John Philip Onoff

1920 - 2018

BORN

1920

DIED

2018

John Onoff Obituary

JOHN PHILIP ONOFF John Philip Onoff of Wilmington, NC and formerly of Pinehurst, NC passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 2. He was born May 4, 1920 in Atlanta, GA, the son of John Onoff and Elizabeth Motley Onoff, and grew up in Miami, FL. During WWII he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a pilot in the China-Burma-India Theater. He was the recipient of two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Air Medals, a Presidential Unit Citation, and Citation and Wings from the Chinese Air Force. After completing his military service in 1946, Captain Onoff flew Cubana International Airways' inaugural flight from Havana, Cuba to Madrid, Spain. Beginning in 1948, Captain Onoff served as a pilot for 32 years with Piedmont Airlines. After retiring in 1980, he worked at the Moore County Airport in Southern Pines, NC for 10 years in various capacities including President of Mid South Airlines. In 2013 he was inducted into The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor for his contribution to aviation heritage. John P. Onoff is preceded in death by his son, Ronald W. Onoff of Beaufort, NC and is survived by four children: Phyllis Adams and John H. Onoff, both of Wilmington, NC, Melissa Onoff of Miami, FL and Michelle Onoff of Beaufort, SC. He is also survived by many grand and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wilmington Star-News on Dec. 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Onoff

11 Entries

November 12, 2019

John, so sorry to see that your dad passed away. I know I'm a year late but better late than never. I hope you and your family are doing well!
My sympathies!
cheri mcneill

Pam Frame Porter

July 2, 2019

I only found out today of Johns passing. What an incredible man. I was blessed to have crossed paths with John when I was only 19 years old. I worked at Mid South airlines and John saw something in me that I would have never saw in myself. He was my lifetime mentor. Anytime something good would happen in my life, John was always the first one I would call to share it with. He took me under his wings and he taught me how to soar. I owe so much to this wonderful man and know one day I will see him again when I get to heaven, and can't wait to have another one of our talks together. My deepest sympathy to Melissa and the other family members. Take comfort in the incredible life he lived and lives he changed along the way.

Pam Frame Porter

Teresa Gildersleeve

December 11, 2018

John was not only my brother-in-law, but he was my True Friend and confidant. We shared many fun memories and discussions about Life. He was an extraordinary man with a keen wit; a great conversationalist; had a never-ending drive to gain knowledge about people and current events; and was proud beyond words of his children and grand-children. I love and miss you John. Rest in peace with your Mother, brothers, son Ronnie, and all the other lives you touched through the years.

December 11, 2018

John was my husband for 25 years. We raised two wonderful daughters. He was a great father and we remained friends to the end. My heart goes out to my daughters and grandsons who loved him very much.
Patricia Olk

colleen fields

December 7, 2018

Because We Flew Once the wings go on, they never come off whether they can be seen or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline, and no one who has ever worn them with pride, integrity and guts can ever sleep through the call of the wild that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night. When a good flyer leaves the job and retires, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the world of flying, there is a fellowship which lasts long after the flight suits are hung up in the back of the closet. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is. Because we flew, we envy no man on earth.

Piedmont Silver Eagles

Kristina Torrico

December 7, 2018

What a wonderful man.... kinda fitting passing within the time frame of President Bush... both led by example and lived exemplary lives.... he will be missed... My condolences to the family... but what a legacy..

Don Bernardo

December 7, 2018

We will miss you "Switch". Will never forget the dinners in Beaufort, SC when I was living on Lady's Island. Love, Don & Susan Bernardo

Brenda and R,C. Henderson

December 6, 2018

Thoughts and prayers for you all.

December 6, 2018

John, Rest In Peace. I will always remember you and your family. Enjoyed all those family meals we had in Carolina Trace. God Bless, Jim Horne

Dru Farrar

December 6, 2018

John, my condolences to you and your family. He left a wonderful Legacy and lived a full life. Peace and comfort to you all.

Dru

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results