Frank J. Huttle

Frank J. Huttle passed away peacefully on October 8, 2018, in San Luis Obispo, CA. Born in Jackson Heights, NY in 1922, Frank was the oldest of three children. His father, Frank Sr., was a New York City Policeman who died at age 35 as a result of injuries sustained on the job. His mother, Helen, was a woman of grit and determination along with a keen wit, strong sense of patriotism and wonderful work ethic, qualities of which Frank inherited and passed on to subsequent generations. Frank began his long career in aviation at Roosevelt Field on Long Island as a mechanic. When the war was declared in 1941, he worked for Grumman Aircraft in Bethpage, Long Island. In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corp as a pilot of C46 and C47 planes while stationed in the Pacific. After the war ended, Frank married Catherine "Kay" Bell. They were married for 71 years prior to her death in 2017. He was employed at Zahn's Field on Long Island as a mechanic and pilot, returning to Grumman in 1949. Frank transferred to San Diego, CA in 1956 as a Grumman Field Service Representative to the U.S. Navy. By that time, their son, Bob and daughter, Judi were born. Frank always looked forward to going to work each day. He loved his fighter pilot buddies, many of whom became life-long friends. He retired from Grumman in 1983. Retirement lasted one month when he started his second "career" with the San Diego Aerospace Museum. He restored many antique planes including the Spirit of Saint Louis which hangs in the San Diego Airport. He was restoration supervisor on that project. In 2014, Frank and Kay relocated to San Luis Obispo. Frank was known as Pops to his grandchildren: Joshua Huttle (Julia), Emily Young (David) and Mckay Huttle (Sabath). His love, humor and wise counsel also extended to his "step" grandchildren: Aaron Gould, Aimee Conlee, Jenny Macartney and Malia Macartney; his five great- grandchildren; and 12 "step" great-grandchildren. None of those children ever left Pops' presence without a "little something" to put in their piggy bank. Frank was predeceased by his wife, Catherine; and his sisters: Elizabeth Bohl and Helen Carlson. He is survived by his son, Robert Huttle (Darrylin) of San Luis Obispo; daughter, Judith Gould (Daniel) of Wilmington, NY; and the younger generation mentioned above. The family wishes to thank his wonderful caregivers: Martha Garcia, Lupe Martinon, Anakaren Amaya, Naomi Perez and Barbara Rushing. We also thank the loving staff and residents at Las Brisas Retirement Community. A private burial service with full military honors was held at Los Osos Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 10, 2018, at the SLONaz Church, 3396 Johnson Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA. Memorial contributions may be sent to The San Diego Aerospace Museum, 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92109. Please specify Gillespie Field Annex. Sign his guestbook at sanlusiobispo.com/obituaries