Walter F. Fieldsa

Fieldsa, Walter F., 93, of Largo, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2015 at home in his sleep. He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris A. Fieldsa; sons Kevin and Keith; son-in-law Ira M. Seidler. Walter is survived by his children, Karen Seidler, Wayne (Robin) and Walt Jr.(Karen); grandchildren Colin, Doug, Laura, Eric, Dyer, Noah, Walter and Andrew; great-grandchildren Mya and Andrè, and 13 nieces and nephews. He was a member of Delta Golden Wings, Mensa, Kappa Sigma fraternity at the University of Miami and New York Board of Realtors. Walter left the University of Miami in 1942 and was accepted into OCS in the US Army Air Corps. After serving as a Lieutenant flying C46s in North Africa and Asia, in 1945 he was honorably discharged to become one of the founding Ethiopian Airline (EAL) pilots in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He met his wife Doris on her first flight as a stewardess for EAL. They married in 1946 and returned to Miami, FL in 1948. His love of aviation led him back to commercial flying in 1954 for EAL. He was hired by Northeast Airlines (NEA) in 1957 and moved to New York. In 1970 Walter was appointed Check Pilot of F227 aircraft and moved to Boston for NEA. Subsequently he became a Regional Chief Pilot for NEA in Boston. During the 1970s Walter was a Check Pilot on the Boeing 727, which he flew for 14 years. He delivered the 1st stretch version of that aircraft to NEA. In 1972, NEA merged with Delta Airlines where he continued as captain on the Boeing 727 until he retired in 1986. Walter and Doris designed and built their home in Brasstown, NC and then in Cleveland, GA. In 1997 they moved back to Florida residing in Plant City and then Sand Key. Wherever they lived family and friends were always encouraged to come and visit. Grandchildren especially loved visiting and playing with grandma and pop pop. Walter will be fondly remembered for the twinkle in his eyes, quick wit, sound advice and his ability to recognize the strengths of each member of his family and encourage them to follow their dreams. He wants us all to remember the selfless service of the men and women of the Armed Forces. There will be a visitation on Saturday, May 23, 12:30pm- 1:00pm with his funeral service starting at 1:00pm both at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. MLK Street N., St. Petersburg with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Alzheimer's Association or American Diabetes Association.