Peter Richard Cappadona

Peter Richard Cappadona, the only child of Anthony and Anna Battaglia Cappadona, was born in Boston, MA on 12/31/1947 and passed to eternal life on 5/16/2022.

From earliest childhood he dreamed of being an aviator.

His education included bachelors and associates degrees in industrial technology and aviation technology Northeastern University, Boston and R&D and flight test pilot at MIT Draper and Lincoln Labs. He enjoyed three years with Braniff prior to joining the FAA where he worked as an Aviation Safety Inspector, Air Carrier, in the District Offices located in Ypsilanti, Las Vegas, Houston, and Baton Rouge before returning to Oklahoma City and the air transport branch. His years at the Aeronautics Center and Academy Flight Standards and Regulatory Division, Air Carrier Branch, and Aviation System Standards. Peter’s qualification as pilot in command in the DC-9, B727, B737, BAE Hawker, Raytheon Beech King Air 300F was where he had the most joy: flying and teaching, eager to share his knowledge and experience.

The FAA honored him with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2020.

Peter was generous, outgoing, adventurous and enjoyed the fellowship of many other good men, including friends in the Oklahoma Masonic Lodge #36, India Shrine (especially Misfits and Hospital Drivers), American Legion Post 0005, Quiet Birdmen Oklahoma City and Boston Hangers, EAA Chapter 24, Oklahoma Pilots Association, Braniff Silver Eagles, Warbirds of America.

He volunteered many years as a trained docent at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. A longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, he was in the original Sojourners Sunday School class, a Trustee for a term, and sang tenor in the Chancel Choir until 2019. He thoroughly enjoyed his terms as substitute tutor at the S.P.A.R.K. House.

Peter is survived by: good friend Sue Cliffton Cappadona,

So many good friends made and kept throughout the years, you know who you are.

His “pseudo son” Lawrence Turner and family,

First and second cousins including:

John and Evelyn Olivia, Janet Olivia, David and Janine Olivia, Joann Sacco, Fred and Paula George, Diane D’Olympia, Morgan and Jenny D’Olympia, Chuck Young and Denise Napolitano, Jim and Sandra Merrick, John and Jean Sidoti, Chris and Jean Sidoti, Charlie Sidoti, Helene Dicesare.

Peter’s family by marriage:

Smith Cliffton, Adam and Rachel Cliffton, Sam, Kate, Smithy and Rita Cliffton, David, Sara, Rob, Marc and Wesley Woollard.

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