“The Final Flight” 2019
….. In Remembrance …..
In Honor of Those Who Departed On Their “Final Flight”
[Scroll Down For Complete Obituary]
2019
Joseph “Mitch” Nixon – November 8, 2019
Joe Hrezo – August 2, 2019
Jackie Lidolf Jones – August 1, 2019
Lawrence J. “Larry” Dulick – April 9, 2019
Paul Wakefield – March 28, 2019
Barbara Jean Prather Soletti – March 22, 2019
Kenneth Zask – March 16, 2019
Charles “Chuck” Beers – March 14, 2019
Beatrice Terranella – February 14, 2019
Joseph “Mitch” Nixon
October 16, 1949 – November 8, 2019
Following a long battle with cancer, World Airways Captain Joseph “Mitch” Nixon, 70, boarded his “Final Flight” on November 8, 2019, at his home in Edgewater, FL.
Mitch was born in Bucharest, Romania, on October 16, 1949. He met his wife Viviana Helena while attending High School/Post Vocational School in Romania in 1966.
Mitch’s flying career began with his service in the Romanian Air Force where he was the Valedictorian of his training class. His military service was followed by flying as the youngest Captain for TAROM Airlines in Romania. Moving to the United States in 1983 with his family, after working very hard for several years to establish his aviation credibility, Mitch continued his flying career working for Rosenbalm Aviation flying DC-8 aircraft, Emery Air, and several small carriers before coming to World Airways in 1995.
At World Mitch flew the DC-10 and MD-11 as a First Officer and Captain until his retirement. Mitch could always be found talking with the troops as he flew trips into and out of far-away places supporting the U.S. Military. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and his infectious laugh, which was always accompanied by a good joke or a funny story. In keeping with his love for good food and cooking, Mitch could always be counted on to find a great place for his crew to relax, enjoy a good meal, and participate in the “crew party” following a long day flying the globe.
Mitch’s daughter Rebeca tells of his great love for photography, fishing, trap shooting, and working on his cars. He also was an avid watch collector who loved cooking great meals for everyone.
“Dad’s passion for flying went past just being in command; he loved all of the physics and aerodynamics associated with it which led me to become an aerospace engineer. I’ll miss his laugh, advice, guidance and friendship for the rest of my days.” – Rebeca Nixon
A Great Aviator and Friend, Captain Mitch Nixon Will Be Missed By Us All.
Condolences May Be Sent to rebeca.a.nixon@gmail.com
God Bless Him as He Rests in Peace.
Joe Hrezo
January 17, 1942 – August 2, 2019
Joe Hrezo, 77, formerly of New Salem, PA boarded his “Final Flight” on August 2, 2019, in Jupiter, FL after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 17, 1942, in Uniontown, PA, he was the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Demeter) Hrezo of New Salem, PA. Joe graduated as an All-State athlete from Uniontown Area High School in 1959. He continued his education and football career at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning his Bachelors of Science degree in Business and Public Administration in 1963. After college, Joe served our country for four and a half years in the United States Air Force and ascended to the rank of Captain.
Following his military service, Joe worked for Air America, Inc. and World Airways, Inc. based in Manila, Philippines and Bangkok, Thailand. While working with World Airways, he participated in “Operation Babylift”, a humanitarian effort that transported over 3,300 infants and children out of South Vietnam. In 1975, he was instrumental in coordinating and executing “The Last Flight Out of Danang, Vietnam”. Parts of Joe’s involvement were included in the books, “Tears Before the Rain” by Larry Engelmann and “The War Cradle” by Shirley Peck-Barnes.Joe enjoyed a career in Logistics and Airline Transportation Management in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Indonesia before returning to the United States where he worked for Emery Worldwide Airlines and later ASTAR Air Cargo, Inc., retiring in 2012.
Joe is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 30 years, Carolina ‘Suzy’ (Suwandi) Hrezo, whom he met while working in Indonesia and will love “Always and Forever”. Left to cherish Joe’s memory are his sister, Irene (Hrezo) Marshall and her husband, Frank, of New Salem, PA; nephew Matthew of Richland, WA and fiancée Jeannette Podlogar of Uniontown, PA; nephew Daniel of Columbia, MD; and niece Natalie of Carnegie, PA. Joe is also survived by his uncle, Brother Joseph Mary Hrezo, CPPS, of Carthagena , OH. Surviving in Indonesia are his mother-in-law, Mariati Suwandi, and sister-in-law, Angelica ‘Lica’ Suwandi. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Patricia ‘Patty’ (Chris) Staley from Newport, RI and Laurensia ‘Laura’ (Patrick) Murnaghan; niece, Catherine and nephew, Paul Michael from Wellington, FL. He will also be remembered by many special cousins and beloved friends.
Joe was a member of Saint Peter Catholic Church in Jupiter, FL, the American Legion, Post CH01, the University of Maryland Alumni Association, and the Uniontown Class of 1959 Scholarship Committee. Joe was inducted into the Uniontown Area High School Hall of Fame (2017) followed by his induction into the Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame (2018).A memorial mass will be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Jupiter, FL on a date yet to be decided. The family would like to send their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, Jupiter, FL.
Arrangements are in the care of the Aycock Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458.
Jackie Lidolf Jones
1949 – August 1, 2019
Dear World Airways Friends, it is with a sad heart that I bring this news from Jackie’s Best Friend, Donna Rentel.
The three of us flew together a lot when we first started flying in 1968, during the Viet Nam War. Those were such Happy Times.
Jackie Lidolf Jones passed away on August 1st at a Hospital in San Francisco after a long illness. She is survived by her Dear Husband, Fred Jones. They both lived in Sonoma recently but spent many years in the Montclair neighborhood of Oakland.
Jackie was fluent in Spanish and French. She had family in France and Mexico, where she grew up.
Donna and I and her many friends are heart-broken after hearing this news. Donna is in touch with Fred Jones.
Thank You for letting the other friends at World Airways know about her passing. She was 70 years old.
Janet Welter
Lawrence J. “Larry” Dulick
May 29, 1933 – April 9, 2019
World Airways Pilot Larry Dulick boarded his “Final Flight” on April 9, 2019.
Larry’s flying career began when he proudly served his country in the United State Air Force flying the B-47 StratoJet.
Following his military career, on April 29, 1967, Larry joined World Airways. For 26 years he flew the globe as a World Airways Pilot, until his retirement in 1993. May He Rest in Peace. He Will Be Dearly Missed.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 13, 2019, at St. Raymond’s Catholic Church, 11555 Shannon Avenue, in Dublin, CA.
Larry on the right with his B-47 Crew. Larry coming down the ladder of a B-47 after a flight
Paul Wakefield
December 5, 1924 – March 28, 2019
Paul Wakefield, a World Airways employee in Oakland, CA (Retired) boarded his Final Flight at the age of 94, on March 28, 2019, in Chico, CA.
Paul was loved and cherished by many people including his parents, Guy and Lucille Wakefield, his spouse Vivian Wakefield, his daughter Sandra Harshbarger of Chico, his grandchildren, Tracie Baker of Paradise, Angel Kentala of Chico and Sean Kentala of Chico. He was also cherished by 8 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture and/or leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on his memorial page at https://www.everhere.com/us/obituary-chico-paul-wakefield-8978993
Barbara Jean Prather Soletti
August 12, 1938 – March 22, 2019
Barbara Jean Prather Soletti, 80, of Oakland, CA, boarded her “Final Flight” on March 22, 2019, from complications of Alzheimers.
Barbara was born August 12, 1938, in Harrisburg, IL, the youngest of four children. After graduation she moved to Chicago where she worked in real estate, then to Washington, DC, to employment in the Foreign Service of the State Dept. From there it was on to San Francisco where she joined World Airways as a Flight Attendant, Instructor and Supervisor. She traveled the world and was involved with flights to Vietnam during the war. She left flying after marrying Larry and became Mom to Christina and Jeff, and was active in the Parents Group, serving a term as president. Once they were grown, she returned to work in retail, among the beautiful things she loved at David M. Brian in Walnut Creek. Gardening, antiquing, traveling and caring for her children gave her joy. She loved singing and musicals, and even to her last few days she could sing every word of Elvis and Sinatra songs played.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 47 years, Larry, her daughter Christina of Los Angeles, her son Jeff of Oakland, and granddaughter Bea of Los Angeles, her brother Kenneth of New Mexico, and other family and friends.
The service will be on Monday, April 15, at 4:30 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Piedmont. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the Alzheimers Association or Oakland Elizabeth House.
Condolences can be sent to Larry Soletti, 852 Wawona Ave. Oakland, CA 94610-1251
Kenneth Zask
November 29, 1935 – March 16, 2019
It is with Sadness that I report our Friend and Colleague Kenneth Zask boarded his “Final Flight” on March 16, 2019, in Clovis, CA. Ken was born in Brooklyn, NY, on November 29, 1935. He was recognized as an Outstanding Maintenance Supervisor and Technician for World Airways for more than 15 years and was a great gentleman and friend who was a regular attendee at World Airways Reunions. Ken’s wife Marylin Pages Zask, Sons William Zask and Peter Zask, and Daughters Patricia Ann Weber, Jo Anne Irene Schiesser, and Mary Ann Pastorelli will miss him dearly.
A Wake will be held at the New Hyde Park Funeral Home at 506 Lakeville Rd. in New Hyde Park, Hempstead NY, on Friday, March 29, 2019, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be conducted at St. Hedwig’s Church at 1 Depan Ave, Floral Park, NY, at 10:00am on Saturday, March 20, 2019.
Ken will be dearly missed by us all and we send our deepest condolences to his Family.
May He Rest in Peace …
Richard Kalman
March 20, 2019
It has been a pleasure spending time with Ken over the years when we met up at the various World Airways Reunions in Oakland California and Las Vegas Nevada, or the San Francisco Bay Area luncheons. Ken was a special contributor to the success of the airline during his tenure and a respected professional in his mechanical skills. Our World Airways Family will feel a big void in future reunions and luncheons without Ken present. But we know that he shall always remain present in our fond memories of times shared. Condolences to all of Ken’s family and I know he will always be with you in spirit. Ken has left his earthly address for a new one in Heaven.
Boice Funeral Home, Clovis, CA.
Charles “Chuck” Leander Martin Beers
August 23, 1931 – March 14, 2019
Charles “Chuck” Leander Martin Beers, 87, peacefully boarded his “Final Flight” at home in Bozeman, MT, from liver cancer on March 14, 2019, surrounded by his family.
Chuck was born on August 23, 1931 in Great Falls, Montana, the third child of Charles Leander and Mabel Arnegard Beers. Raised in Judith Gap, he graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class in 1949. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and graduated from Montana State College in 1953, with a BS degree in Agriculture, while also earning his Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps certificate. In 1954, he married Barbara Parker and together they had three children. In the same year, he began his flying career in the Air Force graduating with Pilot Training Class 55-E at Vance AFB, Enid, OK, traveling the world, moving to many different locations, and specializing in aerial re-fueling operations. After retirement from the military, Captain Beers flew 27 years for World Airways. Remarkably, while in the USAF and with World Airways, he flew 284 successful missions over South Vietnam and South East Asia. He was recognized and awarded by the USAF for these missions and was referred to as being “a fighting man and a professional.”
Chuck loved to hunt, fish, bowl, golf, water ski, and ride both road and dirt motorcycles. He enjoyed football and was an avid Oakland Raiders fan while stationed in California. Traveling to every continent except Antarctica, he found his favorite places were Hong Kong for the shopping and Germany at Oktoberfest for the beer and food!
After retiring in 1995, Chuck returned to Montana where he enjoyed rodeos, festivals, craft fairs, and people watching. As a life member of the Montana State University Alumni Association, he was committed to MSU students by volunteering for “Move-In Day” and supporting the Bobcat football and rodeo teams.
The many life-long friendships Chuck built throughout his years of service made a tremendous impact on his life. He was a dedicated member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #326 in Bozeman for over two decades. He held all the different chairs of the local Aerie and he was serving a state office as Chaplain at the time of his passing. Chuck was also devoted to the Montana Masonic Family for many years. He was a Past Master of Belgrade Lodge #68, and also a very active member and dedicated officer in Judith Lodge #86, Bannack Historic Lodge #3-7-77, Scottish Rite, Algeria Shrine, Jesters, and the Vigilante Masonic Welfare Association. He was a member of the American Legion China Post #1 for 45 years and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In all these organizations Chuck served the community in countless ways, assisted with numerous charity fundraisers and enjoyed a variety of activities.
His children remember him as a quiet, gentle, and generous man who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and enjoy life to the fullest. Chuck is survived by his children, Leanne (Jon) Kramp of Rancho Cordova, CA, Randy Beers of Long Beach, CA, and Robert (Debbie) Beers of Beaverton, OR; his grandchildren Melinda Dougan of Beaverton, OR, Jordan (Abigail) Beers of Aloha, OR, and Lauren (Tim) Riley of Springfield, OR; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, “Lee” and Mabel Beers, and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Rosa Lee (Johnny) Lea and Barbara Kay (Joe) Kirscher.
The family would like to lovingly thank Keven Comer, FNP, and her staff (specifically Lauren) for their devotion to his care. To the staff at Hospice of Bozeman Health and Qualicare Home Health Bozeman they are grateful for their compassionate assistance. Chuck’s children especially express gratitude and appreciation to their cousins Keith and Robin Kirscher for walking by their side every step of the way.
All are welcome to attend the celebration of Chuck’s life on June 8, 2019, at 3:30pm at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service Tribute Center, 300 Highland Boulevard, Bozeman, MT, with a reception to follow at the same location. The internment will be held on June 9, 2019, at 11:00am at the Judith Gap Cemetery, Judith Gap, MT, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Chuck requested donations to Algeria Shriners Children’s Transportation Fund. Please mail to Algeria Temple, PO Box 1174, Helena, MT 57624. Thank you!
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Charles “Chuck” Leander Martin Beers, please visit our Tribute Store.
Beatrice Terranella
February 14, 2019
(The following message was received by Dick Kalman from Willow Carter.)
Dear Dick,
What a lovely tribute written to all of us “WOA old timers.” Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day was not to be celebrated by everyone, and my long time friend and neighbor, Beatrice Terranella, passed away yesterday at age 77. She had been diagnosed with brain cancer early this year and had surgery the last week of January. Apparently, it turned out to be a very aggressive type of cancer and while she was in rehab and able to understand everything, was unable to speak and express herself. That must have been so frustrating, especially for a strong Sicilian like Bea. 😊 She may have had an aneurysm and never recovered from that. She went peacefully and I know she had many friends when she flew back in the late ’60’s. If you could add her name to the dearly departed, I would appreciate it. Thanks, as always, for keeping everyone informed.
Best always,
Willow