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Ralph D. Albertazzie
Ralph D. Albertazzie
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Ralph Albertazzie Obituary
Brown Funeral Home in Martinsburg said Wednesday that no service will be held. The family will mourn privately and honor Albertazzie's request that his ashes be spread over the hills of West Virginia.
Albertazzie grew up as the son of a coal mine superintendent in Cassville, a small rural community in northern West Virginia, and said in a 2003 interview that he had hitchhiked to an airport near Morgantown and washed planes in exchange for flying lessons.
He graduated from Morgantown High School and attended West Virginia University on a football scholarship but quit to enlist in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
He also served in both Korea and Vietnam, flying 17 combat missions and 75 combat support missions in Vietnam. He earned the Bronze Star and two Air Medals.
Albertazzie was assigned to pilot Air Force One around the time of Nixon's inauguration and was at the controls as Kissinger and Nixon made several trips to begin normalized relations with China.
When Nixon resigned in disgrace in August, 1974, Albertazzie flew him for the last time — home to California.
In a 1998 interview, Albertazzie said he flew Nixon a total of about 275,000 miles. He also said he flew former Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Gerald Ford, Harry S. Truman and Herbert Hoover during his career.
Albertazzie wrote two books inspired by his years flying the president in a Boeing 707 known as the "Spirit of '76," the novel "Hostage One" and the nonfiction book, "The Flying White House: The Story of Air Force One."
After leaving the military in 1974, Albertazzie served as West Virginia's commerce commissioner under Republican Gov. Arch Moore. He ran for governor in 1976, but lost in the Republican primary.
Albertazzie returned to the Eastern Panhandle to open a truck stop along Interstate 81 and owned a Martinsburg TV station in the 1990s.
Albertazzie was married to his high school sweetheart, Carol Jean Wilson, for 57 years until she died. He's survived by two daughters, Lynette Crosby of Pinehurst, N.C., and Sally Albertazzie of Alexandria, Va.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
28 Entries
Tina Grimes
October 30, 2014
You were my stepdad's uncle, and he loved you very much. He spoke of you often and was very proud of you. I got some wonderful memorabilia of yours after his passing and I keep it safe, in his memory, and in yours. You are together now, and I hope you both are at peace.
January 2, 2012
My condolences go out to the family and friends. Allow God of all comfort, comfort you in this time of need.
C. Bryant
Marilynn
October 1, 2011
To the family of Mr. Albertazzie. You can feel that death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that love can leave a memory that no one can steal.
How you can show support
John Langworthy
August 31, 2011
Please see video with Ralph and Everett Langworthy, his neighbor and golf buddy, at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85lWKJtb5ck
Charlie Palmer
August 24, 2011
To the Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Charlie & Colleen Palmer. On a personal note: I was most fortunate to be hired as a Flight Attendant for AF1 by Col Albertazzie in 1973. It was a great honor to have flown with him on the Presidential Aircrew during the Nixon Administration.
August 23, 2011
Col "A" was a Pilots, pilot, a Gentleman's, gentlman and highly respected member of a very elite group. I had the honor of flying numerous missions on Air Force One with him and his kindness and graceious will never be forgotten. God has truely received a great man. My Blessings to his family, may his memories never fade.
MSgt Jay Swartout, USAF, Ret.
August 23, 2011
My father, Joseph J. McLachlan was good friends with Ralph D.
Albertazzie. As children, we toured the Air Force One and it
will be a cherished memory for my life. With warm regards the McLachlan family sends condolences. Ralph D. Albertazzie was a warm, caring,
fun individual. He was wordly
but humble. He will definitely
be missed by all and especially
his family. We experienced sad
loss with our Father also. Again,we hope every day will get better for all in your healing process. Warmly, Pat McLachlan-Simon, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. allansimon1900
@comcast.net
August 23, 2011
I would like to express gratitude to both Col. Albertazzie and his family for the service and sacrifices they made to help protect our country. Rest in peace, airman
-anonymous
Steven Reese
August 23, 2011
Col. Albertazzie's book, "The Flying White House", is one of my favorites. His many years of service as chief pilot to JFK, LBJ, and RMN are a great tribute to his country and his family!
The Col's. character is revealed when he served as Gen. Curtis LeMay's "flight instructor", on the General's 1st flight in the 1st seat of a 707.
Col. Ralph, having been expedited through training (Boeing, Seattle 1959); knew that LeMay would insist on taking the controls of Uncle Sam's first jet transport.
It was Ralph's idea to make the offer before take-off: "Sir, would you like to fly her today?" LeMay: "Thanks, but I don't want to interfere..." Col. Ralph: "Sir. This crew IS trained!" LeMay: "Good, Captain; then I'll take her up."
God Speed Col. Albertazie!
Albertazzie Family: please accept my sincere condolences and hopes that you may be comforted in this time.
Larry Nuese
August 22, 2011
I was very lucky to have known Colonel Albertazzie while I was assigned to the 89th Military Airlift Wing. A very gracious and personable man, who always had time to talk with a young staff sergeant. Our nations military needs more leaders like him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Carol Graham (Goodwin)
August 22, 2011
My deepest condolences. My late husband, Stan Goodwin flew often with Colonel Albertazzie and spoke very highly of him as an aviator, a commander, a boss, and a man.
Harry Formby
August 22, 2011
I was previledged to have been on Col. Albertzaie's flight crew during the presidential years of Pres. Richard Nixon. As a pilot he was the best of the best. May you, his family, find peace knowing that our God is a God of Love. Rest assurerd your dad has been given a place prepared for him.
Anne Jupinko
August 21, 2011
Lynette, we were friends in Columbus in the 1970's, and I enjoyed hearing you tell of your father's accomplishments. By chance, I found his obit online, and would like to express my sympathy.
John Graves
August 21, 2011
My heart weeps with your loss. Ralph was the elite among professionals in the aviation field. I was honored to have flown with him. May you find comfort from God and in the strength of his legacy.
John W. Graves
Lt. Col. (Ret.)
Theresa Campbell
August 20, 2011
I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you find peace and comfort from knowing that God cares for you.
Chester Ward
August 20, 2011
Ralph was a gentleman and consummate aviator. His contributions to our nation will be remembered with warmth and appreciation.
Chester L. Ward, MD
BG, MC, MFS, USA, Ret.
White House Physician & Flight Surgeon
james willner
August 20, 2011
May he rest in peace....
Larry Brown
August 20, 2011
It is with great sorrow to learn of the passing of a great man who I had the honor of flying with on Air Force One. Please accept my condolences. My salute and prayers go to Colonel Albetazzi and his family.
Bill Lawhorn
August 20, 2011
The son of a Navy buddy, Ssgt. Ron Simmons, served as "Chief Steward" on Air Force One. He was given several autographed copies of Col. Albertazzi's book. I was loaned one to read and loved it. I was sorry that I had to give it back. wish I had another to show my grandson. Col. Albertazzi was a good man, and an interesting author. He will be missed.
August 20, 2011
So sorry to hear of Mr.Albertazzie passing,,,,God is near to those who are broken at heart
August 20, 2011
Talked to Col. Ralph once on WIND 560 Radio in Chicago, shortly after the publication of the book "The Flying White House." A decent man among decent men. Rest in peace.
charise morgan
August 19, 2011
It is said "In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years."-Psalms 90:10. Mr Albertazzie definetly had special mightiness, for he lived
well passed 80. I hope your family takes comfort in God's promise that your loved one will live again forever in Paradise.-Isaiah 26:19. Sincerely,
[email protected]
August 19, 2011
Sally, Lynette and David please accept our prayers of comfort during this time of sadness. We loved your mom and dad. As you may remember we have been friends since we were all station at Hickam back in the early fifties. Love, LG and Virginia Walkup
Ruthelma Wiseman
August 19, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Family. My husband flew with Col. Albertazzie while stationed at Andrews Air Force Base from 1966-1970. The Jerry F. Wiseman Family
August 19, 2011
My condolences to the Albertazzie family on their loss. May the God of all comfort be with you.
John Langworthy
John Langworthy
August 19, 2011
With my deepest gratitude, I have the fondest memories of wonderful times with the Albertazzi family. Who could ever forget that my family's dog Major delayed Air Force One's taking off at Andrews Air Force Base with President Nixon on board. With my dog's running across the runway, the pilot Col. Ralph Abertazzi radioed the control tower, "That's Langworthy's dog!" Within an hour the Base Commander made a personal visit to our house. Having the Albertazzi's as neighbors was always good, and Col. Albertazzi always answered the door with a neatly ironed shirt. Playing golf with Ralph at Andrews and Quantico was always fun.
Shirl
August 18, 2011
I am so sorry for your lost, may God keep you all in his care.
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