Obituary of Fay W. Brandis

Fay W. Brandis, 95, a retired professional airline and corporate pilot, died December 8, 2015. He was born in Franklin Springs, NY on May 11, 1920, the son of Durward F. and Hazel Howe Brandis. He received his education in Clinton Schools. He attended Cornell University (1938-41) in the class of '42 and graduated while on a leave of absence from Pan American Airways in 1949. He was an Air Force veteran of WWII in the 8th Air Force and obtained the rank of Major. His duties included the delivering of all types of combat aircraft during his 32 months in England. While in military flight training in Arcadia, FL, he married Mary Ellen Pearson of Ithaca, NY on May 25, 1942. In September 1945, he joined American Export Airlines, which later became American Overseas Airlines which, in turn, was purchased by Pan American World Airways in 1949. During his 35 years with the airlines, his command included the Boeing B747. After retiring from Pan Am in 1980, he became chief pilot for Oneida Limited. He retired from Oneida Ltd in 1985. From 1985-1992, he flew as a free-lance pilot for several Central New York corporations. He was a member of the New Hartford American Legion Post #1376 and the Schilling-Burns-Young VFW Post #9591 and the Quiet Birdmen. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Gregory and Mary of Reseda, CA and Gordon and Donna of Raleigh, NC; a granddaughter Veronica, and her husband John Hlifka of Indian Land, SC and a grandson Chad, and his wife Ellen Brandis of Durham, NC. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Ellen and a grandson Jonathan. A memorial service will be held at 10am Thursday, December 17, 2015 at New Hartford Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Clinton. There will be no public calling hours. Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc., Clinton. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to COCVAC or Hospice & Palliative Care.