Joseph Kane

Joseph Winters Kane (91) of New Milford Connec- ticut passed away on No-vember 29, 2011 Born on June 1,1920 in Brooklyn NY to the late Gemma and Winters Kane and stepson to Albert Yuzzolino, he was predeceased by his wife Ethel Kane, the love of his life. Graduated from Chaminade HS where he held the record in the 100 yard dash and attended St. Johns University on a track and field scholarship until he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp where he got his pilot training. He flew 25 combat missions in WWII flying a B-17 with the 305th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force and afterward was part of the Berlin Air lift which helped bring much needed supplies to West Germany after the war was over. He received the Silver Star, the third highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to any member of the armed forces, and the Distinguished Flying Cross during his time in the Air Corp and achieved the rank of Captain. After his Honorable Discharge from the Air Corp he went to work as a pilot for Seaboard World Airline and was promoted to Captain. Starting with the Douglas C-54, four engine transport planes all the way to the Boeing 747 jumbo jets, he continued to enjoy flying until his retirement in 1980. After many years living in California he moved back east to Connecticut to be with his family. An avid golfer and accomplished artist he also spent his time driving his prized Datsun 280ZX, enjoying his family and attending Seaboard reunions. He leaves behind his son James Kane and his wife Robin, daughter Patricia Fisher and her husband Robert, son Joseph Kane, grandchildren Christine Kane, Elizabeth Fisher, Robert J. Fisher, Tracy Kane and Daniel Kane, sister in law Mary Freidah and husband Richard and Doris Kane and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers James and Donald Kane and a sister Gemma Kane. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 11 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church, 26 Chestnut Land Road, New Milford, CT. Burial of cremains will take place at Pinelawn National Cemetery, Pinelawn, New York. Arrangements by the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT.