With his career as a senior corporate executive behind him, David F. Maruna embarked on a journey to venture into business for himself to pursue his life-long passion for aviation. In 1976 he founded The Airplane Companies, Inc., a business that grew from modest beginnings, to a multi-million dollar organization. During the economic downturn of the early 1980’s, Maruna breathed life into the economy of Cleveland, Ohio by developing a new, state of the art FBO at Burke Lakefront Airport, located in the heart of the city’s business, cultural and sports district. This first renovation in twenty-one years reflected Maruna’s penchant for quality and attention to detail. As a result, new corporate clients began to use the facility and the first-class services it offered. Governor Rhodes, and Mayor Voinovich officially acknowledged Maruna for his significant contribution. Maruna served as Director of Marketing for the National Aircraft Resale Association. NARA promotes high ethical standards in the industry of the buying and selling of business aircraft; values Maruna adhered to throughout his career. Over the years Maruna developed a reputation, worldwide, for honesty and integrity in the business aircraft industry. Corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and heads of state sought his expertise in fulfilling their general aviation and fleet requirements. They trusted his expertise in finding the aircraft that met their needs and his proficiency in properly managing the complexities of each transaction. Sales to these clients spanned six continents and most of the continental United States. A pilot’s pilot, Maruna logged thousands of hours in a myriad of aircraft. He purchased a North American T28C Trojan, which he flew out of the boneyard at Davis-Monthan AFB and painstakingly restored. One of his highest honors as a pilot was flying with world-renown aviator and Word War II luminary, Mr. Bob Hoover as Hoover tested the limits of his North American Rockwell Shrike Commander.Because of his many contributions to general aviation and his impeccable character, it is fitting that David be honored on this permanent Wall of Honor as he joins so many who share his passion for flight.