John Russel Rohleder, USN (Ret.)

John Russell Rohleder, 95, passed away peacefully on Sept. 13, 2017, after a long illness.

Russ was born on Dec. 19, 1921 in Pittsburgh, Penn. Russ wanted nothing more than to become an aviator and moved to California to join a program of Naval Cadets for aviation training. Commissioned via Officer Candidate School, he later spent many years as a Recruiter for the US Naval Academy at Annapolis. Russ was part of the well-known VF-653 Flying Dragon Squadron, flying 4FU-4 Corsairs off the USS Valley Forge in WWII and then again in the Korean Conflict. Eventually attaining the rank of Rear Admiral, Russ retired after 38 years of service to his country.

He married the love of his life, Thelma “Thea” Marie Kash on Oct. 11, 1947, in Avalon, Penn., and they spent a devoted 60 years together.

In addition to Thea, he is predeceased by his infant daughter, Debra. He is survived by daughter Rhondalee Donovan, her husband, John Donovan, and grandchildren Maria Gabriela and Javier Donovan, all of Austin, Texas.

Arrangements are being handled by Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary. Please see their website for details of Services on Friday, Sep 29: messingermortuary.com/notices/John-Rohleder.