World Airways pilot Dan Giddens boarded his “Final Flight” while in Home Hospice on March 15, 2024. At World Airways from 1978 until 1986, Dan served as a DC-8 Second Officer and then as a DC-10 Second Officer and First Officer from 1978 until 1986.
Prior to joining World Airways Dan served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1976, and then joined the Air National Guard, Van Nuys, CA, in 1977, where he served until 1992.
Dan Giddens 1980 Jakarta Hadj
Following his career with World Airways Dan flew asa Boeing 737 Captain for America West Airlines until his medical retirement in 2007. After his retirement Dan spent 17 years traveling with his family, working in his garden, and serving as a “stroke and turn official” at his son’s swimming meets.
Dan is survived by his wife Anne, their two sons, Jeff and Jay and one granddaughter, Karsyn.
Please Keep Dan’s Family in Your Thoughts and Prayers
Sofie Paez
March 2024
I have been informed that World Airways Flight Attendant Sofie Paiz boarded her “Final Flight” the first week in March. Please keep Sofie and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
More information will be provided when it becomes available.
Neil Howard
February 28, 2024
Jane Howard reported that Neil Howard boarded his “Final Flight” on February 28, 2024. He and his wife Jane had been living in Nevada. Neil was hired at World Airways in February, 1978, and later flew for Piedmont Airlines, Air Algerie and BWI Airlines. Please Keep Neil and Jane and their family in your thoughts and prayers.
More information will be provided when it becomes available.
Johan (John) Erick Mechanicus
March 22, 1935 – August 16, 2023
Kevin Rogan has reported an obituary reporting the “Final Flight” of one of World Airways’ European members, John Mechanicas, has been found by Russ Sadler.
At some point a few years ago John went into a nursing home near Zaventem, Belgium. Unfortunately, the obituary is not written in English. If anyone has information regarding John’s departure, has access to the obituary, or can possibly provide a translation of the obituary, please contact me at yourdalybread@gmail.com
May John Rest in Peace
Benedict “Benny” Johnson
Benedict “Benny” Johnson
January 28, 2024
Benedict “Benny” Johnson, 73, a native of Napoleonville, LA, departed on his “Final Flight” on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his home in Gonzales, LA.
Benny will be remembered by his Flight Attendant friends at World Airways for his kind and gentle heart. He made every trip with him memorable and was considered “one of the best” to fly with. May he rest in peace.
His service was in Donaldsonville, LA, on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 101 Loop 945, Donaldsonville, LA, followed by interment in St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church Cemetery.
Benny is survived by his brother, George Johnson (Barbara); his sister, Chrystal Dennis; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Leona and Chester Johnson, Sr.; 5 sisters, Mary Patterson, Aurelia Lee, Beverly Buggage, Laverne Dennis, and Almatine Blame; 4 brothers, Bernard, Herman, Raymond, and Chester Johnson, Jr.
Arrangements were by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, (225) 473-1900. To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit www.williamsandsouthallfuneralhome.com.
Gunilla Crawford
Gunilla Crawford
January 2, 2024
Vince Rossi and Donna Napierala both reported on “Facebook World Airways Employees” that World Airways Flight Attendant Gunilla Crawford boarded her “Final Flight” on January 2, 2024, at her home in Miami Lakes, Florida, with her daughter Kim at her side.
Gunilla loved everything about aviation and worked for many different airlines in her career. “She was a wonderful part of our WOA Family and will be greatly missed.” May she rest in peace.
Please keep Gunilla’s Family & Friends
in Your Thoughts and Prayers.
More information will be provided when it becomes available.
Gary Rodriguez
Gary Rodriguez
January 1, 2024
World Airways Flight Attendant Gary Rodriguez’s sister advised that Gary boarded his Final Flight. Gary was a very private person that was very well thought of and admired at World Airways.
A Mass was held February 9th at 5 pm at “Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church” in Castro Valley, CA.
Gary was a very kind, patient, and thoughtful person and we have very fond memories of him.
May He Rest in Peace.
William August
“Bill” Hardenstine
1922 – December 18, 2023
William August “Bill” Hardenstine, Retired Vice-President of Sales at World Airways of Oakland, CA, boarded his “Final Flight” on Monday, December 18, 2023, at the age of 101.
William was born in Jersey City, NJ, in 1922 and moved to Stroudsburg, PA, as a baby. He grew up there, graduating from Stroudsburg High School in the 1930s. While growing up, he worked on the Pennsylvania Railroad in the summers and attended New York University (NYU) in 1940-43. Bill enlisted in the Navy and attended Officer Training School, and following graduation, was assigned to the USS Harry Lee in August 1944. He later served aboard the USS Crescent and Agerholm until June 1948. Bill then entered the Naval Reserve and returned to NYU, earning his Bachelor of Science in Transportation. He was then recalled into the Navy and served on the USS Gattling, the USS Sierra, and the USS Chipola during the Korean War. Bill served until he was honorably discharged from the Navy in August 1957.
For the next 36+ years, Bill worked for two charter airlines, Overseas National Airlines (ONA) and World Airways. As the Senior Vice-President of Sales at World Airways, he worked with dignitaries worldwide to establish the World’s charter airline service. Bill was instrumental in planning and executing the historic transportation of refugees from Vietnam by World Airways at the end of the Vietnam War. Following his retirement from World Airways, he was recruited by Trans-International Airlines (TIA) as President, where he served until his retirement in 2000.
Bill survived two wives, Helen and Anna-Maria, and many of his dear friends. Following his retirement, he became head of repairs and maintenance for six apartment buildings in Oakland until 2012, when he moved with his wife Anna-Maria to Lake Park.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Andrea Sue Johnston and Sherry Hardenstine Jacobs, and her husband Scott; his Grandchildren, Joshua, Brook, Anthony, and Delana; and his Great-Grandchildren, Blake and Beckham.
Everywhere Bill went, he made long-lasting friends. He always remained optimistic and concerned about his appearance, and his smile was infectious. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him!
Bill survived two wives, Helen and Anna-Maria, and many of his dear friends. Following his retirement, he became head of repairs and maintenance for six apartment buildings in Oakland until 2012, when he moved with his wife Anna-Maria to Lake Park.