Signal Charlie - Summer 2023

CAPT Dick Catone, USN (Ret.) following a memorial service for a fellow helicopter pilot, is credited with the following statement: “I guess we are all in the starboard delta waiting for Signal Charlie.” Starboard Delta is the holding pattern for the airborne Search and Rescue helicopters on the starboard (right) side of the aircraft carrier. They fly at a low altitude so as not to interfere with the fixed-wing aircraft recovery pattern, and only land when the last fixed-wing aircraft is safe on board. When tower calls the helicopter to pass “Charlie” to a landing spot, the crew knows the fixed-wing recovery is complete, all is well, and it is time to come back. Hence, the statement appears appropriate that someday we will receive our own “Signal Charlie” and will be called home for a final landing.

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.

CAPT Christopher P. Arendt, USN (Ret.)

Chris Arendt passed away on May 22 in his home in Annandale, VA. ENS Christopher P. Arendt, USN became a Naval Aviator on October 15, 1982 at HT-8, NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida. ENS Arendt was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-16850.

Chris achieved his childhood dream of becoming a Naval Aviator, serving 27 years in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of Captain. He served in the DoD for an additional 14 years before retiring last June. Chris was a selfless leader, mentor, and manager, and is remembered by his colleagues for his humility and empathy, qualities which he often demonstrated through an affected gruff demeanor and always with a twinkle in his eye.

Chris was dearly loved. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cindy; his two sons, Andrew (and wife Olivia) and Benjamin (and wife Gabrielle); and many loving family members and friends that he adored.

A funeral mass honoring Chris was held on Saturday, May 27 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale, Virginia. Internment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to a charity of choice.

CDR Drury “Chip” Charles Nimmich Jr., USN (Ret.)

“Chip” Charles Nimmich Jr., 69, of Summerville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 28, 2023.

ENS Nimmich became a Naval Aviator on April 7, 1978 at HT-18, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. ENS Nimmich was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator number R-14603.

A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Parks Funeral Home Chapel, in Summerville, S.C. Inurnment will be at The Citadel at a later date. Chip was born on March 6, 1954 in Summerville, S.C. and is the son of the late Dru and Mary Nimmich. He spent many years serving his country as a U.S. Navy Pilot. Along with his time in the U.S. Navy, Chip was a part of the Citadel Association. In his free time, he enjoyed building model aircrafts and spending time with his loved ones.

Chip is survived by his wife of 42 years, Stuart Nimmich of Summerville, S.C.; son, Drury C. Nimmich III of Summerville, S.C.; daughter, Claudia Gros of Summerville, and brothers, Mike Nimmich of Sumter, S.C., and Geoff Nimmich of Beaufort, S.C. He is predeceased by his parents, Dru and Mary Nimmich. In honor of Chip, memorials can be made to any animal shelter in the area.

CDR Thomas Roger Dean, USN (Ret.)

Thomas R. Dean, USN became a Naval Aviator on July 15, 1970 at HT-8, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. LTJG Dean is Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-11167. CDR Dean is NHA Lifetime Member #256.

Thomas Roger Dean, Commander U.S. Navy (retired), 75 of Stanardsville, VA, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at UVA Hospital after an extended illness. He was born in Conneautville, PA, on January 4, 1948, to the late Jack McCall Dean and Shirley Rogers Dean. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel A. Dean.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie M. Dean; brother, Robert E. Dean and wife Kathleen of Sharpsville, PA; sister, Laura A. Dean of Athens, GA; sister-in-law, Harriet M. Perry and husband Edward of Ocean Springs, MS; nephew Alex Perry and wife Kumi of Ocean Springs, MS; niece Katie Dean Breit, husband Dave of Sharpsville, PA, and great-nephews Lincoln and Westin.

Tom was a graduate of Conneaut Valley High School and Penn State University, where he was in Naval ROTC. Along the way, he also earned a master’s degree from George Washington University. After Penn State and flight school in Pensacola, FL, where he met Laurie, he had a distinguished career as a helicopter pilot and administrator, serving in Annapolis, Norfolk, Pensacola, Italy, Greece, and England before his retirement after 23 years of service. He was a Lifetime Member of the Naval Helicopter Association. After retirement from the Navy, he worked in computer technology for a number of years, and they moved to Stanardsville, where he was active in local civic organizations including Ruritans and STAR (Stanardsville Area Revitalization, a public-private partnership dedicated to restoring the vitality of the town). He loved travel, history, Stanardsville, Spring Oak Farm and his tractors, and good food, drink, and conversation.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the cemetery at Spring Oak Farm in Stanardsville, VA, with Rev. Erl “Puck” Purnell officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be directed to *STAR*, P.O. Box 838, Stanardsville, VA 22973 (or online at http://www.stargreene.org/donate/ ).

CAPT Robert (Bob) C. Haas, USN (Ret.)

ENS Robert C. Haas became a Naval Aviator on January 11, 1975 at HT-18, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. ENS Haas was Navy Helicopter Designator Number R-13279.

Loving husband, father, and grandfather, Robert (Bob) C. Haas, of Yorktown, Virginia, while resting peacefully, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Friday, April 21, 2023.

He was 71. He joins his parents Cletus and Agnes Haas of Cincinnati Ohio, and his brother David Haas, of Cincinnati, Ohio in the next life.

He is survived by his wife Pam, his sons Rob (Lori) of Yorktown and Andrew of Norfolk, and his granddaughter Diana. He is also survived by his siblings John (Peggy) Haas, Mary Ann Nead (Bill), Kathy Ruschman (Bill), and Dan (Kim) Haas and sister-in-law, Jane Haas.

Bob served in the U.S. Navy first as a helicopter pilot, flight instructor and service warfare officer. He retired after 24 years of service with the rank of Captain. He then went on to serve the Newport News School System before retiring. Bob loved to travel to visit family and friends. He enjoyed riding his motorcycles and furthering his knowledge of U.S. history by exploring the local area. Bob touched many lives in his community by volunteering with the York County Ruritan Club, Knights of Columbus, the Newport News USO and at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Parish in Newport News. If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please send to the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church (230 33rd St. Newport News VA 23607).

CDR Edmund W. Berry, USN (Ret.)

Ed Berry became a Naval Aviator on September 19, 1975 at HT-18, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. ENS Berry was Navy Helicopter Designator Number R-13611

CDR Edmund William Berry, USN, (Ret.) left for his final duty station on Wednesday, the 26th of April, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his brothers, Dan, Tim, and Joe; his sister Ann; two daughters, Ann and Emily, and four grandchildren, who have learned over the years to appreciate his quick sense of humor, his fun-loving personality, and his love of good Irish whiskey.

Born to a Marine Corps pilot and a first-generation Irish immigrant in Cherry Point, North Carolina, Ed grew up with a love of the outdoors that continued throughout his life. He hunted, fished, and boated whenever he had the chance— until he discovered the greatest sport of all time: golf. When Uncle Sam came calling during the Vietnam War, he signed up to join the Navy based on the promise he could fly. Twenty-two years and a master’s degree later, he had not only flown, but had taught others to fly, influenced national security decision making, and become an adjunct professor of same through the Naval War College.

After he retired in 1994, Ed followed his wife’s career back to Pensacola where their love story began so many years prior and took up substitute teaching and volunteer work to fill his days in meaningful ways. Through Civitan International and church service, he touched the lives of countless local families. He enriched the choir of St. Jude Thaddeus Church every Sunday by picking up as many harmonies as he could with his rich voice, strong in the belief that making a joyful noise unto the Lord was the best form of worship.

Ed was the life of every party he attended and was renowned for his smoked meats and baking prowess. His passionate and playful approach to life helped him build powerful bonds with his grandchildren, who have always been his biggest fans. His stories kept everyone around him laughing even as he lost his twenty-one month battle with pancreatic cancer. He will always be remembered as the embodiment of the saying “love conquers all.”

Visitation will be at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home in Cantonment, FL from 5-7 PM on Thursday, May 4th. A funeral Mass was said at St. Jude Thaddeus Church on Friday, May 5th followed by a graveside service at Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you contribute to the charity of your choice in Ed’s name. Many of you may want to send a sympathy card Mrs Nancy Berry, 1933 Filly Road, Cantonment, FL 32533.

AMS2 Stephen Jack Farrell, USN (Former)

Stephen Jack Farrell, age 70 of rural Morenci, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, July 9, 2023. He was born in Sarasota, FL on December 15, 1952 to Jerry and Marilynn Farrell. Upon graduation from West Springfield High School in Virginia, he entered the United States Navy, where he faithfully served his country for 4 years. He was a millwright and owned Steve’s Grain Dryer Service for many years.

Surviving are daughter, Katie Farrell; grandchildren, Lilly and Diesil Stoykoff; and brothers, Mike (Winnie) Ballinger and Mike Farrell. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Daniel Farrell.

According to Stephen’s wishes, cremation will take place. Inurnment of his remains took place on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Morenci. A Celebration of Life luncheon was held at the Wauseon VFW Post 7424.

Online condolences to the family may be offered at www.eaglemarryfuneralhome.com. Monetary contributions can be given to the family for future designation. The Eagle-Marry Funeral Home in Morenci is assisting the family with arrangements. Fair Winds and Following Seas Mr. Farrell

CDR William Scott Reed, Jr., USN (Ret.)

ENS Wiliam Reed became a Naval Aviator on February 19, 1971 at HT-8, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Fl. ENS Reed was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator #R11449.

CDR William Scott Reed, Jr., USN (Ret.) was born on June 24, 1947 in Lancaster, PA to the late William Reed, Sr. and Ann Mae Gross Barker. Bill grew up in Red Lion, PA where he was a Scholar Athlete. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1969 with a BS in Business Logistics. He completed an MS in Business Administration at Golden Gate University in 1984 and an MS in Education at Old Dominion University in 1995. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy / Ready Reserves in Dec. 1968, and completed Officer Candidate School in 1969, and Flight School at Pensacola, FL in 1971 where he received his “wings of gold.” Over a 23-year military career, he served as a helicopter pilot, flight instructor and administrator in various squadrons and duty stations: HC-6, HSL-30, HSL-34, and the Naval Military Personnel Command. He completed his military career at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk VA with tours as a faculty member and retired as the Executive Officer of the facility in 1992.

In 1995 Bill began his second career as an Elementary Teacher in the Chesapeake Public Schools System. He spent those years at Carver Elementary and Truitt Intermediate where he was the Teacher of the Year for 2002. He retired from teaching school in 2013.

Bill passed away Thursday, July 27, 2023, lovingly surrounded by family, after a courageous 8-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathryn Clarke Reed, his children Jonathan and Amanda, his sister and brother-in-law Barbara Jane and Charles “Nicky’ Seitz, his loving in-laws and ‘outlaws’ Roger Cackovic, Joe and Julie Smith, Billy Clarke, Tom Clarke and Justine, Mary and Bob Brown, 25 nieces and nephews and his fur babies Cora and Bailey. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepparents Helen Reed and Roy Barker, his mother and father-in-law Mary and Bill Clarke his sister-in-law Alice Cackovic and brother-in-law Gene Clarke.

Services are pending at Hickory United Methodist Church. Burial with full Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced. Bill lived a full life and gave fully to those in need. His last act was to participate in a clinical trial to find a cure for advanced prostate cancer. He had requested that memorial donations be made to your favorite animal shelter or Veterans charity.

Fair Winds and Following Seas