Joseph Winn Catlow

Captain Catlow passed away in Aurora, CO at the age of 88, after a brief illness. He was born on August 28, 1935 in Elgin, IL, and grew up in Barrington, IL with his parents, Olive and John Catlow, and siblings, Peter and Nita.

He worked in exchange for flying lessons at a local airport while attending Barrington High School ('53). He began his career flying the F-100, the first supersonic fighter for the U.S. Air Force, while based in Japan (1956-1962). His wife, Betty, and young daughters lived with him in Japan.

He flew for United Airlines (UAL) from 1964-1995, while raising his family in Barrington. He was a widower for several years, until he met Judy at the UAL flight office. They married in 1970.

He flew many types of planes and helicopters along the way, never losing his love for the Aeronca that he always considered his favorite plane. He retired from commercial aviation as a 747 Captain for UAL, and moved to Denver, CO.

In retirement, he served as a volunteer for the Colorado Civilian Air Patrol for 12 years, actively engaged in search and rescue missions and mentoring new pilots.

He is survived by his daughters, Jody Catlow & Holly Saponaro; son-in-law Anthony Saponaro; grandsons Michael & Matthew Saponaro; and his caring companion, Keiko Grispino.

Only a few months before he died, he climbed into a fully immersive flight simulator (Wings over the Rockies Aviation Museum) with Jody, Holly & Tony. He gave them each an exciting flying lesson that made them all laugh. He never lost his passion for flying, his big personality, and the joy he got from making others laugh.