U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Ronald C. Lombardo, 73, of Brookfield, Passed Away

BROOKFIELD, CT — Ronald C. Lombardo, 73, Lieutenant Commander USN Retired of Brookfield, Connecticut, passed away on July 24, 2016, at the Danbury Regional Hospice and Homecare after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 21, 1943 to Anthony and Rita (Perrone) Lombardo in New Brunswick, NJ.

He was an accomplished professional helicopter pilot, proud Vietnam veteran, and manager with 30 years experience in all phases of corporate aviation. He accrued over 13,000 flight hours and held a helicopter airline transport rating. An icon with strong interpersonal skills, he was an administrative, financial, and aviation operations leader. He was also published in Business and Commercial Aviation magazine.

Ron served a four year enlistment in the Navy as an aviation electronics technician before being selected into the Naval Aviation Cadet Program from 1965 through 1966 (NAVCAD). Upon completion of O.C.S. and flight training in Pensacola, Florida, he served as Operations Officer with helicopter detachments aboard aircraft carriers U.S.S. Intrepid. When the U.S.S. Forrestal caught fire, Ronald participated in search and rescue helicopter missions. (S.A.R.S.) He was an advocate in the industry.

When he retired from the Navy, he was excited to take part in the emerging world of corporate helicopters. He embraced running into his "old navy buddies" on the many trips that took him all over the United States. In 1966 Ron married Rita Seaman. They lived in Brick Town, NJ for the next 16 years, & enjoyed all the Jersey Shore had to offer. The family shared many wonderful adventures together and survived some challenging times.

Honors include: Air Medal - Meritorious Service - Navy Unit Citation - National Defense - Vietnam Campaign - Good Conduct Medal. He was in the U.S. Naval Reserve of Lakehurst, NJ, with the following achievements: LT CMDR/ Naval Intelligence Union/ Willow Grove, PA; LT CMDR/ Head Speaker for Navy Seapower Lecture Team/ Lakehurst, NJ; LT/ Anti-submarine Warfare Pilot/ Lakehurst, NJ. He was also highly regarded in his associations: President, Vice President, Safety Chairman/ Eastern Region Helicopter Council; Round Table Committee/ Helicopter Association International; President, Board of Directors/ Indian Fields Homeowners' Association. Career Accomplishments - Combat Search and Rescue Pilot with U.S. Navy; Copters Incorporated, Philadelphia, PA; Flightways Inc., Philadelphia, PA; ViewTop Corp., New York, N.Y.; American Express Company, New York, N.Y.; TRIARC, New York, N.Y.; Contract Helicopter Pilot, Tri-state area; U.S. Helicopters, Bridgeport, CT; Starr Equipment Corporation, Bridgeport, CT.

He is survived by his wife, Rita, of almost 50 years; his three brothers, Anthony Jr., (Wife Mary), Johnny, and Russell (Wife Lyn); many nieces, nephews, and loving cousins; his daughter Rachel Rothe (Husband Brian), their daughter Skylar Larkin (4 yrs); and his son Randy (Wife Lauren) and their daughter Téa Leigh, (1.5 yrs). He took pride in being their Poppie.Ron was a strong and proud man who will be missed by his associates from all walks of life. Have a safe flight home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Danbury Memorial Funeral Home (117 South St, Danbury CT) on Saturday August 20th, 2016 from 12 to 3 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you direct donations in Ron's memory to: Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1-866-789-1000. The Humane Society: 1-866-720-2676. To light a candle or send a condolence please visit danburymemorial.com.