“The Final Flight” 2017
….. In Remembrance …..
In Honor of Those Who Departed On Their “Final Flight”
[Scroll Down For Complete Obituary]
2017
Cynthia (Cindy) L. Fortier – December 15, 2017
Jack Robert Nelson – December 12, 2017
Henry D. Holt – October 15, 2017
Joe Dantonio – September 21, 2017
Steve Brown – September 3, 2017
Ann Whitaker Drake – August 31, 2017
Stephen Douglas (Steve) McCartney – August 24, 2017
Geoff Pecoraro – August 23, 2017
Michael “Mick” Donnellan – July 8, 2017
Al “Cliff” Rowe – May 12, 2017
Neale Ensign – April 15, 2017
Earl “Red” B. Wynn Jr – January 25, 2017
Cynthia (Cindy) Fortier
February 12, 1960 – December 15, 2017
The Captain flew West gaining speed and altitude until she reached the arms of her Lord. Cynthia Louise Fortier passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 15th, 2017 in Petaluma California. Cindy was born February 12th 1960 in Berlin, New Hampshire to S. Louise (Montminy) and Arthur Fortier. Cindy learned to fly airplanes before she was licensed to drive a car. Her father drove her to Milan, NH weekly where she earned her private pilot license. She went on to attend Daniel Webster College after high school graduation where she graduated with a commercial pilot license. She obtained employment with a regional carrier flying feeder routes into some of the Northeast’s largest airports. She lived out her dream of flying when she landed her dream co-pilot job flying for World Airways. She and her forever best friend Stephanie Vacccaro then moved to the west coast settling down in Petaluma, California in 1997. Cindy, or Casey as she was affectionately called by some of her friends, flew DC-10’s throughout the Middle East ferrying passengers and equipment for the Defense Department. The highlight of her career was when she was promoted to Captain and one of the few women assigned to pilot the 747 aircraft. Cindy was adored by family and friends and was the bedrock of her family. She always had fun, interesting stories about her time in the cockpit. She was funny, outgoing, and people were drawn to her bubbly personality. Cindy was an animal lover, especially for her dogs “Henderson” and “Begley”. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, nephew Logan Glass and her best friend Stephanie. Cindy is survived by her sisters Sally (Fortier) Glass and brother-in-law Merle Glass of Wichita, KS, and Barbara Fortier of North Grafton, MA, Niece Courtney (Glass) Keleher, two nephews Brigham Glass and Marek Glass, and 2 great nephews Jarett and August Keleher, all of whom she adored and of whom she was tremendously proud. She will forever be missed. A memorial mass was held January 10th at 10AM at St James Catholic Church in Petaluma, CA. Interment will be in Berlin, NH. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Milo Foundation of Albany, CA in Cindy’s name.
Jack Robert Nelson
February 17, 1922 – December 12, 2017
Jack Nelson peacefully boarded his “Final Flight” on December 12, 2017, at the age of 95, in Aptos, CA, surrounded by loving friends and family. He was born in Rexburg, Idaho, to Jesse C. and Elge E. Nelson on February 17, 1922.
He will be greatly missed by his four children, Steven Nelson of Corralitos, CA, Nancy (Nelson) Hall of Aptos, CA, Troy Nelson of Pompano Beach, Florida, and Lisa (Nelson) Ward of Gig Harbor, WA, and their spouses Bruce Hall and Patrick Ward. He is also survived by his three loving granddaughters, Kelly Delgado, Sara Nelson and Karly Ward, and by his great grandson and namesake, Parker Jack Nelson.
Our Dad enjoyed a long, fulfilling life, serving as a career Air Force officer and KC-135 pilot, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He then continued his flying career as a DC-10 Captain for World Airways, based in Oakland, CA.
Jack was a voracious reader as well as a talented musician, artist, ceramacist, and woodworker. He was an avid golfer (hole-in-one club) and tennis player, enjoying the many activities and lifelong friendships made at Imperial Courts in Aptos, CA, where he was a charter member. He was also an adventurer. A certified diver and sailor, Jack enjoyed many years of travel abroad accompanied by his loving second wife Olga Bakker Nelson. Africa and the Galapagos Islands and their animals, and his many fishing and cruising trips with son Troy to the coasts of Florida and the Florida Keys, held a special place in his heart.
A special thanks to his caregiver and family friend of six years, Theresa, who sang, laughed, and gave him such loving, compassionate care. He also had many kind and loving neighbors who always kept a watchful eye on him in his later years.
Jack will be cremated and his remains and those of his loving wife, Karlene, who preceded him in death in 1977, will be interred in the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. No services are planned at this time and in lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to an animal organization or charity of your choice.
Obituary Provided Troy Nelson
Henry D. Holt
September 21, 1921 – October 15, 2017
Early on the morning of October 15, 2017, before the sun rose in the east, Captain Holt departed on his last flight in the direction of his birthplace and to the heavens above and beyond. His long and full life began in Shanghai, China, where he was born to two young missionaries, Henry Daniel Holt and Carol “Coman” Holt who were serving their mission in the Shanghai region. Upon returning from their mission the young family settled in Southern California where Hank completed his formal education. He enrolled in college but shortly thereafter enlisted in the Army. Following basic training his first assignment was to the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. On the morning of Sunday December 7th, 1941, he was finishing breakfast in the mess hall and planning to go to the beach. Suddenly, total chaos erupted as the first wave of Japanese planes initiated their attack on Pearl Harbor. He quickly proceeded to his barrack for his military rifle and opened fire on the attacking Japanese airplanes. During this chaotic experience he realized it would be preferable to be flying airplanes rather than to be shooting at them with a rifle. 
Shortly thereafter he applied for Army Air Corp pilot training and was accepted. During the height of WWII he flew troops and supplies to support operations in North Africa and Italy. When the war came to a close he found a position with Air-Sea Rescue as a B-17 pilot based in Iceland. While living in Iceland his interest in hunting, skiing and the outdoors were developed. Following the position with Air-Sea rescue he joined Trans Ocean Airlines and was assigned to their operation in Iran. Like Iceland, he found Iran to be a paradise for hunting and skiing. Following the shutdown of Trans Ocean, the early 1960s found him organizing, as Director of Operations, International Airlines, Inc., an American startup company, in Rome. The airline moved to Berlin, West Germany in early 1963 and I, a future World pilot, joined Hank at IAI as Chief Pilot, and a friendship developed that would be eternal. I departed IAI and joined World Airways on December 9th, 1965 and Hank followed me to World several months later. He retired from World in 1981, but not from his love of flying and the great outdoors. He took a position flying for LAB Flying Service in Southeast Alaska. He loved flying the twin engine Britten Norman BN-2 Islander because it brought him closer to the outdoor life he loved so much. His love for the outdoors and hunting fit right into investing in an Idaho Ranch with Captains Peter Villano, Russell Wilson and me in 1973.
No one enjoyed their “six 
days off” or October hunting season in Idaho more than Hank. Like Peter, Russell and the scores of our World Airways cockpit and cabin crew-members that have broken the surly bonds of earth and gone on before us, Hank will be missed and remembered until we all gather for that big crew party far above the tallest clouds.
He was preceded in death by wife Marta and son Dan and is survived by wife Dang and sons Erik and Thomas.
Obituary Provided by Warren Vest
Joe Dantonio
September 21, 2017
Joe Dantonio, Maintenance and Engineering Director for World Airways for many years, boarded his “Final Flight” on September 21, 2017. Joe passed peacefully at the home of his Daughter, Mary Ann, following several months of suffering from various health complications and dementia.
Joe Dantonio was born in Phoenixville, PA. He had five brothers, Mike, Amthony, Frances, Bill, Tom, and one sister Rosemary, who preceded him in death. On June 4, 1944, Joe married Mildred Tinsley in Reno, NV, and they had two daughters, Sheila Parodi of Carmichael, CA, and Mary Ann Dantonio of Roseville, CA., two Grandchildren Angelina Parodi of Sacramento, CA, and Darrick Hilbert and his wife Brandy of Fair Oaks, CA, and one Great Grandchild, Harvey McDaniel of Sacramento, CA. In addition, Joe had an Honorary Daughter, Deserie Calhoun Larson of Elk Grove, CA, and an Honorary Son, Dan Chadbourne, Jr, of Maui, HI. He loved them as if they were his own. Joe’s wife Mildred passed in August, 2010.
Joe served in World War II from 1041 to 1945 when he flew the China-Burma Hump, and in 1950 he joined the California National Guard and served for three years. In June, 1952, Joe began his aviation career as an Aviation Inspector for Cal Eastern Airlines until 1960 when Ed Daly hired him at World Airways in Oakland, CA. Joe later worked for GATX, an aviation financial firm from 1985 until his retirement in 1995.
Joe lived a long, good life. Mary Ann and Sheila were blessed to call him Dad and though their hearts are saddened at his passing, they find solace in knowing he is resting peacefully with Mildred, his family and his many friends again.
Joe will be laid to rest with his wife at the VA Dixon Cemetary at 10:00 am on October 27, with a “Celebration of Life” at his Daughter’s home at 2083 Renpoint Way in Roseville on October 29. Anyone who would like to attend please RSVP to Mary Ann at (916)300-5450.
Joe’s Family
Steve Brown
September 3, 2017
Steve Brown boarded his “Final Flight” at 12:20 PST on September 3, at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA. His two Son’s, Travis and Curtis, and his girlfriend Brenda were at his side.
Steve started flying at World Airways in 1989, where he became close friends with Larry Coubrough, Jeff Gandin and Mark Ohlau. After leaving World in 1996, Steve flew MD-11’s for Korean Airlines for a couple of years. He then flew for Kaletta for a short time before he went to work at Southwest Airlines, where he flew until retiring as a Captain in 2016. Kudos go to Southwest for helping make his last flight at Southwest a memorable one, with Gary Goodpaster serving as his First Officer and Mark Ohlau aboard as a passenger.
Steve was a good friend to all. His closest friends will host a dinner at Steve’s home in Sacramento to celebrate Steve’s life, and as a tribute to his life there will be a place setting at the table for him, as he requested.
Ann Whitaker Drake
August 31, 2017
Ann Whitaker Drake boarded her Final Flight on August 31, 2017, after a bout with cancer. Condolences may be sent to her husband, Rob Drake, at 5335 E. Charleston Ave., Scottsdale, AZ, 85254. Rob also requests that any photos you may have of Ann also be sent to him at that address. When more information is available it will be posted here.
Stephen Douglas (Steve) McCartney
August 24, 2017
Stephen Douglas (Steve) McCartney of WOA Material Services, boarded his “Final Flight” Thursday, August 24, 2017. He was an avid sports fan, especially for the Georgia Bulldogs, had a passion for music and most of all a great love for his Grandchildren.
To have known Steve is to know someone who had a passion to teach, coach and be a mentor, especially for his favorite sport of all, Golf.
Services were held on Monday, August 28. For those wishing to celebrate Steve’s life and love of children you are asked to make a donation St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
(Notice Provided by Bill Gray)
Geoffrey Pecoraro
August, 2017
Geoffrey Pecoraro, a manager in WOA Ground Ops and Global Aviation Cargo Sales and Service boarded his “Final Flight”the week of August 21, 2017. Geoff was well liked and respected by the people who worked with him and he was very active in the community with his children.
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, September 2, at the Whitewater Church in Fayettevill, GA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Whitewater Church building fund.
(Notice Provided by Bill Gray)
Michael “Mick” Donnellan
July 8, 2017
Michael Donnellan, World Airways Operations Representative at Shannon Airport, Ireland, boarded his Final Flight peacefully at his home at Southville Gardens, Ballincurra, Limerick, Ireland on July 8, 2017.
Deeply regretted by his loving wife Phil, daughters Michelle and Carmel, grandsons Adam, Alden and Aaron, granddaughter Kate, sister Anna (Lynch), brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Mick was a dear friend and collegue of all World Airways flight crew and maintenance personnel flying operating from Shannon Airport. He greeted our troops as they moved to and from the Middle East during the Gulf War and he supported the World Airways contract with Aer Lingus providing passenger service between Ireland and the United States for many years. Mick’s welcoming smile and professional support was always there upon arrival and departure. He was an integral part of the World Airways Family and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure to meet and work with him. May He Rest in Peace.
Reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Tuesday evening from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, followed by removal to St Joseph’s Church, O’ Connell Avenue. Burial will be at Castlemungret Cemetery.
Al “Cliff” Rowe
May 12, 2017
Al (CLiff) Rowe departed on his “Final Flight” on May 12, 2017, as a result of congestive heart failure. He was at home with his family. More information will be provided when it is available.
Neale McNair Ensign
May 6, 1925 – April 15, 2017
A Husband, a Father, an Airline Captain, a Sailor and a Geologist. The world was his home. Neale Ensign passed away in the morning on April 15, 2017, a day before Easter and three weeks before his 92nd birthday.
Neale was born in Gainesville, FL, and grew up in a family of loving parents. He had two brothers and two sisters. His father died when Neale was 10 years old and this was a great turning point in his life. After graduating from high school at 18 Neale went straight into the NAVY. To be a Navy pilot was his dream from a very early childhood. His father took him on a joy-ride on the biggest airplane he had ever seen, a Ford Trimotor, and this was the biggest gift he could have not even imagined. He was making model airplanes, first bought ones, then his own deign. He was initially 7 years on active duty service, which included being based in China and Japan. During the Korean war he volunteered for two more years of active duty service.
He used the GI bill to graduate from the University in Tulsa with a degree in petroleum geology engineering. Neale worked for Mobil Oil Co.in Texas, but soon realized that his heart was in flying. He went flying through TWA for the Ethiopian Airlines. Then he headed up the World Airways lease/purchase of a Boing 727 operation in Bamako , Mali for four years. He also flew two years for Air Algerie. Neale finished his career as a pilot flying DC-10 for World Airways. After retiring at 60, he flew 15 months as a second officer.
Neale left California on his boat “Psychic Flight”, a Snowgoose 37, built by Prout Catamarans. The boat was self-sufficient and ready for long trips. It had a water-maker for turning sea water into drinking water and powerful solar panels. The trip went south along the Pacific coast to Panama, then west across the Pacific visiting places like the Pitcairn Islands, through the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, to Istanbul, the Aegean and Black Seas, though the Med, and finally across the Atlantic Ocean to Florida. This around-the-world journey took eight and a half years. Neale kept the boat until 2000, traversing the Inter-coastal Waterway, and sailing to the Bahamas.
Neale had several marriages: Ann – son Jesse and daughter Susan, who was killed at the age of 17 in an accident; Tina – daughter Melina Janeane ; Rosa, his surviving wife who he met in Istanbul and was on the boat with him from the Med to Florida and they then traveled all over the USA, including Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and yearly 3-months trips to Rosa’s home in Bulgaria.
Neale was a determined man, who lived life to the fullest to the end. He was taking no medication to his last day. He died from a natural death, caused by aneurysm. He worked out and did house chores to his very last day. His wife Rosa was at his side as he departed from this world in peace. As was his desire, he was cremated and his ashes were spread over the ocean.
Neale is survived by wife Rosa, son Jesse, daughter Melina, stepson Ogi, brother Loring , sister Carol, four grand children and two great-grand children.
In lieu of a memorial service a celebration of Neale’s life will be held on his birthday, May 6, at his favorite Sushi restaurant in Melbourne, Florida.
You may contact Neale’s wife, Rosa Ensign with condolences at 1716 Mesa Terrace, Melbourne, FL, 32935
(Obituary provided by Rosa Ensign)
Earl “Red” B. Wynn Jr
Earl “Red” B. Wynn Jr. was born on July 7, 1935, in Greensboro, NC, and was raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Red began his aviation career as a member of the U.S. Navy ROTC program at Vanderbilt University. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in May, 1957. Red received his Naval Aviator Wings in 1959, and his first cruise was on the Aircraft Carrier Coral Sea. Someone once asked him if he was afraid to die and he answered, “You couldn’t land on an aircraft carrier and fear death”.
In 1962, Red married Beverly Lucille Kicilinski. Their eldest daughter, Lesley, was born when they were stationed at Whidbey Island, WA. Red then served as a Naval Exchange Pilot with the U.S. Air Force stationed in San Antonio, TX. Their next move was to Sanford, FL, where their youngest daughter, Jenna, was born, later followed by a move to Alameda Naval Air Station in California where Red resigned from the Navy in October, 1968, to begin his career as a Commercial Pilot with World Airways in Oakland, CA. The family resided in Pleasanton, CA for 20 years.
While with World Airways Red became the Chief Pilot, followed by a promotion to Vice President of Operations for Key Airlines, a World Airways sister company in Savannah, GA. Golf was a passion with Red and while living in Savannah, he was able to build his “dream home” on a golf course, where he could step out his back door at anytime and hit a golf ball, and eventually made a hole-in-one. While continuing to work for World Airways, Red served in the Navy Reserve and completed 20 years of Naval Service, retiring as a Captain. His last flight as a commercial pilot was July 7, 1995.
Red’s career in aviation allowed him to see the world. He visited every continent and was exposed to every culture. He flew Muslim pilgrims to Mecca, bartered in the Souqs of Saudi Arabia, took the Star Ferry from Hong Kong to Kowloon, threw pennies from his hotel window into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, watched the running of the bulls in Spain, and drank Singapore Slings at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Following his retirement he purchased an RV and enjoyed traveling with friends and family around the U.S. Red finally settled in the St. Louis, MO. area to be near his family and his three beloved grandchildren, Wynn (19), Joel (15), and Denisia (12).
Red was buried with full military honors in St. Louis, MO.
A Pilots Prayer
I hope there’s a place, way up in the sky,
Where pilots can go, when they can no longer fly.
A place where a guy can go and buy a cold beer,
For a friend and comrade, whose memory is dear;
Just a quaint little place, kind’a dark and full of smoke,
Where they like to sing loud and love a good joke.
There must be a place where old pilots go,
When their wings become heavy, and their airspeed gets low,
Where the whiskey is old, and the women are young,
And the songs about flying and dying are sung.
Where all hours are happy, and these good ol’ boys,
Can relax with a cool one for a well deserved rest;
This is heaven my son – you’ve passed your last test.