While writing some history for my children I discovered the passing of my high school friend from Erie, PA who eventually joined me in Miami. He met Doris DiMalto, a National stewardess who in turn sponsored him and got him interested in flying with lessons from Mary Tracy Gaffney at Tamiami Flight School. This was 1962. Doris was also a long time friend of Capt. Manual Fernandez of Key West, the reigning ace of the Korean war. Larry was an excellent pilot and Mary took him on as a flight instructor. He was subsequently hired by Northeast and retired as a Delta captain. He lived most recently in Pembroke Pines and was re-married to Ann. I tracked him down by contacting the purchaser of his property and got this response.
Teri Gatewood SieberApril 1, 2010 at 2:06pm
Re: 1104 N.W. 180th Avenue, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33029
No I am sorry to tell you he passed away in 2006. He was putting up the shutters for hurricane Katrina and fell. He suffered a major stroke and about one year later he passed way. I heard he was a great guy.
I would think that if he had any memorabilia, Ann would have it.
Regards,
Bruce Althoff
Atlanta, GA
rapidb@bellsouth.net
770-395-6160
Burr Rubey
12-Oct-2008 20:35
Steve, I see that you are in McAlpin. Are you living at Flying Little River, by any chance? My friends the DeChants are there.
I am seeking any pictures of old Brown's Airport, especially from the ground and of the flightline area. I was a Line Boy there in '58 when there was a low stone wall to divide the areas into safe and movement areas. Al Howe was the Piper Dealer and Mary Tracy Gaffney was running the flight school. Bill Turso ran a school too, out of the T-hangars.
Any chance you know where I can get any pictures? I'd sure appreciate some help in locating some.
