At West Point, Vip was a popular and well-respected member of B-1. His leadership resulted in his being selected as a Cow Corporal and a Lieutenant in First Class year. He was a member of the Corps Fencing Team all four years and received his monogram. Around the barracks, he was particularly remembered for his sense of humor and his accordion playing. When Branch Night came, Vip chose the Air Force.

After graduation, Vip attended flight school in Tucson, AZ, and then San Angelo, TX. While Vip was at Tucson, two female cousins from Chicago, along with their longtime friend, Shirley Westphalen, arrived for a visit. Vip had planned a short visit before excusing himself to play golf. Once Vip saw Shirley, he seated all three young ladies in his beloved red hardtop convertible and did the town. Golf was forgotten. Vip and Shirley married five weeks after meeting. This was a man who knows a good thing when he sees it! Shirley became the love of his life and his lifelong partner.

After pilot training, Vip was assigned to McGuire AFB, NJ, where he spent three years flying C-118 service to Europe. During this period, William G. (Bill) was born. In 1958, Vip was selected to attend graduate school at Oklahoma State University to obtain a master’s of science in electrical engineering (MSEE). Gil, his second son, was born in Oklahoma.

For the remainder of his career, Vip served in increasingly sophisticated programs that took advantage of his skills in mathematics and electronics. This is the story of a professional who became a national resource. In 1960 Vip was assigned to the Air Force Satellite Control Facility Tracking Station at Vandenberg AFB to support missile and space launches. In 1962, Vip moved to Edwards AFB to pilot C-130s for the development of improved equipment for the mid-air recovery of parachute-borne packages. He then moved to Hickam AFB, HI, where he joined a unique squadron flying specially modified C-130s to perform mid-air recovery of satellite film capsules after reentry and data packages from very high altitude balloons. Displaying superior pilot skills, Vip accomplished midair retrieval of five Corona capsules and one Ashcan balloon package, missions of the highest national importance.

Next assigned to Tactical Air Command Headquarters, Langley AFB, VA, Vip continued work in communications and electronics Fields. In 1971 he graduated from an experimental program at Keesler AFB, MS, which combined both the Command and General Staff course and the Advanced Communications Electronics Course.

In 1972, Vip got his wish to go to Southeast Asia when he was assigned to Udorn AFB. He used his electronic skills and insights to influence tactics against the North Vietnamese. Upon his return, Vip was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, as a branch chief and then a division chief. Vip produced his usual outstanding performance but also managed his priorities to create precious family time, especially with the boys.

In 1977 Vip assumed command of the Air Force Communications Security Center at Kelly AFB. This immersed him deeply into the world of communications security and counterintelligence. It was a choice assignment, reserved for someone of Vip’s skills and capabilities. At the end of three demanding years, however, he was ready to retire and begin a  different life. Since 1960, he had become interested, skilled and successful in investments. He decided that retirement would provide the opportunity to immerse himself in investing.

Shirley and Vip chose San Antonio as their retirement home. He rose early every morning to access his computer and probe the activities of the stock market and investment world. He also took a strong interest in stained glass, taken by the art, beauty and skill involved and became a commercial success. He continued to pursue his passions for trap and pistol shooting with Gil. He immersed himself in genealogy and traced his Italian roots back several centuries. He and Shirley then traveled to Italy for three weeks to visit the family hometowns and relevant cemeteries. The trip took him to Corfinio and Rayano, where he was interviewed in Italian on local television as “a favorite son comes home.”

He was very interested in wild life preservation, especially larger, wild animals and supported institutional efforts to do this. He was an ardent supporter of C.A.M.P. Camp — a summer camp for disabled and medically needy children. In retirement, he built computers and helped others troubleshoot. These varied endeavors indicate Vip’s drive for precision in whatever he did, his consuming curiosity, and his desire to learn.

In August 2007, Vip participated in the annual trap shoot at his gun club, losing by only one point. The next day he experienced a very rare form of acute cardiomyopathy and passed away five days later. In his honor, the gun club planted a memorial tree with a granite marker.

Vip is survived by his widow Shirley, who continues to live in San Antonio; his two sons, Bill and Gil; three grandsons, three granddaughters; and three great grandchildren.

The Class of 1954 was fortunate to have Vip as one of its members. His integrity, commitment to West Point and the Air Force, deep love for his family and his irrepressible humor defined a man whom we were honored to call friend and classmate.