Obituary of Nicholas Tramontano

Nicholas Tramontano, 75, of Brookfield, husband of Sandra (Adams) Tramontano, died tragically February 5, 2016 when flying as passenger in a WWII, P-51 Mustang that crashed in Maricopa County, AZ. Nick left us doing what he enjoyed most in the world, flying. Nick was born April 15, 1940 in Queens, NY. He was the eldest son of the late Peter and Cecelia (Lettiero) Tramontano. Nick was a resident of Brookfield, for the past 36 years and most recently, Amelia Island, Fl. Prior to retirement he was an international airline pilot for Seaboard World Airlines, Flying Tigers and finally, Federal Express, following a merger. Nick was a 747 Captain who flew around the world numerous times. He was well known in the industry as being a great aviator, capable of flying a variety of large jets as well as small and vintage aircrafts. Nick’s love of airplanes started by age five. He began formally studying aviation in school before joining the U.S. Navy at 17, where he was an Aircraft Engine Mechanic. During this time, he also attended college with a focus on Aircraft Design. When Nick travelled, he immersed himself in the culture, always cultivating lifetime friendships while enjoying native cuisine and pastimes. On his returns, he’d share slide shows and stories with his family which inspired his children’s love of travel and adventure. In recent years, he enjoyed teaching his grandsons how to fly and encouraged all children to read and do well in school. Since retirement, Nick could be found at the Oxford Airport working on a wide variety of planes including his own Twin Beech DS-18 and a NAVY SNJ. He has been recognized in the prestigious FAA Airman Certification Database for exceeding high educational licensing and medical standards established by the FAA. He continued to maintain distinguished credentials and certifications until his final days. Nick participated in several air shows and had a special love of war birds. His extensive knowledge was shared generously to anyone who needed it. Nick will be fondly remembered as a genuine, giving man who went out of his way to help others. He had a contagious smile and bright spirit. In addition to Aviation, his passions were family, friends and food, “good food.” If you were at Nick’s home, you could count on instant and continuous hospitality. If you were in trouble, he was there. If you were going through a hard time, his door was open and he was ready to help or listen. He was devoted to all his family and stayed in close communication with everyone. He helped to support our veterans each year by co-piloting the iconic “warhorse”, the DC-3, providing flights for WWII, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans. Nick was well loved and will be missed by many. In addition to his wife, Sandy, he is survived by his children, Nicholas Tramontano Jr. of Waterbury, daughter, Theresa Miller of Brookfield, and husband, Richard J. Miller, daughter, Diana Tramontano of Paris France, a stepson, Lee Adams of Nashville, TN and wife, Heidi, his brother, Pat Tramontano of Tucson, AZ and wife, Arlene, sister, Maryann Jeffries of Sun City West, AZ and husband, Steve, grandchildren, Evan Nicolas Morales, Richie and Nikki Miller, Mason and Nora Adams, several cousins, nieces, nephews and an extraordinary number of friends. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Nick’s life is being planned for the future. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Orbis International, www.orbis.org. Impressions of a Pilot Flight is freedom in its purest form, To dance with the clouds which follow a storm; To roll and glide, to wheel and spin, To feel the joy that swells within. To leave the earth with its troubles and fly, And know the warmth of a clear spring sky; Then back to earth at the end of the day, Released from the tensions which melted away. Should my end come while I am in flight, Whether brightest day or darkest night; Spare me no pity and shrug off the pain, Secure in the knowledge that I'd do it again. For each of us is created to die, And within me I know, I was born to fly. -- Gary Claude Stoker