jo and their blended family, Jack’s children Bobby and wife Viktoria Gex, Ben and wife Darby Gex, and Hannah Gex. As well as Nancy Jo’s children Sara (Goldie) and husband Matt Lee, Pam Goldie, and Mark and Samantha Goldie. Brook’s children Casey, Julia and Eileen Gex. And Danny and wife Michelle (Lamy) Gex and their four daughters Emily, Elizabeth, Abigail and Caroline Gex. Sister, Linda Hodnett Wright. She was also promoted to Great Grandmother by Carson Gex (Ben & Darby), by Savana and Barret Lee (Matt & Sara), by Lydia Adams (Pam Goldie) and most recently by Bonnie Goldie (Mark & Samantha).

 

And her other family, ‘The Girls’; her dearest of girlfriends, the girls of the West Point High School class of 1952.

 

Sylvia Hodnett Gex, was born Sylvia Ann Fowler on Sep 14, 1933, in Gadsden, Alabama to Harold and Ona Fowler. She spent her first 7 years living on a farm outside of Centre, Alabama playing in the family General Store, picking cotton by hand on the land farmed and share cropped and seeing the family run the local cotton gin. She had fond memories of helping her father around the farm with tools, falling in a creek when she slipped off a log and helping her mother sort all the drawers full of buttons in the general store. However, fate decided she was to grow up in a different location. In the summer of 1940, in a driving rainstorm the family was involved in a tragic auto accident. Her 3-month-old baby sister, Linda Fowler (Aunt Linda), was rescued having been safely thrown free of the accident. Unfortunately, her mother was killed in the wreck and her father died a few days later in the hospital. Over the next few months forces beyond explanation were working to bring her and her sister to a new home. In September of 1940 mom became Sylvia Ann Hodnett and Linda Hodnett when they were adopted by a loving Christian couple, Jack and Vivian Hodnett of West Point, Georgia.

 

Belle/Georgia Peach, and lifelong friend of her 28 high school classmates. She grew up in the First United Methodist Church of West Point and loved her mom and dad immensely. She attended West Point High School where she was a Cheer Leader for two years. The family vacationed in Daytona Beach, Florida and for many summers Sylvia attended Camp Dixie for Girls in North Georgia. Upon high school graduation in 1952 she continued her love of adventures by hopping a train and traveling halfway across the country attending Stevens College in Columbia, Missouri. And if traveling across country for two years of college was not enough or not an indicator, a few years after graduation from Stevens College in 1954 she became a Stewardess working for Delta Airlines in 1957.

 

During her years with Delta, she traveled! She vacationed with her sister staying in Jamaica and then in Havana, Cuba (before things went sideways!). She traveled to Spain and experienced the bullfights. She journeyed across the South flying in a DC-3 – asking with her Southern charm: ‘Coffee or Tea’? They even landed at the wrong airport and had to lean out the window of the plane and ask ‘Where are we?’ (true story)! She was based in New Orleans for several years living on Bourbon Street, seeing French Quarter history and enjoying great Cajun food! While at Delta Airlines she volunteered, trained and was selected as a one of Delta Airlines’ first “Jet Age” flight attendants. Mom was one of 12 girls to fly the inaugural Atlanta, Miami, Chicago routes on the new DC-8 jets. They took the girls to New York to be fitted with new uniforms designed by Hollywood and Academy Award winning costume designer, Edith Head. Mom loved her years of flying. Yet those were to change as she fell hopelessly in love with a dashing flyboy named Robert Brooking Gex III who also worked at Delta.

 

Sylvia and Bob were married in August of 1962. They had three children: Hardy Jackson Hodnett Gex (63), Lewis Brooking Kempner Gex (65) and Robert William Daniel Gex (67). The years of living at 319 Hickory Post Lane were for the most part idyllic and small town through the 1960’s and 1970’s. There were cocktail dinner parties, trips to New Orleans with the neighbors, summer trips to the grand parents in Georgia, and a million kids birthday parties, homemade ice cream, and years of sporting events where she earned the nickname, Mama Gex. In the summer of 1978, she lost the love of her life as Bob Gex passed away. Summoning courage she charged ahead continuing the task of raising her three boys through school and off to graduation from college. Many childhood friends, Spartan classmates and teammates, and a group of Aggie friends (Bob’s alma mater) would always be a part of their lives.

 

In 1995 Sylvia earned her greatest promotion and took on her most favorite of titles: Grammy. Over the next 10 years she was blessed with 10 grandchildren. She would dote, spoil, comfort, entertain, did I say spoil, and love without question or limits those 10 grand kids – 3 boys and 7 girls until this very day. The spoiling rotten time was most evident around the numerous birthdays throughout the year. With cakes, famous homemade peach ice cream – only made with Georgia Peaches – because they were better and she was one – and the birthday shopping trip with Grammy (the girls loved the shopping day with Grammy)! The greatest meal, of historic proportion in feast and memories was always Thanksgiving Dinner. But the grandest display of family love and the Spirit of Christmas morning gathering of the grandkids with Grammy to open presents.

 

This is but a snap shot of her legacy. The hope is that the Moma Gex and Grammy love that was, and still is, leaps out from these words and that just at least a little goes home with the reader. Welcome to the family.

 

Funeral services in Houston will be held at Dettling Funeral Home 14094 Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77079 Thursday November 6, 2025, with visitation from 5:00PM to 8:00PM with a blessing and eulogies at 7:00PM.

 

There will be additional services at Valley-Point Funeral Home, 1011 N Lanier Ave. Lanett, AL 36863 Thursday November 20, 2025, with visitation from 11:00AM to 1:00PM with burial immediately following in Marseilles Cemetery 400-498 E 12th St, West Point, GA 31833.

 

Donations can be made to the American Heart association or MD Anderson. Or – to the charity of your choice in her honor.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85651537/robert-brooking-gex

Robert Brooking Gex III

Birth   22 May 1920    Kirksville, Missouri

Death   16 Jul 1978 (aged 58)   Houston, Texas

Burial   Marseilles Cemetery, West Point, Georgia

DL training Capt. John Valentine Sabel

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAir/AA pilot & DL training Capt. John Valentine Sabel

July 5, 1958 – October 22, 2025

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pittsburgh-pa/john-sabel-12575404

PCN memorial site

IN THE CARE OF H.P. Brandt Funeral Home

John Valentine Sabel passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle. John was patient, thoughtful, and humorous; a hard-working, devoted, and beloved family man. He was known for his kind-hearted nature and was an inspirational presence to those around him, ever wise and brave.

 

John was born in Chicago to Magdalena and Rudy Sabel and grew up in Clearwater, Florida. He was a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and later completed his studies at Duquesne University Law School.

 

In a distinguished career that spanned 38 years, John was a pilot for USAir and American Airlines. After retirement, he worked for Delta Airlines in their training department. He also practiced aviation law and taught aviation law at various universities, sharing his vast knowledge and experience.

 

For 35 loving years, John was the devoted husband of LeeAnn Sabel (Pallotti). John has two loving daughters , Alissa Poole and Mallory Sabel. John's family also included close pilot friends and his brother-in-law, Russell Pallotti (Lisa). He is the Uncle of Nicholas and Kevin Pallotti. John has a beloved Aunt Mary and cousins in Florida.

 

John's personal interests were as vibrant as his professional life. He enjoyed boating in Florida and was a big fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Clearwater, Florida, held a special place in his heart, where he found peace watching the sunrise and taking walks on the beach. Above all, he loved spending time with family and friends, creating cherished memories.

 

John Valentine Sabel will be remembered for the light he brought into the lives of everyone he touched.

 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday November 13th at 11am at

St. Margaret Mary Church, 1 Parish Place, Moon Township, PA 15108

 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s memory to The Sisters of Mercy,

3333 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3165.

DL Capt. Robert "Bob" David Berger

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Robert "Bob" David Berger

     July 1, 1942 - November 13, 2025

DL F/A Carol Susan Kristin Berger

     January 15, 1951 ~ May 21, 2021

 

Passing along information as was received from the Berger family….please see below.

 

Bob joined Delta Air Lines 02-13-1970 and was based Boston.  He retired with 25 plus years.  Carol was a Delta Air Lines Flight Attendant for more than 20 years and it was while working the same flight that Bob and Carol met.  They were married June 9, 1984.  They are survived by their children Lauren, Ryan, and Lucas, and by their grandchildren.

 

Celebration of Life service

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10 a.m. EST

Faith Community Bible Church

334 North Village Road, Loudon, NH 03307

 

https://everloved.com/life-of/robert-berger-cedar-park-tx/

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/21235099/Carol-Berger/wall

PCN memorial site

 

Passing this on from Bob's daughter…. Bob and his late wife Carol (DAL Flt Attendant) were dear friends and committed members of our church. Bob left the cockpit early pre-bankruptcy when he was first diagnosed with a cancer that was expected to take his life quickly, and IMO the company did him few favors and some real hurts, although the offer to fly both Bob's and Carol's remains "non-rev" for free to their final resting place has been a true source of happiness for the kids. He survived miraculously but the terrible damage made it impossible for him to return to duty, and later recurrences plagued him for the next two decades. It will be an honor to lead his celebration of life service in a few weeks.

 

Dear friends and family, It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Bob Berger’s passing. On Thursday, November 13th, Bob took his final breath after hearing loving goodbyes from family members both near and far. Those who were with him during his final moments witnessed the gentle peace on his face—his eyes fixed, as he peered into the new life to come.

Bob’s story is a reminder that miracles still happen. By the grace of God, he lived nearly 20 years beyond a terminal cancer diagnosis. During those extra years, he was able to witness milestones in his children’s lives, welcome and cherish his grandchildren, and lovingly care for his wife through her own health challenges. Bob always said that his healing was a gift from God—one he felt called to share with and pour back into his community.

We will be honoring Bob’s life with a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, December 6th at 10:00 AM at Faith Community Bible Church in Loudon, NH. We would love to gather with you to remember him together.

We’re doing our best to spread the word, so please feel free to share this post with others who knew Bob. I (Lauren Berger Platter) will be checking in on my dad’s Facebook page periodically, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or messages.


Thank you for your love, prayers, and support during this time.
Love,
Lauren, Ryan, Lucas and the rest of the Berger family

 

NWA executive Timothy “Tim” John Rainey

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA executive Timothy “Tim” John Rainey

November 10, 1955 - November 10, 2025

 

Tim was a good friend to many of the Northwest Airlines pilots – Tim retired as Senior Vice President in 2008.

 

https://aviator.aero/press/iaero-group-appoints-a-new-ceo/   article dated July 2022 :  Prior to joining iAero Airways, Mr. Rainey oversaw operations for two major airlines, including the management of all day-to-day global operations of Northwest Airlines, Inc. During his time at Northwest Airlines, he successfully oversaw a fleet of over 375 airplanes and a group of over 10,000 employees, including over 5,500 pilots, and led multiple initiatives to streamline business operations.

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://obituaries.startribune.com/obituary/timothy-rainey-1093336635

 

Timothy John Rainey Obituary

Gold Canyon, AZ - Tim Rainey passed away unexpectedly on November 10 (his 70th birthday).

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty Rainey (née Burnes), and his beloved puppies Dutchy, Gabriel, Sampson, Sasha, Tasha and Ellie. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Julie, sister Susan (Bob), brother Peter (Stacey) and many nieces and nephews.

 

Tim earned a degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota, where he played hockey and won the 1974 and 1976 NCAA National Championships under coach Herb Brooks.

 

He went on to a remarkable career at Northwest Airlines. In the 1990s, during the restructuring of the entire airline industry, his shrewd negotiating set the company up to thrive. He worked his way up to Senior Vice President, overseeing all flight operations until his retirement in 2008.

 

He was a great golfer and a pivotal member of Hazeltine National Golf Club. He served as club president from 2005 to 2013, playing a guiding role for the 2006 U.S. Amateur, 2002 and 2009 PGA Championships and the 2016 Ryder Cup.

 

More than his professional successes, Tim was most admirable for his personal integrity. He was trustworthy, supportive, loyal and a straight-shooter—somebody you could trust, even if you were on the other side of the negotiating table. His reserved sense of humor, his kind demeanor around children and unending generosity made him a joy to be around and he is already deeply missed.

 

Tim's celebration of life will be held on a later date, to be determined.

WA/DL F/A Phyllis Miller, wife of WA/DL Capt. Jerry Miller

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL F/A Phyllis Myers-Miller, wife of WA/DL Capt. Jerry Miller

March 5, 1941 ~ September 2, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Phyllis Miller onSeptember 2nd. Phyllis succumbed to squamous cell carcinoma cancer between the esophagus and the stomach. She was 85 years old. Phyllis and her husband, Jerry, moved into Whidbey Green in 2012 renting a house before buying a house right next door the following year. They have been married for 44 years. Phyllis was a flight attendant for Western Airlines from 1977 until 1997. She was also an author of note, first writing a book of stories and poems about her family including six siblings growing up very poor in Missouri, called “Precious Memories ,” and later penning a novel called, “Abby, Rags & Me. ” At her request, she was cremated and buried at sea between Coupeville and Port Townsend in a ceremony from the stern of the Washington State Ferry, Salish, on September 21st . We will miss seeing her taking her walks around the neighborhood with her dog, Darby. PCN memorial site   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Dora Lee Thrasher, daughter of SO/NWA Capt. Tunis Powell Thrasher Sr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DoraLee Thrasher

June 7, 1940  -  September 12, 2024

 

Shared by airline friends and family, the passing of DoraLee Thrasher, daughter of Southern/Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Tunis Powell Thrasher Sr. who passed in May 1996…..

sharing interesting family history….. Thrasher Brothers Aerial Circus  https://airshowfoundation.org/the-thrasher-brothers/ 

 youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2tDLvsBYH4 

 

 

----- Forwarded Message -----

 

Doralee Thrasher.

 

Doralee Thrasher, of Austin, Texas (by way of Atlanta, Georgia), passed away peacefully on October 20th, 2025. A woman of grace, kindness, and an inexhaustible spirit, she left this world after a long and courageous fight against the ravages of scleroderma.

Doralee was born and grew up in the Atlanta area, the oldest daughter of Tunis P. Thrasher and Grace Knight Thrasher. Tunis was a veteran of WWII who returned stateside to join his two brothers in founding the barnstorming Thrasher Brothers Aerial Circus which performed weekly across the South between 1945 and 1950. It was no surprise to anyone that Doralee had inherited that same courageous and adventurous spirit from her dad.

A proud graduate of Georgia Tech where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and earned a degree in Industrial Management, Doralee was an aficionado of all things Southern. She was always at hand to proclaim the superiority of Georgia peaches and Vidalia onions over all other competing varieties. And she was quick to impart her knowledge to Atlanta visitors and neophytes on the proper way to place an order at the Varsity, where she often opted to “Walk a naked dog” (plain hot dog to go) with an “F.O.” (frosted orange). You could take her out of Georgia but, even after almost 50 years of residence in the Lone Star State, no one succeeded in removing Atlanta from her heart.

After arriving in Austin, Doralee excelled in the Insurance industry, first as Travis County’s Risk Manager and then at the Texas Association of School Boards where she rose to Division Director of Underwriting and Marketing. Her work took her to many countries near and far and she became a seasoned world traveler. But for Doralee nothing could surpass the culture, cuisine, and experiences to be had in Paris. It was an unfulfilled dream of hers to live in Paris part time. Hopefully, in the next life.

Closer to home, her happy place was at her cousin Miki & husband Bill Mcfatter’s magnificent beach house (McBeach) in Panama City Beach, Florida. Over the past decade she enjoyed annual sojourns to McBeach accompanied by family and friends.

She was an unparalleled protector of the canine species and was a founding member of central Texas area Helping Hands Basset Rescue.

But above all else, Doralee was devoted to her family and countless friends. She was always there to engage with and support them even after her illness robbed her of strength.

She is missed by all that knew her.

Doralee was preceded in death by both her mother, Grace Knight Thrasher, and father Tunis Powell Thrasher, Sr..

She is survived by David Escamilla, her best friend and husband of 35 years; her sisters Nancy Chambers (Keith) and Ann Thrasher; her brother Tunis Powell Thrasher, Jr.; sister-in-law Becky Escamilla (Aimee) and brother-in-law Rudy Escamilla (Laura).

Doralee is also survived by nieces Katherine Hudson (Chase), Jillian Canada (Tim), Kristina Escamilla Gilmore (Josh), Kelly Escamilla Pederson; and nephews Adam Thrasher (Ashley) and Nathan Ryan Escamilla.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Dr., in Austin, TX with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Helping Hands Basset Rescue in memory of Doralee Thrasher.

 

 

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.watersfuneralservice.com/obituaries/Dora-Lee-Thrasher?obId=33069095 

Dora Lee Thrasher Obituary

 – Dora Lee Thrasher, 84, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the NMMC Hospice Unit. She enjoyed watching westerns, coloring, reading her Bible and going to church. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of the Lighthouse Assembly of God………………….

Waters Funeral Home

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family @ www.watersfuneralservice.com