Lee Marona

Marona, Lee Lieutenant Commander
USN Ret., known to many as "GL", passed away on the evening of April 14, 2011 at his home in Phoenix surrounded by family and friends. Born August 3, 1921 in Alabama, he enlisted in the US Navy in June of 1941. He served on the USS Hornet and on board during the launch of Jimmy Doolittle's raid on Tokyo. He was crew chief for Ensign George Gay the only survivor of Torpedo Squadron Eight, VT_8 battle of Midway from the Hornet. Shortly after, he applied to and was accepted to flight school. Having earned his wings as a US Naval Aviator and a commission as an officer, he was dispatched to flight operations to include seaplane command in post war occupied Japan, flight instructor, antisubmarine and weather reconnaissance and aerial photography of Cuba in preparation for the Bay of Pigs invasion. Assigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Midway, named for the infamous battle which turned the tide of sea power in the pacific, he served his final sea duty tour as guided Missle weapons officer. LCDR Marona logged over 5000 flight hours and survived World War 2, the Korean conflict, as well as a tour of duty in Vietnam. He served this nation with love and honor for 24 years. He has been an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Marona, three sons, Christopher, Jonathon, and Patrick, two daughters in law, Mary and Milissa, and four grandchildren, Tyler, Madeline, Marshall & Michael. A celebration of his life will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church at 3:30 pm this Tuesday, April 19.