William P. "Bill" Choltco

(Asbury Park Press)

LT. CMDR. WILLIAM P. CHOLTCO "BILL"
AGE: 85 TOMS RIVER
Lt. Cmdr. William P. Choltco "Bill", 85, of Toms River, took his final flight on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, at Ocean Medical Center, Brick. Lt. Cmdr. Choltco was born Nov. 25, 1923 in New Kensington, Pa. and graduated from New Kensington High School in 1941. Flying was his passion and shortly after his high school graduation, Lt. Cmdr. Choltco joined the Navy, becoming career a Naval Aviator. Lt. Cmdr. Choltco served his country during three wars, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on two occasions, an award given to those in the Armed Forces who exhibit heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. During the 1950's, he was stationed at Atlantic City Naval Air Station and flew with the Squadron VC-33. This was a night and foul weather squadron whose motto was "When the birds walk, we fly." Lt. Cmdr. Choltco was instrumental in having a memorial plaque to these brave aviators placed in the terminal of Atlantic City International Airport, the site of the former naval air station in August of 2008. Lt. Cmdr. Choltco was a communicant of St. Joseph Parish in Toms River and in the early 1970's worked tirelessly to bring a sports program to the new Catholic high school. He was a founding member of the Booster Club, and was instrumental in making the football field the first in the county to have lights so night games could be played. His efforts were recognized by the school when he was selected to be a charter member of the St. Joseph/Monsignor Donovan High School Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and V.F.W. He retired from the Navy in 1970 after his last assignment at NAS Lakehurst, having served at 12 duty stations and aboard 14 carriers. Bill became an insurance agent and then worked as a consultant to M&T Corporation in Lakehurst, where he worked on engineering designs for military aircraft carriers and helicopters. Bill was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, celebrating their 2009 Super Bowl win at his home with his family around him. He loved to play football in his youth and watching football every Sunday was a family tradition. He loved flying his radio-controlled planes, and painting, having graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1949 which he attended while recovering from injuries he received while on duty. He also loved to cook and took great delight in teaching his daughters some of his favorite recipes.
Lt. Cmdr. Choltco was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Bernice "Sandy" (nee Sandella) Choltco; his parents, Victor and Ella (nee Dusko) Choltco; one sister, Helen; and three brothers, Victor Jr., Charles and George. He is survived by his wife of five years, Perry Anne (nee Yeoman) Choltco; and four daughters, Beverly Choltco-Devlin and her husband Frank of Hamilton, N.Y., Sharon Goresh and her husband Andy of Toms River, Joan Choltco-Travis of Toms River, and Geralyn Watson and her husband Charles of Cherry Hill. Lt. Cmdr. Choltco is also survived by seven grandchildren, Frank Choltco-Devlin, Evan Choltco-Devlin, Veronica Goresh, Daniel Goresh, Christine Erickson Jennings, Melissa Erickson Southerland, and Lara Erickson; and three great-grandchildren, Tobias Jennings, Kaleb Jennings and Jorden Southerland in addition to a sister, Margaret Choltco (age 96) of Saxonburg, Pa., as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Perry Anne's two sons, David Martin and his daughter Alexandra and Darrell Martin and his son, Matthew.
Lt. Cmdr. Choltco - Bill - Dad, no matter how he was known he will always be remembered by those who loved him and knew him well as a man who was able to balance love of God, love of Family and love of Country.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7 at St. Joseph's Church, Toms River. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Toms River.