On Final Flight

Anthony F. Gambino
6/13/22 – 6/23/03
One of the giants of the Long Island Aviation Community and a strong supporter of the Long Island Early Fliers Club has Gone West, on of the finest pilots known to the realm of Aviation, an American Patriot of sterling character, who as a member of the U.S. Army Air Force served his country in the time of war, an immaculate man in every respect, a gentleman pilot, and a truly sweet man who was loved and respected by all, Anthony "Tony Gambino, on June 23, 2003 at 81. Tony served as a Trustee of the Long Island Early Fliers Club and was Assistant Vice President. As seen by his club number (472), Tony was among the early members of the Club. Tony was also active in the Lions Club, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Tony’s love of flying rated second only to his family.

Tony was a truly Professional Aviator, who greeted you with a broad smile, a warm handshake and sincere hello, and always with a helping hand, a true gesture of fellowship. Tony was a credit to everything he became part of and he faithfully attended LIEFC meetings. Tony grew up in Brooklyn and after graduating from high school attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics at Tulsa, Ok. And was admitted to the USAC Cadet Program in 1940. A year later he received his wings and was commissioned a 2nd Lieut. After the war, with the surplus of pilots, Tony worked in non-flying positions in the maintenance squadron at Mitchell Field. All of his family shared his enthusiasm to fly. Tony made his home in Farmingville, NY.

For many years Tony ran Allied Flying Service at the old Deer Park Airort, where many Long Islanders learned to fly and work on airplanes. Deer Park Airport gave way to an industrial park in the early 1970’s. Tony then moved his business over to MacArthur Airport, where he remained until he retired. For many years Tony was host to the GACE Aero Club of the Grumman Corporation. Tony was a great friend of young pilots working on their ratings and the Grumman Aero Club pilots loved him. During the Korean Tony worked at Republic Aviation on the F-84 Thuderjets and he did a stint at the Grumman Corporation. During the 1980’s, Tony came back to Fairchild Republic to work on production of the A-10A Thuderbolt II, which has performed so well in Iraq.

Tony is survived by his long time friend Josephine, his daughter and two sons, two grandsons and two grand daughters. Tony, we will forever miss your big smile and your warm handshake. We thank you for your great fellowship, we shall always miss you, aviators everywhere Salute you, and may you fly on the Winds of the World forever.

(Prepared by Frank Hayes – LIEFC)

Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of our departed members.

Frank P. Eisenhauer passed away on August 16, 2003 on his 90th year. Frank was a member of The Quiet Birdmen and was a corporate pilot for Nelson Doubleday & Co.

Frank X. Burke passed away on July 15, 2003. He was 82 years old. During WWII Frank was a meber of the 79th Troop Carrier Sqd. of the 436th Troop Carrier Grp. He was trained to fly both C-47 cargo aircraft and B-25 bombers. He became a Glider pilot upon graduation from the Glider Pilot School in Victorville, Ca. on April 6, 1943 and was commissioned a Flight Officer. On D Day, June 6, 1944, he flew a British Horsa glider into Normandy. He also took part in the glider missions in Southern France, Holland, and the crossing of the Rhine River near Wesel, Germany. The Allies made six Glider landings in Europe during WWII. Frank made four of them. This was unheard of as most of the glider and crew only lasted one mission.

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© 2004 The Long Island Early Fliers Club, P.O. Box 221, Bethpage, NY 11714-0221 • info@longislandearlyfliers.org