Filon "Fi" Beadle Obituary (2010)

Filon J. âFiâ Beadle, 83, died on Friday, May 14, 2010 at his home. Born in Easton, NY, he was the son of John Beadle Sr. and Irene Barber Beadle. He graduated from Hoosick Falls High School in 1943 and served in the US Navy during WWII. In 1947 he graduated from Cal-Aero Aeronautical Academy in Glendale, CA. He returned to New York after graduation to work in aviation as a mechanic and certified flight instructor. In 1958 he returned to California as a corporate pilot for Aero Jet General Corp. where he flew DC-3âs, B26âs, Martin 404âs and numerous other types of corporate aircraft. Aero Jet General was closely connected to the US Space Agency and flew personnel and equipment for the NASA Space Program. During his flying career, Fi came in contact with John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Hoffa, Chuck Yeager, and Charles Lindburgh to name a few. In 1965 Fi was one of 200 people chosen to test Chryslerâs new turbine car, He drove the car from California to New York and back on vacation, causing quite a fuss with everyone who saw this futuristic vehicle. In late 1965 he returned to New York, rather than moving to Europe without his family and went into the construction business. He was in the construction business until his retirement in 1977. Bored in retirement, he began dealing in antique furniture. His furniture was always popular at local and state wide antique shows. During his retirement, he and his wife Sally traveled the country enjoying square dancing with friends Al and Ginny Torda at a variety of national and local clubs. He and Sally also enjoyed time together camping and riding motorcycles. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant son, Jeffrey; 1 brother, John Beadle; and 2 sisters, Alma Kennedy and Janet Ketchum Survivors include his boyhood sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Sally; 2 beloved sons, Dale (Doe) and Rod (Julie); 4 granddaughters, Misty, Julie, Jenny and Shannon; 2 great granddaughters, Cammy and Michaela; 1 great grandson, Seth; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 1pm Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St., Greenwich with Rev. Allen Peyton, officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwich Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 5-8pm at the funeral home. Memorials can be made in his memory to the charity of oneâs choice.