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Signal Charlie
Signal Charlie has been created to inform our membership and honor the passing of fellow unrestricted aviators. It is only as good as the information we receive. If you have an obituary or other information that you would like to provide concerning the passing of a shipmate, co-worker, or friend of the community, please contact the NHA National Office at signalcharlie@navalhelicopterassn.org and we will get the word out.
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CDR Robert Richard Niemczyk, USN (Ret.)
CDR Robert Richard Niemczyk, USN (Ret.),73, passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2021, after a battle with ALS. Robert proudly served 22 years in the United States Navy as a helicopter pilot [ R- 11834 ], retiring as executive officer of Mayport Naval Station. He will be deeply missed by his family: Pamela, his wife of 50 years, Todd (son) and Meghan, Rebecca (daughter) and Keith, and his grandchildren, Hannah, Jack, and Chad. Robert was an avid fisherman and loved a good story. The family honored him at a Catholic Mass on June 1, 2021 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church followed by interment at the National Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the ALS Foundation, ALS.org/Florida or the Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org, in his honor. In his memory the following poem is dedicated:
A Pilot’s Final Flight Upon departing your last port of call, Regrets jettisoned into the blue sea, For the ocean is large and we are but small, The bosun pipes not for sorrow but glee. Strike eight bells, your earthly watch concluded, Take to the sky in a whir and hum, Men line the rails, white gloved saluting, Heaven bound, your duty honorably done. So lift to the sky, throttle increase, pitch rising, Fear not death, for in life’s joy we shared, And take to heaven’s never ending horizon, Be at peace, knowing we are under your care. Like an eternal star, over us you shine, While flying is heavenly, to hover, divine. Fair Winds and Following Seas.
CAPT Joseph M. Purtell, USN (Ret.)
One of twelve original founders of the Navy Helicopter Association (NHA) in 1971, former Commanding Officer of HS-2, HS-10 and NAS Jacksonville, FL
It is with a heavy heart that we let all of you know that Joe Purtell passed away peacefully on the morning of May 3, 2021 at Rockledge Regional Medical Center. Captain Joseph M. Purtell USN (Ret.)was the son of the late Joseph A. and Marie R. Purtell of Jamaica Walk, Breezy Point. Joe was a summer resident of “The Point” from the 1940’s to 2018. He was also preceded in passing by his wives, Julie (Henderson), Liz (Williams), daughter Deanna Gaston, sons Joseph Jr., Kevin, sister Marie Haug and sister Margaret of Maryknoll Sisters. He is survived by sons David, Mark (Ingrid), son-in-law Dr. Bob Gaston, daughter-in-law Niki, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
LTJG Joseph M. Purtell, USN received his wings at HTG-1 at NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Fl on September 27, 1957. LTJG Purtell is Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-3719. Joe graduated from Regis H.S. in NYC, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA and with a MS from the US Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA. He served as an Aviator in the US Navy for thirty years in Antarctica, Vietnam and many years of carrier based anti-submarine missions in the north Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific areas. He commanded two squadrons and NAS Jacksonville. He also served as Head of the Rotary Wing (Design) Branch and was instrumental in bringing the SEAHAWK helicopter and LAMPS MK III Weapons System to the Fleet. After the Navy, he represented the Sikorsky Aircraft corporation as Director, International Business. CAPT Purtell is a life member of the Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) #236.
In retirement, he and Liz were “Snow Birds” living at IRCC in Viera, Fl. But spending the summers in Breezy point.
A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church Viera, 5655 Stadium Pkwy Melbourne, Florida. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Captain Joe M Purtell USN Ret, please visit our floral store. (https://www.beckman-williamson.com/obituary/CaptainJoe-PurtellUSNRet/sympathy)
“As CO HS-2, he made the first West Coast squadron deployment on a CVA, USS Independence, deploying to the Med. His tactical expertise, using the much maligned passive capability of the AQS-13, allowed us to track the Soviet submarines trailing the Carrier Battle Group during the entire cruise which earned the squadron the Admiral Thatch, Isbell, and Battle E awards in 1971.” CAPT Buck Buchanan, USN (Ret.)
“A great loss for our fellow warriors. Joe was an inspirational leader and a long-time friend. Rest assured his legacy will remain. I’m sure he received a momentous welcome. He, along with our other fallen comrades, are expanding Heaven’s Ready Room. Joe…til we meet again…”Fair Winds and Following Seas!” TO FLY IS HEAVENLY…BUT TO HOVER IS DIVINE!” All the best, Shipmates CAPT Dick Catone, USN (Ret.)
“The success of the H-60 MK-III Program is due to CAPT Purtell. Assuming the job as Program Manager in the 1979-1980 timeframe, he took a program that was experiencing serious delays and technical shortfalls and put it on his back, inspiring his staff and all related entities to get it to the Fleet on time, while meeting all operational requirements. Believe me, it wasn’t easy and as the initial CO of HSL-41, I can tell you without Joe, it would not have been anywhere as good as it turned out. In the following years, I would seek his advice on a lot of issues and he always took the time to work through and solve many pressing issues with me. At this time, it is appropriate for everyone to know some of the people who made the program work. Just to name a few – Joe Purtell – Bill Stuyvesant – Joe Peluso – and Mike Baxter made it happen. But make no mistake, Joe Purtell was the hammer that drove the nail. You were the best Joe and the entire community owes you and others of your time a tremendous amount of gratitude for where we are today. RIP Joe – you will always be remembered.” CAPT Michael B. O’Connor, USN (Ret.)
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS CAPTAIN PURTELL!
Donations in in CAPT Purtell's honor my be made to the following organizations.
Disabled American Veterans 400 South Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island FL 32952 Tel: 1-321-452-1774 Web: https://www.dav.org/ Wounded Warrior Project 7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100 Jacksonville FL 32256 Tel: 1-877-832-699 Web: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105 Tel: 1-800-805-5856 Web: http://www.stjude.org/
CDR Wilton J. “Jerry” Smith, Jr., USN (Ret.)
Wilton J. Smith Jr. (Jerry) passed away on April 24th, 2021. At the time of his death, CDR Smith and his wife were residents of Carmel Valley for 10 years after moving from Annapolis, Maryland. Jerry’s son Gordon lives in Durham, England with his wife Ann and son Eli Alexander Smith. He was predeceased by his daughter, Larkin Margaret
He spent many wonderful years sailing the Chesapeake Bay. His great knowledge of history illuminated many places he anchored. One of his favorite cruises was on the Pride of Baltimore, a clipper designed in the 1800s, sailing to Halifax, Nova Scotia. After retirement from the FAA, he and his wife, Linda, continued sailing the eastern seaboard, including Key West, on their catamaran. His favorite boat, Growler, an 18 ‘ catboat, is inscribed on a plaque in El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove near a Monterey Cypress where he will be inurned.
LTJG Wilton J. Smith, Jr., USN received his wings on January 26, 1965 at HT-8, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, FL. LT Smith was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-7733. CDR Smith’s first assignment was with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron SIX, HS-6, when, in 1966 he deployed aboard USS Kearsarge, CVS 33. CDR Smith was a pioneer in the early days of Navy Combat Search and Rescue and was a decorated combat helicopter pilot involved in a number of successful and extremely hazardous rescues of downed U.S. Airmen in the waters off of Haiphong, North Vietnam.
He attended the Naval Post Graduate School where he became an Acoustical Engineer and later transitioned to the Aviation Engineering Duty Officer Community. In the 1970s he was assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One, VX-1, where he pioneered development and tactical employment of the advanced ASW signal processing equipment that was the mainstay of both the P-3 and LAMPS MK-III communities. In the late 1970s CDR Smith was assigned to the Staff of CINCUSNAVEUR where he lived in London with his family. Following his retirement from the Navy, CDR Smith attended the George Washington University Law School. After graduation he practiced International Aviation Law and served with the Federal Aviation Administration until he retired in 2011.
Ron Clarke HS-6. 1965/66/67 remembers: Our crew was in Det A, on HS-6 West-PAC in 1966 and we saw plenty of enemy fire. On July 7, we went into Haiphong Harbor and rescued Bill Isenhower (A4D pilot). The junks were closing in on us, and as soon as he was in the horse collar, feet coming out of the water, we transitioned to forward flight recovered Isenhower in forward flight, at about 100 knots, as we headed back out to sea! Jerry was at the controls during the inflight recovery!! Then on July 27, 1966, while operating from the USS Ranger, we had to launch at night off a pitching and rolling deck, proceed to the coast of North Vietnam, just North of the DMZ, in rain and clouds. As we approached the coast, the Wx. Cleared, and with the help of a 500 # bomb at the waterline, courtesy of the 3 circling AIR Force B57’s, we knew our entry Point. Just as we crossed the beach, I still remember, in the dim cockpit lights, Jerry ducking back in the armor plated seat, Keying the mike and saying, “HERE IT COMES”!! A tracer went straight up, almost in the rotor area, and for the next 27 minutes, it was steady tracers and some 12.7. ( Conrad & Armstrong crewmen /Gunners went through over 3000 rounds of 7.62, M60 ammunition in 27 minutes, plus 2 each M-60 barrel changes) This rescue, of Air Force Captain Marvin Mayfield, is detailed in “Leave No Man Behind” by George Galdorisi & Tom Phillips. Jerry received the Distinguished Flying Cross for this rescue. He received at least 2 Air Metals on that cruise. He was always cool, efficient, and dependable. Enjoyed flying with him!! I feel a large loss with his passing. Loss of a GOOD Man!
CAPT Arne Bruflat, USN (Ret.), who flew with Jerry in HS-6 aboard the USS Kearsarge CVS-33 off VN in ’67. Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate.
Dick Lynas HS-6 1965-68 writes: I am very sorry to hear that Jerry has left us. One of his many talents was art, and I’ve attached a drawing (below) that he made for Al Fox which I scanned and printed out at the 2017 reunion so RRs could sign it with messages for Jerry since he didn’t join us. His “Big Mutha” was one of a kind and reflects some of his sense of humor.”
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. (https://sympathy.legacy.com/en-us/funeral-flowers/ga llery/?type=obituary&p=198576792&pn=wilton-smith-funeral&affiliateId=2550&pm=240)
CDR Kenneth Pisel, USN (Ret.)
Kenneth P. Pisel, Jr. died peacefully on May 25, 2021, after an extended battle with prostate cancer. In his final act (death) he successfully killed every cancer cell in his body and declared victory over the disease. Just to be sure, he toasted the little bastards and they are now in this blue urn. Ken also made numerous presentations about prostate cancer to deprive the disease of future victims…another victory.
Ken had many loves in his life: his family, the Navy, work, travel, and the Philadelphia Eagles. It all started with his wife, Andrea—the first and only girl he ever dated or loved. They met in high school, were married at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in June 1974 and went on to have three wonderful children: Christopher, Matthew, and Allison. Together they have two grandsons: Chris and Becky with Casey and Allison and George (Kaline) with Grayson. He shall always be with them in spirit and is confident they will all be brilliant in his physical absence.
Commander Pisel’s love of the Navy started in 1970 when he reported to the Naval Academy for Plebe Summer. Over his four years as a Midshipman and the many years to follow, his classmates and company mates were always a source of strength and inspiration. After graduation, he reported to flight training and soon found the second greatest love of his life: the H-46 Sea Knight helicopter. He loved flying the Phrog, slinging loads of supplies between ships at sea, and was always indebted to the fellow pilots, aircrew, and maintenance folks who helped keep him out of the water.
Ken reported to the Armed Forces Staff College for his final tour in the Navy. Knowing retirement was in his future, he went back to college to get a fresh degree to be more marketable as a civilian. He learned that the VA would not pay for another master’s degree, but they would pay for a Doctorate. Doctor Pisel completed his degree and accidently created a job for himself at the college. In his 27+ years at the Joint Forces Staff College he held myriad titles and most notably created enduring blended learning and satellite programs and led the direction of distance education across the numerous DOD professional military education schools. Were it not for his inconvenient demise, he would prefer to still be working.
His wanderlust was aided and abetted by both the Navy and the Staff College. Right out of flight training, he and Andrea spent two years on the side of Mt Etna in Sicily. They returned from that tour with Christopher. Multiple deployments enabled Ken to see the fjords of Norway, Portsmouth England, the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal, the Indian Ocean, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. His penultimate Navy tour was three years in London with the entire family. They all have great memories of London, Scotland, the tulips of Holland, the German Alps, Wales, and Devon. The programs he developed at the college required multiple trips to the major headquarters. His favorites were Stuttgart and Hawaii, but there was always a favorite place to eat or visit and wonderful people at every site.
After the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018, Ken cried. He was never sure if this was a side effect of hormone therapy that made him a large, bald, menopausal woman or the sheer joy of the Eagles’ victory. Unfortunately, the NFL became a bastion for social justice warriors and Ken abandoned watching professional football (serendipitously at the same time the Eagles stopped playing football). A memorial service honoring Commander Pisel took place on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Princess Anne Chapel. An inurnment with military honors will take place at a later date.
CAPT Russell E. Berry, Jr., USN (Ret.)
CAPT Russell Elliott Berry Jr., USN, (Ret.) of Beaufort, South Carolina and husband of Judith “Judy” Berry died Friday, March 26, 2021 at MUSC- Charleston. Russell Elliott Berry Jr. was born March 21, 1942 in Staten Island, New York. He was the eldest of five boys born to Russell Elliott Berry and Emily Margaret Franck. Russell was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Bruce Otto and Floyd William Berry. He is survived by his wife Judith “Judy” Berry; two children Michael Thomas Berry (Lisa) of Greensburg PA and Jennifer Lynn Wolfe (Kevin) of Denver NC; four grandchildren Dillon, Brendan, Ashley and Ryan; two brothers Guy and William; sister in law Sandra Palumbo; and nephews Stephen and Jeffrey Eggleston.
Russ was raised in Bourne, MA on Cape Cod and graduated High School in Ogdensburg, NY. He graduated from the US Naval Academy (BS) and the George Washington University (MS). Judy and Russ met and married in 1981 in Washington, DC at the Navy Chapel. CAPT Russell E. Berry, Jr., USN (Ret.) was the former CO of HSL-37 and received his wings as a LTJG at HT-8, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida on January 26, 1965. CAPT Berry was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-7736.
Russ served 20 years in the United States Navy. He served as a naval aviator, engineering test pilot and Squadron Commanding Officer. Russ served foreign tours in Vietnam and Egypt. Some of Russ’s personal decorations include Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, and an Egyptian Presidential Citation. He served as Navy’s chief engineer for procurement of SH60B multi-mission helicopter. Russ retired as a Captain in 1983.
Following his naval career, he joined Sikorsky Aircraft in international program management and business development. He led major military helicopter acquisitions programs in Japan, Taiwan and Australia. While working with the US Navy customer, he developed Navy Helicopter Master Plan which led to current Navy Helo Concept of Operations (CONOPS-1) in 2001 and reorganization of entire US Navy helicopter fleet. He was the primary author of Mission Essential Needs Statement (MENS) for Navy CH-60, folding in requirements for Vertical Replenishment, Combat Support and Combat Search and Rescue. This led to procurement of MH-60S program. Russ led business development activities with US Navy customer wherein Sikorsky was awarded major acquisition contracts for over 500 MH-60R and MH-60S multi-mission helicopters. Russ retired for a second time in 1997 to 170 acre farm in Orwell Township in northeastern Pennsylvania. Judy and Russ were stewards of their land for thirty wonderful years. His two Schnauzers- Rudy and Molly- were constant companions and left many special memories of the “immeasurable joy” they provided. They were confirmed “snowbirds”; Russ and Judy traveled in their motorhome for 12 years to Canada, the South and Southwest- finally making Beaufort SC their winter base (and final residence) in 2010.
A graveside service was held on April 9, 2021, at Beaufort National Cemetery with United States Naval Honors. Please share your thoughts and stories about Russ by visiting www.copelandfuneralservice.com.
CWO4 Willard Anthony Haver, USN (Ret.)
The grease monkey, record playing, antiquing, retired air crewman, rescue swimmer, veteran, officer, and all-around good dude, walked out to the garage one last time on June 4, 2021. The man, the myth, the legend. Tony Haver was fire and rain. He was the werewolf of London and a tiny dancer. The jumpin’ Jack flash, tambourine man who heard it in a love song listened to vinyl on his old stereo (purchased on deployment in Italy during the 80’s) every Sunday morning. Tony preferred the early Stones and the late Beatles. Born to William W. and Esther G. Haver (both deceased), The Dude is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, DT, and younger siblings. Tony loved his country and his Fairlane. His girls were his pride, and the grandkids were his joy. The Dude’s proudest accomplishment was raising three strong, independent women. He taught them to work on cars, to love nature, that good music gets you through anything and to just be thankful. Tony took great pride in stocking their toolboxes.Tony was love and sarcasm personified. His bear hugs and hidden snacks will be missed.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 15. Eternal rest will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Fair winds and following seas CWO4-Haver. You may offer condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com Willard Haver Obituary – Virginia Beach, VA
CDR Pierre Numa Charbonnet III, USN (Ret.)
Pierre Numa Charbonnet III, 73, will be lovingly remembered by his friends and family. He died at home surrounded by his family, on June 15, 2021 after a long struggle with ALS .
Pierre was born on February 2, 1948, in Tulsa Oklahoma, to Pierre and Mary (Dutton) Charbonnet, their fourth child and only son. He graduated high school at RandolphMacon Academy in Front Royal Virginia, attended Tulane University and graduated from the University of Mississippi. In 1970 he was commissioned in the United States Navy, and earned his “Wings of Gold” on July 7,1972 at HT-18, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. LTJG Charbonnet was Navy Helicopter Designation Number R-12157.
He and Melissa began their life together in Pensacola and moved from squadron to squadron where he flew H-2 Sea Sprites. As a Cold War Warrior, he flew Anti-Submarine missions from United States Navy Spruance Class destroyers, locating and tracking Soviet submarines in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. In 1988 he received orders to the “Rocky Mountain Navy”, where he found his professional passion. He was part of the formidable team that defined and laid the plans for the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS); a multi-billion-dollar satellite system that continuously scans the world for missile launches and other heat generating occurrences in support of the DoD and other US National agencies. Although most of the SBRIS operational activities are still classified, the DoD recently released information on the events of January 7, 2020 when the SBIRS system saved the lives of uncounted US troops after Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at US and coalition forces in Iraq. On May 18, 2021 the 5th SBIRS Geosynchronous satellite was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral.
Pierre spent twenty-four years on active duty before transitioning to his civilian career where he continued working with space surveillance and the intelligence communities. Immediately after leaving the US Navy he worked one year as the ROTC instructor at King George High School and, with community member, Ken Novell, they started the first competitive Swim Team at King George High school. Pierre loved to spend time outdoors, whether on skies, hiking, biking, boating on the Potomac, or out on the bush-hog. He loved to travel; he showed his family most of the United States and his wife most of Europe, work took him to Eastern Europe and Asia often. He had a passion for the arts, he enjoyed outdoor concerts in the park, art museums, Shakespeare theater, oyster and wine tasting at Strattford Hall. His faith and his family were his life’s priorities and when asked once what his greatest accomplishments in life were, he responded that it was that his children still wanted (and did) come home.
Pierre was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Anne Constance, Louise McIver and Michelle Tomkins. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Melissa (Buffalo) Charbonnet, his three children, Jonathan (Tess) Charbonnet, of Metairie Louisiana, Amalie (Sean) Foss, of Mason Ohio, Mary (Khaled) Hachwi of Oakhill Virginia, his ten grandchildren, Ella, Peter, Anna, Daniel, Elie, Benjamin, Fares, Amine, Andrea, Beau, two sisters, Hildegard Leffen, Suzanne Benefield, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass was held on July, 9, 2021 at St Mary of the immaculate Conception in Fredericksburg VA. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Jude’s Childrens’ Research Hospital.
CDR William Seffers, USN (Ret.) July 1, 1948 - April 4, 2021
William “Bill” John Seffers passed away April 4, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 72. Bill was born July 1, 1948, to William and Dorothy Seffers in Manhattan, New York. Bill graduated from Manhattan Prep High school in 1966 and continued with his education, first earning his bachelor's degree in political science from Belmont Abbey College, then two master’s degrees from Salve Regina University and later from the U.S Naval War College. Bill had an extremely honorable career as a commander in the United States Navy where he flew as a helicopter pilot and proudly served his country for 25 years.
Bill was known as Willy by his Navy and squadron mates and Big Willy if you knew him a little better, being a man of some stature. He was Commissioned from the AOC (Aviation Officer Candidate) program in December of 1970 and winged at NAS Ellison in Pensacola in January 1972 after flight training in the T-34, T-28, TH-57 and TH-1L. His first tour was at NAS Whidbey Island SAR to fly the CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter, arriving there in February of 1972. He arrived at HC-3 on NAS North Island in February of 1974 to fly the CH-46D for back-to-back sea and shore tours doing VERTREP, logistic support, SAR and MEDEVAC missions followed by being a flight instructor for the same aircraft and missions. His deployments at HC-3 included Det 106 on the USS White Plains in 1974. In 1977 and again in 1979 he was Santa Claus for the squadron Christmas festivities. He would don the traditional red suit, boots, hat, and beard to be flown onto the squadron ramp in an HC-3 CH-46D, then walk from that helo into the hangar to set up in an HC-11 CH-46D to talk to the kids (and more than a few adults). HC-3 was followed by a tour at ASWINGPAC, then again at HC-3 for Department Head after that. He went to HC-16 in 1983 for training in the UH-1N Twin Huey on the way to the USS Tarawa LHA-1 ported in Long Beach, CA. During that tour, he was an extra in the mini-series “Winds of War” which used the Tarawa and Peleliu LHA 5. His next tour was with the National Emergency Airborne Command Post in Omaha on the Presidential Command and Control Aircraft. He then went to the Naval War College before going to TACRON 11 for an XO/CO tour in 1988 which was followed by an XO tour at Schriever Air Force Base near Colorado Springs. Finally, he did a Navy liaison tour for Aero & Defense companies before retirement in 1994. He worked for Raytheon after retirement.
Big Willy liked dogs and had an Irish Setter named Stanley and later Labradors. As a Naval Officer and Aviator, he always let everyone do their jobs and never micromanaged. If he knew you, he always remembered what your job was, who was in your family, what you had done before and would call or email you if he heard something in the news that affected you or had been part of your career. Occasionally, he would make it a point to visit your family if he were on the road with business or on vacation. He always took the time to know and encourage the people who worked for him. He considered his squadron mates as his extended family and his mom and dad were part of it. He was a little rough around the edges and gruff at times but only in the best of ways and with a great sense of humor. He would never pass up an opportunity to “pull your chain” and joke around while still being able to be a serious leader. He was the key factor in pulling all the Packrats (members of HC-3) together, which he would try to do every year. Willy had a heart of gold, as big as the outdoors. He could sing like no one else in the shower and threw the best parties.
After retiring, Bill enjoyed spending time with his daughter, traveling to the beach, spending time with friends, hunting, and being with his Labradors. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Dorothy. He is survived by his daughter, Samantha Seffers of Wellington, Colorado, his sister Joan Steins of Garden City, New York, and many beloved friends who considered him family. Big Willy affected us all, some more than others, but he always managed to touch you and make an impression. Fly high Willy, you will be greatly missed by all.
