Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Colonel Peter K. Foley USAF Retired

FUNERAL HOME

Lakeside Funeral Home - Woodstock

121 Claremore Drive

Woodstock, Georgia

Peter Foley Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Colonel Peter K. Foley USAF Retired
Start: 2016-01-29T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Lakeside Funeral Home - Woodstock

FOLEY, Colonel Peter K. (USAF Retired) Colonel Peter K. Foley USAF Retired, aged 74, passed away on Wednesday, January 20th 2016. He was born in New York, NY, the son of John and Mary Foley of Spring Lake, NJ. During his twenty-six year military career Colonel Foley served two tours with the 469th Fighter Wing, Korat RTAFB, Thailand during the Vietnam War and was one of a handful of pilots to survive over 200 combat missions over North Vietnam. His F-105 Thunderchief , "Foley's Folly", is on display at the Air Force Armament Museum near Ft. Walton Beach, FL. His many medals include a two Silver Stars, three Legion of Merits, six Distinguished Flying Crosses, thirty Air Medals and a Bronze Star. His various assignments included an exchange with the German Air Force at Neuburg, Germany; SHAPE in Belgium; NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy and US Military Training Mission in Saudi Arabia. He also commanded the Flying Tigers' Wing at England AFB, Louisiana during the Falkland conflict, as well as other domestic assignments. Following retirement from his military career he was active in business in Durban, South Africa before relocating to Atlanta, GA. He is survived by his wife Caryl, daughter Kimberly Baker, brothers John and Thom and sister Mimi Downey. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C with full military honors. A memorial service will be held at Lakeside Funeral Home on Friday, January 29 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Foley

Sponsored by Lakeside Funeral Home - Woodstock.

16 Entries

Leland (lee) Ransom

October 23, 2017

Pete and I flew the F-104A Starfighter, 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Homestead, Florida. I looked up to him and had great respect for his heroic exploits in the F-105. Pete's stories inspired me to volunteer for the F-105 Wild Weasel for my tour in Viet Nam. He will always be at the top of my greatest warrior list. May God bless his lovely family and may my friend rest in eternal peace.

This is the Peter I loved.

Richard Rosetti

October 3, 2016

Just found this graduating picture of me and Pete on graduation day from Holy cross in 1962. Bless him and his lovely family.

Richard Rosetti

October 3, 2016

To Peter's family,
You may not know me but I was Peter's roommate at Holy Cross for our Junior and Senior year. He was my best chum His wonderful sense of humor and wild eyes had us laughing all the time. We were proud of his service to the nation and I extend to you my deepest sympathy.

Dennis Schaefer

April 13, 2016

Proudly served on his staff with the Flying Tigers at England AFB. A true American hero. May he rest in peace and may his name go down in infamy as a fearless fighter pilot!

Darrell Canady

March 31, 2016

I knew Mr.Foley from being a customer of mine at Publix Bridge Mill in Canton,Ga.He was a delight to be around.I salute him as a fellow Air Force Veteran and pray for his wife and family.

Bob Jensen

March 18, 2016

I served under Colonel Foley's leadership in the early 1980s while I was assigned to the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing (Flying Tigers) at England Air Force Base, Louisiana.

Today, I was reflecting on my 26-year active duty career and was thinking about those leaders whom I served under.

Peter K. Foley was one of my leaders who took over command of the Flying Tigers from General Jimmy V. Adams.

Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of the heroism Colonel Foley displayed over Vietnam (I was a pre-teen at the time).

Although I was his Casualty Assistance Representative while he was the Commander of the Flying Tigers and visited his office on several occasions, we never talked about his combat experience. Sure wish I did.

May God bless your family and may He bring comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding during your time of loss.

Bonnie Odom

January 30, 2016

Caryl, Kimberly, and family,

I cannot begin to convey to you the sadness I feel for your loss. I am sure that our guys shared many memories and experiences of Vietnam as they worshiped the sun on st Maarten. Sometimes I would see them laughing while they talked and wondered which adventures they were sharing. I am sure that as they watch us from above they are sharing more of those memories. God bless you, protect you, and give you strength to carry on.

Ron and Jackie Ashman

January 28, 2016

We are so very sorry about your loss. What an amazing gentleman he was, achieving so much in his 74 years.

Jim Gagnon

January 28, 2016

Pete was truly one of the bravest men in the history of our nation. 200 Missions North Vietnam F-105. I personally witnessed Pete's 200 Mission flyby over the airfield at Korat Air Base Thailand. RIP sir.

January 28, 2016

My sympathies upon the loss of your wonderful Husband and Father.

He will be sorely missed . miss..ted and mourned for his military and civilian contributions.

Pete Holleran

Richard Clegg

January 28, 2016

Dear Caryl:

Carol & I were both shocked & saddened to learn of Peter's passing. We extend a warm hand, in sympathy, as you contemplate his wonderful life. Our hearts are hurting with you & the entire family.

Wish we could be nearer, to give you a hug.

With deepest sympathies,
Love, Carol & Richard,
Ottawa, Canada
28 January, 2016

Billy Clark

January 27, 2016

A true American hero and a true gentleman. He was my friend.

Bill Crawford

January 27, 2016

Dear Caryl and Family,

It is with deep sadness that I learned of Pete's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.

No USAF fighter pilot could have done more in support of the Air War in Vietnam than Pete Foley. He was truly a legend in his time and will be remembered by all of us who had the privilege and pleasure to know and fly with him. My opportunity came early as a member of the Class of 66A. We all knew then he had the "right stuff."

With Great Respect,

Bill Crawford

January 27, 2016

As you celebrate a life well-lived, may your hearts be filled with joy and laughter, as you recall all the "happy" times you shared together. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Matthew 5:5. CBS

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results