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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Kevin Brennan

Dick was born on September 27, 1930, in New Rochelle, New York to the
late Frank and Gladys D’Antonio. Raised in Brooklyn, he graduated from
Brooklyn Technical High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s in
electrical engineering with a specialization in Communications from The
Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn ’52 (now NYU Tandon).
Early in high school, he built his own radio, got his ham radio license and
enjoyed talking with people all over the world. With his parents’ permission,
he enlisted in the Navy Reserves at 17 because he wanted to take the
electronics classes they offered. After graduation from Brooklyn Poly, he
went to OCS and then was called to active duty. He served as a navigator
and maintenance officer on several aircraft carriers deployed in the
Mediterranean. Upon discharge, he then took a civilian job working for the
Department of the Navy in the Strategic Systems Project Office. For the
next 35 years, he worked as an engineer in the Polaris, Poseidon and
Trident submarine programs responsible for the specification and
supervision of the development of fire and safety control systems for
launching missiles. In addition to this, he remained in the Navy Reserves
for a total of 30 years of service.
Dick was an avid private pilot since getting his license in 1954, belonging to
several flying clubs through the years. He was a member of the United
Flying Octogenarians and flew left-seat to Jacksonville this past Christmas
(there was another pilot in the right seat!). He was a lifelong member of the
Knights of Columbus.
Known as Pop Pop to quite a number of younger skiers at Bryce, he was a
30+ year member of the National Ski Patrol at Bryce Ski Resort as well as
a Professional Ski Patroller. He was a nationally ranked NASTAR racer
both on snow as well as grass skiing. Amazingly, he skied his last run at
age 90.
He is survived by his children, Audrey Alderman (Craig) of Winchester,
Mike D’Antonio of Sunnyvale, CA and daughter-in-law Elisa D’Antonio of
Rockville, MD. He has five grandchildren: Danielle Alderman of Neptune
Beach, FL, Alan Alderman of Thomasville, GA, Colin Alderman of Seattle,
WA, Ryan D’Antonio of Dover, DE, Denise D’Antonio of Washington, DC,
one great-grandchild, Vera Baker of Neptune Beach, FL and brother, Bill
D’Antonio of Manhasset, NY. He is pre-deceased by his wife of 60 years,
Maria D’Antonio, their son, Robert D’Antonio and brother Dave D’Antonio.
Dick never met a stranger, always lent a hand to someone in need and had
an endless wealth of his amazing stories and adventures to tell.