CHARLES FRANCIS "JACK" PEDESKY February 3, 1924 - June 27, 2013 Jack Pedesky was an aviator. His skill and love for flying was paralleled only by his ability to tell a great story, which he gained from his vaudeville parents. Jack was also an early Southern California surfer. During early WWII, he attended USC and then joined the Navy graduating from NAS Pensacola in 1942. In mid-1943, his Ventura squadron transferred to Kaneohe and subsequently to Tarawa, and later Roi Island. There he flew numerous combat missions against enemy-held islands. After the war, Jack flew for Pan Am. In 1954 he was named Pilot of the Year by the ATA for successfully landing a DC4 on fire at night in a lightning storm on an unlit empty field without instruments, and then evacuating his 74 passengers with no loss of life. He later test flew the Super Guppy, then the world's largest airplane, flying space capsules and rockets from the makers to the launch sites for NASA. In 1960, he married Gerri and in 1975 they made Hawaii their home. Jack's amazing stories are his legacy and he and the Pacific Air Museum were a match made in heaven. In 2011, the Museum recognized him for his 1000 hours of volunteer docent service. Jack is survived by his wife, Gerri, son, Kurt Pedesky, daughter, Kristine (Michael) McGuire, grandsons, James & Mike McGuire, a large extended family and a worldwide circle of friends. These two events in remembrance of Jack will both be on July 18: 12:00 noon - Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, 1184 Bishop St. followed by interment at the National Memorial Cemetery, Punchbowl at 1:40 p.m. 5:30 p.m. - Celebration of Life, Pacific Aviation Museum, Ford Island. In order to access Ford Island, guests must phone Loretta Fung at (808) 441-1008 by July 11 with their automobile details. Jack would be so pleased if, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory were made to: Pacific Aviation Museum, 319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818 (808) 441-1008 or Our Lady of Peace Renovation Fund, 1184 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 536-7036.
CHARLES FRANCIS "JACK" PEDESKY February 3, 1924 - June 27, 2013 Jack Pedesky was an aviator. His skill and love for flying was paralleled only by his ability to tell a great story, which he gained from his vaudeville parents. Jack was also an early Southern California surfer. During early WWII, he attended USC and then joined the Navy graduating from NAS Pensacola in 1942. In mid-1943, his Ventura squadron transferred to Kaneohe and subsequently to Tarawa, and later Roi Island. There he flew numerous combat missions against enemy-held islands. After the war, Jack flew for Pan Am. In 1954 he was named Pilot of the Year by the ATA for successfully landing a DC4 on fire at night in a lightning storm on an unlit empty field without instruments, and then evacuating his 74 passengers with no loss of life. He later test flew the Super Guppy, then the world's largest airplane, flying space capsules and rockets from the makers to the launch sites for NASA. In 1960, he married Gerri and in 1975 they made Hawaii their home. Jack's amazing stories are his legacy and he and the Pacific Air Museum were a match made in heaven. In 2011, the Museum recognized him for his 1000 hours of volunteer docent service. Jack is survived by his wife, Gerri, son, Kurt Pedesky, daughter, Kristine (Michael) McGuire, grandsons, James & Mike McGuire, a large extended family and a worldwide circle of friends. These two events in remembrance of Jack will both be on July 18: 12:00 noon - Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, 1184 Bishop St. followed by interment at the National Memorial Cemetery, Punchbowl at 1:40 p.m. 5:30 p.m. - Celebration of Life, Pacific Aviation Museum, Ford Island. In order to access Ford Island, guests must phone Loretta Fung at (808) 441-1008 by July 11 with their automobile details. Jack would be so pleased if, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory were made to: Pacific Aviation Museum, 319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818 (808) 441-1008 or Our Lady of Peace Renovation Fund, 1184 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 536-7036.Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
