Patrick Thomas Redmond, 85, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. and resident of Foley, died Friday, May 31, 2013.
Patrick retired as a senior captain from American Airlines. Flying passengers across the oceans in both propeller and then jet aircraft, he himself would commute to his assigned flights from his homes in St. Thomas, V.I, Sharon, Conn., Oahu, Hawaii and New York.
He was raised in Ireland, Wales and Brooklyn by his extended and loving family. In large part a self-educated man, he left high school to enlist in the Marine Corps during World War II. Serving honorably, he returned to New York where he finished high school.
He decided to continue his education, and while at college met Claire, his wife of 61 years.
An adventurous and active soul, he built his own plane and learned the sky.
He enjoyed his beloved sailboat, the “Spirit of the Wind,” and thus learned more about the wind and the sea.
Because of advancing illness in his later life, he was to donate this ocean-going vessel to an agency that teaches young Virgin Islanders how to sail.
Mr. Redmond is survived by his wife, Claire Joan Redmond of Foley; daughter, Gail (Ron) Budsan of Foley; son, Patrick John (Kim) Redmond of Connecticut; daughter, Janice Murphy of Ireland; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
The family suggests memorial contributions in the name of Mr. Redmond be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Forever a Marine, his entombment will be in Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola.
Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley.
