Obituary: Anthony Halavik Jr., 96, Elite Navy Pilot

Anthony Halavik, Jr, 96, of Saunderstown, RI, passed away on September 23, 2015 in Wakefield, RI. He was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen (McLinden) Halavik for 50 years until her passing on August 22, 1997.

Born in Ansonia, CT, on July 11, 1919, Anthony was the son of the late Anthony and Dorothy (Tarasania) Halavik. Raised in Johnson City, New York, he joined the Navy at age 17 and began his military career on the destroyer U.S.S. Lamson. One of the few enlisted men selected into the Navy’s aviator program, Anthony received his wings in 1943 and achieved the rank of Chief Aviation Pilot at the age of 25. During World War II, he served in the Pacific, European and African Theaters, and enjoyed telling his family stories about flying over Africa. After the war, Anthony served as an aerobatic and instrument Flight Instructor at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. He retired as the Leading Chief at Quonset Point Naval Air Station in 1955. With time on his hands, Anthony pursued a new career in real estate by opening his own agency, Aerospace Realty.

Anthony is survived by his two sons Thomas and his wife Barbara, Nicholas and his wife Deborah and by his daughter Kathleen. He is also survived by his grandsons Byron and Kyle. He was the brother of Betty, Andrew, Ann and Dorothy, all of whom predeceased him.

He was an honest, self-taught, hard-working man and will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and a Roman Catholic of deep and abiding faith. Attending Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican as a young man always held a special place in his heart. As a backyard apiarist, his colony of bees produced delicious honey for his family and friends. Anthony was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a lifetime member of the NRA.

Calling hours are respectfully omitted. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston, RI. Burial with military honors will follow at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter. Memorial donations in memory of Anthony may be made to your favorite charity.