Charles Erb

Charles G. Erb NORFOLK - Cmdr. Charles "Gil" Erb, U.S. Navy retired, 83, quietly passed away in his wife's loving arms Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, after a long, fulfilling, and successful life. Gil was a retired U.S. Navy commander and became a successful developer, contractor, and real estate broker. He completed the Naval Postgraduate School, test pilot school, and nuclear warfare school, and received a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from M.I.T. One of his favorite duty stations was the Naval Academy where he taught sailing and advanced technical courses. As sailing coach, his group won several races to Bermuda. Above all, Gil loved naval aviation. He flew 43 different airplanes during his naval career. He was a pioneer in test-flying the Navy's first jet aircraft such as the A3J Vigilante, and landing them on aircraft carriers. He was one of the men who flew the first supersonic carrier qualified jet and the first Mach 2 carrier qualified jet. He fought in the Korean War as a carrier-based fighter pilot. He was a member of the Charter Club of Theta Chi, a fraternity of San Jose State College. He enjoyed writing, and belonged to Hampton Roads Writers and Virginia Beach Writers Group. Many of his articles were published. He wrote, produced and directed a humorous play for Solo of Tidewater. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Patricia; daughter, Danna; sons, Mark and Scott; son-in-law, Jim; stepdaughter, Michele; and grandchildren, Angelia and Rob. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at Ocean View Presbyterian Church (OVPC), 9200 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, 23503, officiated by the Rev. Arthur F. Jensen with full military honors. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to OVPC or The Norfolk SPCA, 916 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23504. A biography about Gil's exciting life was written entitled, "Where Do We Get Such Men," by Steven Reynolds, available on Amazon. com.