Captain Harry E. Arcamuzi was born on July 22, 1926 in Corona, New York to immigrant parents. From the start, Captain Arcamuzi knew he was going to be a pilot the moment he saw his first airplane. At age 18, Harry enlisted in the Coast Guard, became a radio operator and was part of the planned invasion fleet for Japan. He overcame strong family objections and learned to fly in his twenties. He bought his first airplane, a J3 Cub for $500 and obtained his licenses. While he struggled to accumulate time, he worked as a television repairman and a Nassau County police officer. Captain Arcamuzi married Georgia Manley of Queens, New York in 1953.
Captain Arcamuzi built flight time in his J3 flying over the beaches of New York advertising for local businesses using an external PA system. His first flying job was as a co-pilot on a Beech 18 for the Alexander Smith Rug Company.
Captain Arcamuzi was first hired by Colonial Airlines but was furloughed shortly thereafter. While on furlough, he applied at other airlines and was eventually offered a job with National Airlines, Continental Airlines and Capital Airlines. Captain Arcamuzi chose Capital Airlines and began his airline career as a DC-3 first officer. In addition to the DC-3, Captain Arcamuzi flew the DC-4, DC-6, Constellation, Viscount, Caravel, DC-8, 737, 747, and retired as a Captain on the 767.
Captain Arcamuzi was a strong ALPA advocate and served on the Capital MEC during the merger with United Airlines. One of his most memorable comments was, when pointing proudly to his ALPA wings: "See these small wings? They make the big wings worthwhile." He along with other United pilots helped pilot's monthly scheduling transition from choosing trips posted on a wall in flight operations to the creation of bid packs and union scheduling committees.
Captain Arcamuzi strove for excellence in his flying. He was known as one of the most competent, safe, and conscientious pilots. He inspired others to follow his lead. Captain Arcamuzi's daughter, son, nephew, brother, and brother's daughter established careers in the airline industry thanks to his mentoring and encouragement.
Captain Arcamuzi passed away on April 6, 2003 and is missed by all who knew and loved him.