Captain John Lavelle, 66, beloved husband of Kelly (née Magovich); loving father of Grace and Lauren; devoted son of the late Frank J. and Bert Lavelle (née Rahotina); and loving brother of Patricia Butler, the late Kathryn Lavelle, James (Terrie), the late Mary, and Thomas (Kathy). He was a cherished uncle to his extended family and a friend to many.

John was raised in the Kamm's Corners area of Cleveland. He lost his sister and his father when he was nine and ten years old, and from an early age he developed a strong work ethic that helped him pay for his own education. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School, where he served as captain of the hockey team, then attended Miami University for two years before graduating from John Carroll University with a BS in Marketing. During his senior year at JCU, John applied for pilot slots with both the Youngstown USAF Reserve Unit (910th Tactical Airlift Squadron) and the United States Navy. He was accepted by both branches and chose the Air Force, attending Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in 1983, Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas, and C-130 training at Little Rock Air Force Base.

He went on to fly proudly for the Youngstown unit, where he absorbed the flying techniques passed down by senior pilots — many of them Vietnam veterans — and quickly upgraded to aircraft commander. A patriot who loved the C-130, its mission, and the professional men and women of the 910th, John left the unit in 1991 as a captain, and he remained friends with many he flew with during his years at the base.

While still flying C-130s, John applied to American Airlines and launched a commercial flying career that would span 40 years, 29 of them as captain. His two favorite aircraft bookended that career — the Boeing 727, which he flew first, and the Boeing 777, which he flew last. He also served as a check airman and was widely respected by the pilots and crew members he trained and flew alongside. Based out of New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for the majority of his career, John found great satisfaction in the many colleagues he came to know throughout the American Airlines system. September 11, 2001 remained etched in his memory for the rest of his life — he was flying that day, and he lost several close friends and colleagues to the tragedy. Every anniversary that followed, he and his co-pilot, Walter Gordon, would call one another, honoring the bond they had forged together on that fateful day.

Yet his greatest joy was always his family. His loving wife and children brought him great happiness, and together they supported one another in all their endeavors. John took special delight in the academic and athletic achievements of Grace and Lauren at Rocky River High School. He was a true family man — when he wasn't flying, he could be found at his family's side, attending every school event he possibly could. John was also an excellent athlete, water skiing and playing golf and pickleball regularly on Cleveland's west side, and in cities around the world during his flying layovers. John will be missed but always loved and remembered as a skilled and devoted pilot, a loving family man, a proud patriot, a loyal friend, beloved son and brother and a thoughtful man who helped many along the way.

 Arrangements for a Memorial Mass to celebrate his life are still pending.  Please check back for details.