William J. Tedesco, 86, passed on November 3, 2012. He was born in Newton, MA.
He served his country in WWII as a B-24 heavy Bomber Flight Engineer; in Korea as Commanding Officer of the 151st TC Cargo Helicopter Field Maintenance Detachment; and twice in Viet Nam, as Commanding Officer of the 8th TC Helicopter Company and was promoted to Lt. Colonel and commanded the 53rd Aviation Detachment (GUNS A GO-GO). He served his country loyally and bravely for over two decades. Bill was a recipient of many honors and medals, one of which is the Distinguished Flying Cross.
He was beloved husband of his wife, Barbara, his mate for sixty-three years, and the much loved father and friend of his three children: Debra Tedesco, David Tedesco and Diane Tedesco. And he shared his love with his six grandchildren and his three great-grandchildren. He will be loved and cherished in our hearts forever.
Donations may be made in his honor to the Disabled Veterans of America.
My daddy, my dad, my father, my hero. I love you forever and ever and will see you again. Until then, hold down the fort up there! Your daughter, Debbie
My Dearest Popop – The memories that you have given me will never be forgotten. I love you more than you will ever know and will miss you every single day. Every time I think of you I can’t help but laugh because of the funny things you’ve done. Watch over us knowing that you continue to live in our hearts. I love you xoxox Kristin
Dear Tedesco family,
We only had the honor of meeting Mr. Tedesco once, at Alexandra’s christening, but through all the stories and history that Debra shared with us, we got a glimpse into the life of this wonderful man. We also got to see how very much he was loved and to know how much he will be missed. Our sincerest condolences are with you all.
Donna and Randy Steinbrook
Popop,
I can’t even begin to describe how lucky I am to have such an amazing person as a grandfather. I miss you so much everyday and I thank God to have had you in my life. Thank you so much for all of the laughter, stories and memories you have left us with. I love you more than words can describe and I will walk thru life knowing you are looking down, smiling, always loving me as much as I love you.
I love you and miss you,
Lauren
I have never respected a man more than Bill. He was a great inspiration for me.
Dear Barbara, David, Debbie, Diane and the entire Tedesco family.
There are no words to express the sadness we feel with the passing of Bill. He was a fine man, a good friend and neighbor and a great soldier. His passing has left many footprints on our hearts. We will truly miss Bill, and know that he is with God.
Love,
Larry and Marti (#3)
My deepest condolences go out to all of the family. Even though it was long ago that I had the pleasure of being around “Deb’s Dad” on numerous occasions–the type of man he was left a warm and lasting impression.
How very sad that his presence is no longer able to grace everyone in the physical realm; however, his incredible spirit will live on forever. To have had him in this world for not 1 day, 1 week, or 1 year–but for 86 long years was a true blessing to his family, friends, country and all the people that met him or had the honor knowing him.
Love and Prayers to All, Darlene
To our friend and former neighbor Debbie and the entire Tedesco family we are truly saddened at the passing of “big” Bill. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.
You will be missed by all the members of the 53rd Avn Det (Guns-A-Go-Go). When we all gather in Seattle next July, the first drink will be to you.
We were very sad to hear of Bill’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. My husband Sal is Larry’s brother. God bless you and comfort you.
Our family ( the go-go group) is much smaller with your passing. We will miss you as your family certainly does. We will honor you at the reunion.
I didn’t have the honor of meeting Bill, but if the unit he led (Guns a GoGo)is any indication, he must have been a mighty fine Co.
Bill was one of a kind. He was an “everyone’s commander” and looked after all his troops like they were his children. My dad (1sgt Obe)and the rest of the original 53rd” owe their lives to Bill. He will be missed and remembered.
Lt.Col. Tedesco—–Barbara—Nina and I are Sending Our Prayers to You and Debra,David and Diane—-Bill Was One of the Good Guy’s You Hear about, We will Miss Him Too. Nina and Mike Gegere
My Colonel Tedesco was a role model and never quit on any of us in Guns A Go-Go.He honored us all!
We shared two loves, your daughter Diane and helicopters. One thing I know Diane will always remember you saying," you were always a good little girl".She is a amazing mother and the best thing that ever happened to me. Honor, bravery, discipline , honesty. Integrity, these are just a few of the words you lived by. If I could only live up to half that you did, I too could be great. Early Saturday morning you and I took that final flight. Lift off and bank right, out over the coast. A couple of trick maneuvers only you can do. Back to base, on glide path on glide path, crossing landing threshold , in for a sweet sweet soft landing. Shut engines down, pass control. Sir, you check out in flying colors. You left this life the way you lived it, with honor. Diane made sure you left with dignity. It was a privilege knowing you and being your crewman . I love you Pop Pete
Oh how I love sweet Bill :) I always enjoyed going to spend the night with Diane so I could see her wonderful Dad. I remember he would come into the room at night and tickle her arm until she went to sleep. I know Diane will miss being able to spend time with the love of her life. Bill will always be rememberd and his sweet soul will live on :) I hope there are dogs in Heaven to keep him company until we all meet him again………..
I just received an eamil from the National Junior Honor Society at the intermediate shool where I work. Ther will be creating a Wall Of Honor for Veteran’s Day. I will proudly be sharing this photo & write up on dear William :)
Dear Mrs. Tedesco, Debra, David, Diane & family; We are so very sorry and saddened to hear of Mr. Tedesco’s passing; he was such a wonderful person, always had a great smile and happy. We thank him for serving our country, he WAS a hero.
Hope you find comfort knowing he is in no pain and is in heaven, smiling down on you…
Our deepest sympathy…
Love, Lydia & Terry Boiles
Diane
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time of sorrow. He is Gods care now. Remember that death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
To the Tedesco Family,
I wanted to share with you how sad I was to learn of Col. Tedesco’s passing. As a young girl, I remember him fondly and was always so proud of his service to our country at war. He was such a special and kind man.
Having spent most of my career in law enforcement, I can look back as a woman to the role models I had to include my father, and yes, Col. Tedesco. Their lives were spent in defense of our great country as public servants and I was truly inspired by their service.
Col. Tedesco is a hero in my book. He exemplified the finest qualities of courage and integrity. And,on this very sad occasion,I will remember him fondly and know that he is now a soldier for God and flying with the other guardian angels.
I believe Col. Tedesco lived these simple truths as written by President Abraham Lincoln:
“Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us dare to do our duty as we understand it.”
May the Lord always bless and keep you, Col.,and give you his eternal peace. My deepest sympathy to you all…
We are so very, very sorry! What a special, dear man who always had a smile! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Patti, Jim and Jimmy.
I did fly with GO GO from Apr 67 to Jan 68. I did not fly with Col Tedesco as he had returned home before my arrival. He was a legend among the Go Go crews.
Later, before my retirement from Mc Dill AFB I talked with Col Tedesco regularly at the VHPA meetings. Knowing him is one of the treasures of my military life.
It was an unusual pleasure to serve with Bill, both during the formation and operational phase of “Guns-A Go Go”. His background as a complete and informed Transportation Officer helped all GoGo people in good ways that most did not realize. I will never forget & always praise his contribitions.
I did not fly with COL BILL but every one the go gos new of him. i met him many times at the reunions, and loved hear him talk, he will missed by many. God Bless His Family
Col. Tedesco will always be remembered as one of the greatest commanders I served under. I enjoyed talking to him at the reunions and he will be greatly missed. God Bless the family. Sincerely, Richard L. OConnor gunns a gogo 53rd avaiation det.
Col Tedesco was one of the greatest commanders I surved under. I enjoyed talking with him at the reunions. He will be deeply missed. Prayers and Blessings to the family. Richard L.OConnor guns a gogo.53rd avation det.
My pleasure to serve with you, you were an outstanding soldier, friend and leader, we had many flights together in “Birth Control”, my thoughts are with you and your family. May we meet again.
My pleasure to serve with you, you were an outstanding soldier, friend and leader, we had many flights together in “Birth Control”, my thoughts are with you and your family. May we meet again.
My pleasure to serve with you, you were an outstanding soldier, friend and leader, we had many flights together in “Birth Control”, my thoughts are with you and your family. May we meet again.
Our condolences to the Tedesco Family…our prayers are with you all. What a wonderful man, huband, father, grandfather and inspiration to many because of his generosity along with his bravery and willingness to serve and risk everything for family and country. God Speed Bill Tedesco!
Dear David Tedesco,
I would like to extend my condolences to you and your family for the death of your father.
Your friend,
Dario Crosetto
THANK YOU ; Bill . You Always Had Time for Conversation and Thoughtful Advice. Never StereoTyped or Criticized, Always time to listen.
You Have Been A Good Friend and Father Inlaw, Father To My Wife Debra and Popop to My Girls.
Today is Veterans Day 11.11.12. Thank you
Our deepest sympathy to the Tedesco family. Bill was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. A great American- one of the “greatest generation”. We appreciate Bill’s service to our country and love him for being such a very special man.
David and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Having been around your father only a couple of times, it was enough to know he was a delightful guy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With love, Jim and Robyn.
Caro David,
ti siamo vicini nel dolore.
Con tutto il nostro affetto
So sorry to hear you “went West”. Take care Col and one day soon we will all be together again. Till then, good flying and watch your six. Oh yes, keep the coffee hot till we can share another cup.