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This page last modified on January 1, 2007
| December 26, 2006 - "Mitch" (obituary copied from the Alburquerque
Journal)
Donald Dean Mitchell Lt. Col. USAF Retired, was born in Des Moines, IA, September 17, 1928. He passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2006 in Albuquerque, NM. Donald served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War and was awarded the Silver Star for Valor, the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1970. Donald then became a commercial airline pilot, retiring in 1987. After moving to Albuquerque, he became a volunteer with the Albuquerque Police Department and the Atomic Museum. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Laura Mitchell and his wife, Viola Mitchell, who served as Captain in the United States Air Force. Donald is survived by his four children, Robert Mitchell Chief Warrant Officer 4 US Army Retired and wife Jean of Florida, Jan Maresca Major USAF Retired and husband Keith Colonel USAF Retired of Texas, Patrick CET, AAC - Chef and wife Linda of Texas and Daniel Mitchell of Los Angeles, CA; ten grandchildren, Clay, Kevin, Ryan, Amy, Kyle, Kelley, Kerry, Kippy, Kory and Alexandra. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper Ave. NW., on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 10:30am. Burial will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 3:00pm with USAF Retired Honors. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. ABQ. 505-343-8008 |
| October 7, 2006 - from Ross E Percifield:
My wife Dorothy L. Percifield passed away Sept 19, 2006. There are still some old Ransome people that would remember her. I was the last direct hire Captain that Ransome hired. |
| October 1, 2006 - from Tom Donoher:
I"m sorry to say that Richard J. Smeder passed away on the 29th of September 2006. "Rich" worked as a ground service mechanic at PNE. Many will remember the many times he helped us with our many problems and kept the ground units moving. "Rich"also had a pilots licence, he enjoyed flying, and spending time with his wife Rosemarie on their boat. Rich leaves his sister Susan Smeder PNE Hanger, son Edward Smeder, and granddaughter Emily Rose. Friends and relatives are invited to a memorial service Tuesday 7.30 PM at Joseph Levine and sons, 4737 Street Road, Trevose PA Friends may call at 6:30 PM. |
 2/7/2006-2/7/2007:
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January 8, 2006 from Joe Armstrong:
Aloysius J. Armstrong (Wed, Jan/11/2006 - The Intelligencer) Aloysius J. Armstrong of Jamison died peacefully Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006, at home surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was 56. He was the beloved husband for 24 years of Diana Kriedt Armstrong. Born in Waverly, N.Y., he was the son of Margaret E. Armstrong of Levittown and the late Aloysius J. Armstrong. "Wish" as he was called by all, was a former resident of Levittown and Langhorne and West Kingston, R.I., before moving to Jamison in 1988. Mr. Armstrong was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Germany. He was a communicant of St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church in Jamison. A true aviator, he earned his wings at Pennridge Airport in Perkasie. He was a born teacher and was able to mix his love of flying and teaching. He was a flight instructor at Pennridge Airport and a charter pilot at Warrington Airport. Wish then joined Ransome Airlines in the Northeast section of Philadelphia, where he was a check airman and instructor. Pan American World Airways was the next stop. Wish flew the world bringing home many stories and life lessons. When Pan Am ceased operations, Wish was hired by Atlas Air Inc., seeing even more of the world. He also was an instructor and check airman at Atlas, most recently in Miami, Fla. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his, his three adoring children, Kathryn N., Shannon E. and Christian A. Armstrong, all of Jamison. He also is survived by his brother, Joseph Armstrong and his wife, Marlene, of Vincentown, N.J.; and two sisters, Elizabeth Birch and her husband, James, and Theresa Armstrong, all of Levittown; and many loving nephews and nieces. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10 a.m. until his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, in St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church, 1410 Almshouse Road, Jamison. Interment will follow at Newtown Cemetery, Newtown. Contributions in his memory may be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 W. Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111. Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, Richboro. |
| August 12, 2003 from Tom and Liz McNulty:
Hey, this is a wood carving that I received as a gift in 1974. It is of Dawson Ransomes Pitt, and I still have it on the wall in my home! I was one of the first full time employees hired at DCA and worked from June 19th of 74 to August 24th of 1985. My Wife, Liz San Luis worked stayed on until Ransome was no more, then went with Braniff. She has since sworn off airlines, and is in retail, but I have been with Northwest Airlines as a mechanic since leaving Ransome. In '74, when I hired on, I was two weeks out of High School and just 18, so I grew up there, and will never forget the crews that I served. I miss them all. A shadow crosses our hearts everytime we read of one of them passing, especially J. Dawson. I hope some will enjoy picture of our carving. The tail number is authentic. Hope to see all of you soon! - Tom and Liz McNulty |
| Message received and posted March 7, 2003
from Orton Ogborn: MARCH 7, 2003 - TODAY
IS A SAD DAY FOR AVIATION.
LESTER JIGGENS died this morning. He requested no funeral service. He had been sick for a few weeks and went down fast. |
| Message received and posted March 3, 2003 from Dave Ditzel: Greg Jackson was killed in a plane accident on Saturday in Leesburg, Virginia. The person who informed me didn't know the details. If I hear anything I'll let you know. I found the news article here... He was a PAE DH-7 Captain hired either March or April of 1987 Sad day... |
| Message received and posted October 20, 2002 from Matthew Bucar - John Cooper, former F/A passed away last Saturday, October 12th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Services will be held Tuesday, October 22 and all vital information follows: Services from 12 to 2PM at the James M Brower Funeral Home located at 908 S. Providence Road, Routes 320 & 252 in Walingford, Pa. John will be laid to rest at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Aston, Pa. Condolences can be sent to: Tony Cella -- (John's Significant Other) and Anne McHale Cooper (John's Mother) at 418 S. Tenth Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19147 |
| Message received and posted September 23, 2002 from Jude Thaddeus M. Howell, Jr I'm Thad Howell's son, Thad Jr. He was a pilot for Ransome. Not really sure how many years he was there, but only that they were the best in his flying career. Dad Passed away from Cancer a little more than 3 months ago. He was diagnosed in June 2001, and passed Late May 2002. He was his normal self up until the last month, which was good. It wasn't painful, just quick. It couldn't have been a worse time as my brother Billy graduated from college 3 days before, I got married 10 days after, and my sister Nikki married two months after. Its still hard, as he was such a big influence on my life. I'm a First Officer for American Eagle Based in Miami. **Thad, Jr. may be contacted at: Thaddeus76@aol.com |
| Message received and posted March 4, 2002 from Tom Brielmann Hi guys - I was informed this morning of the passing of Michael Schobert in Missouri. I learned from Cheryl Johnson, Mike's former wife that he died last Tuesday evening, February 26, 2002 in a wreck on an ice slicked road returning from church services in his pickup truck. Apparently it rolled down an embankment and his death was determined to have been caused by blunt trauma. He leaves a son, Christopher, and 2 daughters, Nicole and Jessica. He was alone at the time. Services have already been held for him and I regret that I have no further information for you at this time. |
| Message received and posted March 4, 2002 from Stephen Orlando The Ransome/Pan Am Express family lost a captain a couple years back to stomach cancer. His name was Frank Stewart. I do not know how long he was with the company but he was with us long enough to progress to Dash 7 captain. I do not know how or where he went to when he left. |
|
Survivors include his wife, Maryann Ransome, Ocala; daughter, Anna Ransome, Groton, Calif.; sons, William Ransome, Brookeville, Md., Cary B. Ransome, Portland, Ore., Dawson A. Ransome, Ocala and Henry Ransome, Cinnaminson, N.J.; brother, Ernest L. Ransome III, Pine Valley, N.J.; three grandchildren. |
| This message was received and posted June 3, 2000 - "My name is Debby Tellers. I am the daughter of Don and Martha Brown. My mother has asked me to inform you that my father, Don Brown, died on Friday May 26th at home of cancer. My mother, sister and I were with him. A Memorial Service is being held on Wednesday, June 7th at Chapel #2, Eglin A.F.B., Fort Walton Beach, Fl. at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements have been made by Brackney's Funeral Services in Crestview Fl. My mother's phone number is 850-689-0936. Her address is 313 Ray Ave. Crestview, Fl. 32536." |
| February 17, 2000 - Last night an Emery Worldwide
Airlines DC-8 crashed near Sacramento, California. Emery reports the captain
on the flight was Kevin Stables, age 43 of Berlyn, New York. If
any one can confirm if this is the same Kevin Stables who worked for Ransome,
please
let us know.
*4/5/00 Joe Altieri and Rich Reynolds have confirmed that this was indeed the former Ransome pilot. |
| October 5, 1999 - If you would like to be included
in the Ransome Airlines 2000 (printed) Directory and did not complete the
form at the reunion - please open this file* question.pdf
using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Print form, fill in information and mail to
either Phil Ruth or Karen Pischl.
You may also request a paper copy from either of us.. |
| October 4, 1999 - Check out the "check in" photos that were taken of reunion participants. (It seems some of you escaped being photographed, - we'll catch up with you later!) If you have any photos that the entire group would enjoy viewing on this web site please send them to Karen Pischl (e-mail for postal address) Photos will be returned. |
| September 27, 1999 - The T-Shirts went fast. View T-shirt design Those who arrived late were disappointed that they were sold out. Phil called the printer this morning and they still had the silk screens. We can have more shirts printed without having to pay for the art and setup costs. If anyone would like a second chance at a T-Shirt, Phil needs to know ASAP. The price will still be $10 and we will pay for postage. Phil needs to give the printer a final count by Oct 2nd. This is your last chance to order a shirt. The ordered shirts include sizes "Small" through "XX-Large". There will be NO extra shirts printed, - orders only.Send Phil Ruth E-Mail or drop him a note immediately to order. (Phil Ruth, 186 Mallard Road, Holland, PA 18966) No need to send money now. Phil will confirm your order by e-mail when the order to the printer is placed. Our treasurer, Dave Fountain will be in training for the next month, so Phil will be the point of contact. |
| September 25, 1999 - The 1999 Ransome Airlines Reunion was a Great Success! Thanks Harry and Jane for the use of your beautiful property. Many thanks to the reunion committee for all their hard work: Harry & Jane Beard, Dave & Maria Fountain, Joan Nelson and Phil Ruth. A BIG Thank You to Kevin Foster - he worked really hard (seemed like round the clock, too) making sure all went smoothly....kept the beverages flowing, too! Thank you Meghan and Melissa for the pumpkin tea light holders. |
| September 23, 1999 - Good weather allows reunion to be held at Harry's! We will notneed to use the alternate site at Tinicum Park with the good weather forecast. (see August 9th message) If you need additional directions or assistance on Saturday call Harry's cell phone (215) 280-0911. Looking forward to seeing you all Saturday! |
| September 16, 1999 - There has been enough interest in the reunion t-shirt to have a professional artist draw the Dash 7 in Ransome colors. Dave and Phil approved a four-color design on a gray shirt which should look very nice. If you indicated on your reservation form that you planned to purchase a shirt it will be available for you at $10 per shirt. There will be additional shirts (Large and X-Large) available for purchase on a first come - first served basis. If you would like to reserve one of these extra shirts please e-mail Dave Fountain. "When they're gone, - they're gone!" |
| August 29, 1999 - Balloon Launch scheduled at reunion. "Color the Sky", a local hot air balloon company, will be launching two balloons at approximately 5pm on the day of the reunion from Harry Beard's property. There are two passenger slots remaining at $150 per person. Reservations are "first come - first served" until September 17th. Contact Color the Sky at (215) 340-9966. Flights are approximatley one hour long and include champagne toast and certificate. (Neither the reunion committee nor Harry receive compensation from Color the Sky.) |
| August 9, 1999 - Harry has secured an alternate site for the reunion in the event that unusually bad weather is forecast for September 25th. (ie. a hurricane type system) We will post a notice on this web site at least 24 hours in advance so that you can proceed directly to the Tinicum Park on River Road (Rte 32) north of New Hope. It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive there from Doylestown. If you have questions, please contact Harry. |
| August 9, 1999 - New and improved "Remember This" Lots of photos! |
| August 8, 1999 - Please bring any memorabilia you may still have (ie. photos, schedules, advertisements, etc.) to the reunion for display. Table provided, please label all items. |
| May 20, 1999 - A Guest book has been added to the website. Please feel free to sign and leave messages for all to view. |
| April 30, 1999 - Help us locate former employees from all departments! Check "Where Are They Now". Please forward addresses and phone numbers of anybody "missing" to Dave Fountain, Joan Nelson, or Harry Beard. Pass out this web site address! For those without computers, - most public libraries have computers witth free internet access available for public use. |
| April 30, 1999 - We need somebody who works for American Airlines and Northwest to help contact former Ransome employees who now work for those companies. |
| April 18, 1999 - New online - photos provided by Don Mitchell and Bob Berlyn linked from "Remember This...". |
| March 18, 1999 - The 1999 Ransome Reunion T-Shirt design has been released by Phil Ruth. Orders for T-shirts may be placed with Dave Fountain by sending in your reunion reservation form and fee. Remember to mark order box, shirt size and number of shirts you plan to purchase! Price will be determined pending orders. |
| March 14, 1999 - Please, send in your check and reservation form as soon as possible! We are starting to have some expenses for the reunion. Most importantly the caterer, less important the cost of stamps and publishing. |
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