In Memoriam
February 7, 1945 - March 22, 2024
The following obit was submitted by Ray's son, Todd Rignel.
Raymond Robert Rignel, 79, of Naples FL passed away March 22, 2024 after a long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Ray was born on February 7th, 1945, in Roslyn Heights, NY. After graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology, he joined the Navy, was one of 14 in a class of 70 to complete Officer’s Candidate School, and graduated from Naval Flight School to become an Advance Jet Flight Instructor at age 22. As a naval pilot, he served as a Top Gun instructor in 1969, and then flew over 100 missions in Vietnam as an A-6 Intruder pilot based on the USS Kitty Hawk.
After being discharged from the Navy, Ray became a commercial pilot, first flying for Flying Tiger Line, and later for FedEx after FedEx purchased Flying Tigers in 1989. Ray flew for FedEx for 16 more years, and resided in Los Angeles, New York, Anchorage, Memphis and Seattle. When he turned 60 in 2004, then regulations forced him to retire as a commercial pilot. However, Ray did not retire, but rather took his knowledge of flying to Boeing where he was an instructor on the Boeing 777 and 787 until he turned 70.
Ray moved to his beloved Naples, FL in 2012 where he enjoyed time with his friends, and frequenting his favorite hot spot, Aqua. He was an active volunteer; including volunteering for PAWS, a service organization that promotes independence for combat wounded veterans and children with life changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs, as well as giving his time at the Naples Museum of Military Memorabilia and traveling with the Florida State Animal Response Coalition.
He will be missed by all that knew him; especially his frequent bad dad jokes, puns, and terrible dancing moves that couldn't help but make you smile. His children, Todd and Lauren, are unsure how they will gauge the weather every day without their dad calling to tell them their daily forecast.
Ray is predeceased by his parents, Raymond Arthur and Muriel Rignel, and survived by his sister Linda and brother-in-law John Bertani, his children Todd (Mindy) Rignel, and Lauren Lee, as well as beloved grandchildren Raen and Winter.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's honor can be made to the MDS Foundation or SPCA Florida.
As Al said, "Ray was a unique individual and he will be missed by a lot of us who knew him." The photo below, with Al Reiter and Ron Way, is from the 2023 FTLPA Reunion in San Diego where Ray had a really good time.
As a post note, and for those who were not aware, Ray has been our ALPA magazine's liason for years and was responsible for insuring that those who have Flown West were properly recognized for their careers at the Flying Tiger Line. Smooth skies our dear friend.
Joe and Joan Crecca came across a well written 2017 article on Ray which was posted on Wine Tasters of Naples. Also included were some great shots of Ray at previous reunions.
RAY RIGNEL, CAREER PILOT AND VOLUNTEER
Written by: Carolyn Pitt
Ray Rignel, an early supporter of Wine Tasters of Naples, experienced a long career as a pilot. After graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology, he joined the Navy, was one of 14 in a class of 70 to complete Officer’s Candidate School, and graduated from Flight School to become an Advance Jet Flight Instructor at age 22. As a naval pilot, he flew with Top Gun in 1969, and then flew over 100 missions in Vietnam.
Ray became a commercial pilot first flying for Flying Tiger, which in 1989 was bought by FedEx. Ray flew for FedEx worldwide for 16 more years, and resided in Los Angeles, New York, Anchorage, Memphis and Seattle. When he turned 60 in 2004, then regulations forced him to retire as a commercial pilot. However, Ray did not retire. His knowledge of flying took him to Boeing where he was an instructor until he turned 70. The last nine years of his flying career, Ray was the Vice President of the Airline Pilots Association’s Insurance program. Also, while living in Seattle, he completed mediator training and volunteered at the Dispute Mediation Center. He still utilizes this experience to help others.
Ray moved to Naples where his parents had maintained a home that he always enjoyed visiting. Incapable of remaining retired for long, he earned a Florida real estate license and is an active real estate professional. Having had a previous association with Hedges Family Estate Wines of Benton City, Washington, it is no surprise he became involved with Wine Tasters of Naples. Ray has assisted with WTN wine tastings, auctions and awards, and made new friends including three other navy pilots: Al Beatrice, Bill Hodges, and Curt Watson.
Other volunteer activities include doing work for PAWS, a service organization that promotes independence for combat wounded veterans and children with life changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs. He is also involved in the rescue of dogs involved as witnesses in legal cases. Ray volunteers Monday afternoons at the Museum of Military Memorabilia, for which he is well prepared having been a docent at the Seattle Museum of Flight. He attends the annual Tailhook Convention. Tailhook is a fraternal organization that supports sea-based aviation where regular membership is open to anyone who has made a carrier landing. He is also an instructor with Florida Animal Rescue and travels throughout the US taking care of animals involved in Federal cases, such as fighting dog rings.
Other annual travels include visiting his two children and their families. Lauren lives in Santa Rosa, California, and is involved with training service dogs, an interest that was sparked when she visited Canine Companions for Independence at a young age. Todd is a special agent with ICE (U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and teaches at the Federal Training Center in Georgia.
Anything Ray would still like to do? Learn to play an instrument and perform hits of the 50’s and 60’s.
Below are further testimonials from Ray's colleagues.
Ray was a classmate and friend for 50 years. He was the proud dad of two great kids, a proud Naval Aviator, a proud Vietnam Veteran, a proud Flying Tiger, a proud ALPA Member and Officer and, equally important, a Good and Great friend to those who knew him well.
When our classmate Paul Phillips was dying, Ray drove half the length of Florida to help manage and direct Paul’s medical care and, after Paul‘s death, he assisted in closing out Paul’s affairs and made the arrangements to have him laid to rest with his Marine Corps brethren in the local Veterans Cemetery. That is the kind of friend Ray Rignel was.
He will be missed.
Capt. Frank Maguire
I got to know Ray at our reunions. To my knowledge, we never flew together. He was always cheerful, kind and helpful, if I needed help he was willing to do whatever needed to be done. I’ll miss him at our reunions. He was a wonderful person.
Robin Burkey Pestarino
Senior Flight Attendant
1967-1979
Last Reunion Ray & I Walked Back To The Midway In The Afternoon And Spent The Day Walking Around The Ship/Museum. Ray Gave Me Quite An Education About The Carrier And The A-6 Intruder. Ray Wanted To Spend Some Time In The Intruder/Prowler Pilot Ready Room, Where This Picture Was Taken. It Was Wonderful Spending The Afternoon With Ray. He Will Be Greatly Missed !!
Al Hader
Anyone else wishing to contribute to this page with archived pictures or testimonials is encouraged to contact us at email@flyingtigerline.org
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