William R. “Bill” McCluskey
William R. ‘Bill’ McCluskey, who was born in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania on Monday October 6, 1952, passed away following a long and valiant battle with cancer on Wednesday, March 16, 2016.
Bill was the only son of Bob and Frieda (Hagar) McCluskey.
He graduated from Frazier High School in Perryopolis and from West Virginia University.
After earning his degree, Bill entered the United States Navy and flight training as a Naval Flight Officer earning his first ‘Wings of Gold’ in 1977. Bill trained with Fighter Squadron 101 in Oceana, Virginia as a Radar Intercept Officer in the F-14 Tomcat.
He then joined Fighter Squadron 84, the famous ‘Jolly Rogers’ and made two full deployment cycles on the USS Nimitz participating in the feature film ‘The Final Countdown,’ culminating with action in the Indian Ocean in support of Iranian Hostage Rescue attempts in 1980.
Bill earned his second set of Gold Wings as a Naval Aviator in 1981 becoming a member of F-14 squadrons and made two more deployments during the final decade of the Cold War. Bill served with Fighter Squadron 43, the east coast adversary unit equivalent to TOPGUN on the west coast. Bill flew the Northrop F-5 and the Israeli Kafir during his tour.
Bill ended his military career in the Navy Reserve as a member of VC-12 where he flew A-4’s and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Bill joined FedEx as a Line Pilot in 1986 where he flew actively as a DC-10 First Officer and later Captain on the Airbus A-300 and the Boeing 777F. Bill was an Instructor, Check Captain and Training Captain on the B777. Bill retired from FDX within days of his passing, having accrued well over 10,000 hours of flight time and over 250 carrier landings.
He was an outstanding pilot, consummate professional and friend to all.
When not flying, Bill enjoyed time with his family. Together they enjoyed many special times fishing, boating and entertaining at their Pend O’reille Riverhouse.
Baseball was a big part of Bill’s life, including coaching.
He was also a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers.
He is survived and missed by his wife, Tracy; his son, Connor; his daughter, Kylie; and many friends.Fair Skies and
Following Seas, Bill.
All who knew you loved you. You will be missed and never forgotten.
The family received guests during a visitation from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the HAZEN &Amp; JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, 1306 North Monroe Street, Spokane, WA 99201 (509.327.6666) www.hazenjaeger.net
Bill’s Memorial Service will be today, March 20th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at HAZEN &Amp; JAEGER.
A Committal Ceremony with Military Honors will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 21st, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 West Espanola Road, Medical Lake, WA.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice.