He grew up with his younger sister Marie and their Slovak family in a small tenement on Manhattan's Upper East Side. WWII instilled in him a deep patriotism and love for the United States. When he was seven, his father left abruptly, causing significant hardship. He often reminisced about his mother, Marie Bires Vasko, whose wisdom and hard work ensured her children received a good education despite her meager income. Highlights of his childhood included trips to NYC museums, Central Park, Boy Scout Summer Camp at 10 Mile River, and family outings to Bear Mountain.
Tony truly embodied the power of an excellent public-school education and curious mind. His lifelong love of aircraft and education at PS 6 enabled him to be accepted into Brooklyn Technical High School’s Aeronautical Engineering course.
To help support the family during his teen years, he worked at RKO 58th Street movie palace in Manhattan. In 1953, he was accepted into the Academy of Aeronautics after achieving the highest score ever recorded on their entrance exam. He graduated early as a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic. From 1954 he worked for Lockheed Air Service at New York’s Idlewild Airport (JFK).
He met his future wife Barbara Henderson on a double date with close friend Norm Millinder at Rye Playland Amusement Park. They wed at Saint Ignatius in NYC and were married for over 50 years until Barbara passed away in 2012.
The couple saved money by working nights and overtime to build a home on Eatons Neck Long Island. Tony volunteered as a fireman there and was elected Chief after years of service. He served on the Board of Fire Commissioners including tenure as Chairman where he obtained new equipment for Eaton’s Neck Fire Department.
After Lockheed, Tony began a storied career at Eastern Airlines where he twice gained FBI clearance to access Air Force One during Nixon's administration—a fact mentioned in Hunter S. Thompson’s "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72". Tony represented Eastern Airlines during the tragic crash at JFK in 1975 which claimed 113 lives—a tragedy that reinforced his commitment to aircraft safety.
In Miami by 1983 as Director amidst financial struggles within Eastern Airlines leading towards bankruptcy—he maintained quality standards while operating its only profitable division until retiring post-receiving FAA's Charles Taylor award celebrating over fifty distinguished service years by aviation industry professionals before retirement followed suit one year later contributing columns extensively across Airways Magazine alongside Smithsonian Air & Space publications thereafter continuing sharing technical knowledge amongst fellow enthusiasts Aircraft Engine Historical Society memberships inclusive regular presentations annual conferences likewise detailing such through engaging storytelling encapsulating New Yorker spirit avidly maintaining NY Times daily readings beyond historical anecdotes seamlessly woven personal experiences collectively shared amongst families travel excursions skiing trips U.S./Canada alike honoring legacy passion books arts equally indelible patriarchal void filled eternally treasured memories preserved loved ones son Stephen Vasko daughter-in-law Kirsten granddaughters Mila Natasha Rye NY daughter Karen Bowes granddaughter Anya Bowes Fort Collins CO sister Marie Keller niece Julie Barsoli great-nephews Gianni Erik NYC alike memorial privately held NY area donation Alzheimer Association namesake honored fitting tribute commemorating remarkable life well-lived full devotion serving others utmost respect reverence perpetuated throughout subsequent generations upheld consistently long-standing principles exemplary character fondly remembered always cherished deeply missed forevermore.
Josh Smith joined Ground Support Worldwide as editor in 2016 overseeing production print magazine publishing eight times annually creating GSW newsletters daily helping update latest news AviationPros.com commencing journalism career spanning multiple capacities various newspapers trade publications contact Josh via email jsmith@aviationpros.com phone +1-920-563-1644 further inquiries press releases product information pertaining ground support equipment handling other aviation topics accordingly.
Alerts Sign-up
