Mr. Santiago Pedro Rosell Sr

Santiago (Sandy) Rosell passed away on Wednesday, May 8, at the age of 62. He was born on September 11, 1950 in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Miami, Florida. After earning a Masters of Arts Degree in Communications from the University of Central Florida, Sandy attended Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School, in Pensacola, Florida, and became a U.S. Navy jet fighter pilot. He was aircraft carrier qualified aboard the USS Lexington, and, while flying T-28’s, T2C’s, and A-4J’s, rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Following distinguished service with the U.S. Navy, Sandy continued his extensive aviation career by founding an aviation maintenance management firm. There, as Chief Pilot for Venture Airways, he flew both jets and helicopter aircraft for United Medical Corporation. Most recently, he was the Chief Pilot for A-OK Jets, Inc., flying internationally for John W. Henry & Company and the Boston Red Sox baseball team. He was a consummate pilot, a pilot’s pilot. Involved in world-wide international flight operations, he was rated in Challenger, Falcon and Gulfstream aircraft, and was dual rated in rotorcraft. Besides his extensive aviation career, Sandy’s vast interests spanned many activities, from photography to motorcycles and sports cars, and much more. In the world of parachute jumping, he was Advanced Free Fall certified, and enjoyed the sport immensely. Sandy never met or knew a stranger, and his friends were many. He made each one feel special, so special that many felt Sandy was their closest friend. He left behind a loving wife, Linda, son Sandy Jr., and step son Kenneth. His enormous presence of spirit, and his unbridled joy for life and living, will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed. A funeral will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, Florida, followed by a church reception. A Memorial Fund has been established to help carry on an effort of great, great importance to Sandy. His fervent wish was to see his son, Sandy Jr., graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and after to accrue sufficient aircraft hours to become a highly employable commercial pilot. To further Sandy’s loving dream that his son follow in his aviation footsteps, contributions are warmly welcomed. Checks may be made payable to the Santiago Rosell Memorial Account, and mailed to BMO Harris Bank, 129 E. Gore Street, Orlando, FL 32806. Arrangements entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mr. Santiago Pedro Rosell Sr

September 11, 1950 - May 8, 2013