HENRY B. LEDERER

LEDERER--Lt. Henry Bernard, born March 19, 1920 in Bridgeport, CT, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 93. At age 14 he "struck a deal" to get flying lessons in exchange for cleaning out aircraft at Miller's Air Field, SI. At 21 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, turning down a commission as flight instructor for combat duty. He joined the 361st FG, 374th FS and was stationed in 1943 at Bottisham UK where he flew the P-47 Thunderbolt on 92 missions through D-Day. Henry received the Distinguished Flying Cross with two OLCs and Air Medal with two OLCs. He named his aircraft "Duchess of Manhattan" after his childhood sweetheart, Rita Haberman, whom he married in 1945. Henry founded Lederer Brothers in 1946, a jewelry manufacturer, known for "Lady Ellen" pearls and patents for magnetically interchangeable jewelry. He flew the P-47 again at Republic Airport's Lindbergh Day Celebration May 16-17, 1977. He was employed at Fairchild Republic as senior engineer for the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and at Northrop Grumman. He served as Flight Training Director for Cosmopolitan Aviation where he held several FAA ratings and was a Certified Flight Instructor and Examiner. Henry served as President of the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang Pilot Associations. Henry was active in incorporating the Village of Atlantic Beach NY. He loved travelling the world with Rita, classical music, chocolate, discussing world affairs, the internet and email. Henry is survived by Rita, his wife of 68 years, and their three children Dr. Jane Lederer, Dr. Lynn Lederer and Wayne Lederer, CEO and founder of Magnacoustics, their spouses Harry, Peter and Lisa and families. A memorial service will be held at Boulevard Riverside Chapels, 1450 Broadway, Hewlett NY on Tuesday, September 24 at 12 noon followed by interment at Cedar Park Cemetery, 735 Forest Avenue Paramus NJ.