Capt. (Ret.) Theodore G. Stallone of Brighton, Colorado, passed away Aug. 5, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Ted was born in New York on Feb. 19, 1952, and was preceded in death by his father, Theodore S. Stallone, his mother, Mildred Wilchinsky, and his beloved and always faithful Golden Retriever, Cooper.

Ted’s love of flying began at a very young age. Years after his parents had arranged for Ted to take a glider ride, he would set his sights on the Air Force Academy and the pursuit of a career in aviation.

Upon completion of high school, Ted spent a year at Northwestern Preparatory School in Minnesota, taking the necessary steps to assure an appointment to the Air Force Academy. He was a Falcon Foundation scholarship recipient and member of the AFA soccer team. As Ted would tell it, much of his time at the Air Force Academy was spent in the library working furiously to obtain a degree in electrical engineering. He was quick to credit his luck for landing him a flying assignment to the T-43 aircraft after graduation, an assignment that would earn him a 737-type rating and set the tone for his aviation career. Ted retired from the Air Force in December 1981 and quickly pursued a professional career in aviation.

Ted began what would be a stellar career with Southwest Airlines on Jan. 11, 1982, where he remained before retiring in 2017 after 35 years of flying. Ted truly loved his job and was incredibly proud to be an employee of Southwest. He spent more than 20 of those 35 years at Southwest as a member of the Southwest Airlines hotel committee, negotiating hotel contracts for crew members. Ted was described by colleagues as being a role model and true advocate for Southwest Airlines. He reluctantly yet proudly left his professional flying career by forced retirement, thanks to the FAA, in 2017.

Ted kept busy in retirement serving as president of the Colorado chapter
of The Center for Science & Culture, volunteered for his community HOA, took part in weekly online battles of “Advanced Squadron Leader,” and enjoyed time flying his PA-18 Super Cub.

Ted is survived by his wife, Julie, whom he met while working at Southwest Airlines. He is also survived by his stepchildren Tyler and Brea, his sister Doreen (David), and nephew Nick (Cassidy). (Ted’s loving family)

Checkpoints Magazine   |  March 2024

 

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From Bruce Correll:

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Theodore G. Stallone, ‘75 CS-11, yesterday at his home in Brighton, Colorado at Van Aire Airpark. He was diagnosed with stage IV cancer two years ago and fought the good fight but he has been called by the lord to fly west. He was my best buddy for 50 years and he will forever be missed. He played lacrosse at the Academy and retired as a Southwest Captain. He had a great sense of humor and an unmatched sense of integrity and inner strength.

When asked bedside whether he preferred to be cremated or buried, he replied, “whatever is cheapest.” He kept his sense of humor right up until the end. He will be buried at the Academy.

May he rest in peace. He will await the rest of us ‘75er’s in the next life. 

Live life today as it may be your last.

Warm regards