Jack Kandravi, age 92, on October 3, 2024.

Born and raised in Chester, PA, where he lived with his Aunt Helen and Uncle Bing, their two daughters Ginny and Dolly and his two brothers, Billy, and Bobby.  Jack graduated from St James High School, taking up photography as a hobby to become the school's photographer!

Jack & Lorraine married Feb 2, 1952, soon started a family, and moved from Chester to Milmont Park.  They resided in Milmont Park for 30 years with their three children, Denise, Craig, and Andrea.  As more of their time was spent at Springhaven and Jack and Lorraine became empty nesters, they decided to move to Avondale Springs located on Springhaven's 7th fairway, where they could watch many tournaments from their back patio.  They enjoyed their time there for 33 years.

When did Jack know he wanted to be a pilot?  His answer, "From the very first time I got on a single engine plane."  Jack started taking flying lessons at an early age and the rest is history.  Jack received his pilot's license in 1954 and his commercial pilot license in 1955 at DuPont Airport Atlantic Aviation-Wilmington, DE.  His first professional job in 1955 was flying a twin-engine Piper Apache out of Harbor Field Baltimore, MD.

In 1956 he became the Chief Pilot for General Artist Corporation, a permanent position located at Atlantic Aviation-Philadelphia International Airport.  Jack was fortunate to fly many entertainment clients, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, and Maryanne Mobley to name a few.

In 1959, Jack took the position of Chief Pilot and Aviation Director for PennSalt Corporation, which became PennWalt Corporation after a merger with Wallace & Tiernan.  He commanded two twin engine aircrafts, a King Air and Queen Air.  As the business required more long distance and international travel, Jack proposed and proved the need for larger and faster aircraft.  He guided PennWalt through the review and final purchase of a De Havilland 125 Turbo jet aircraft.  It would be the first corporate jet to arrive in Philadelphia.  Jack delivered the aircraft from the factory in England to Atlantic Aviation Philadelphia International Airport.  Jack worked for the PennWalt Corporation for 24 years.

Jack was offered the position of Captain/Chief Pilot and Aviation Director for Crown, Cork & Seal, in Philadelphia.  Jack managed a fleet of three jet aircraft and one helicopter and flight crews.  All were extraordinary aircrafts, but the Gulfstream jet remained his favorite.  It was rated at the highest ceiling capable jet.  International trips took him throughout the world, all exceptional.  Jack met diplomats and executives from the USA and many countries, from President George Bush and Barbara Bush, the Sheikh of Dubai and more.  He was afforded the occasions to dine and play a round or two of golf with dignitaries and executives. Jack always traveled with his clubs!

Jack had the opportunity to play at championship golf courses around the globe and he made sure his executives and passengers were the center of that experience.  If you know Jack, then you have been fortunate to listen to his amazing stories traveling the world.  The Charter Bar at Springhaven Country Club was often a place to gather where Jack shared those memorable trips and fascinating stories.

One of the most memorable trips took him to Rome.  Jack again was fortunate to be included in a private audience with Pope John Paul II.  Pope John Paul asked if Jack could teach him to fly.  Jack symbolically presented the Pope with a set of "wings."  After that, Lorraine, Jack's wife always felt rest assured for Jack's safe travels after being in the presence of Pope!

Over the years of Jack's amazing career, he had acquired 11 aviation ratings for 2,3 and 4 engine aircraft.  Not only did he maintain a fleet at each corporation, but he was instrumental in the selection, purchase, and design of the exterior and interior of each of the aircrafts that he managed.  Jack orchestrated the purchase and sale of any equipment with meticulous fervour. He designed and managed the building of the new hanger and office facilities for Crown, Cork & Seal at the Northeast Philadelphia Airport.  Jack retired from Crown, Cork & Seal in 2007.  Jack's ability and passion enabled him to continue to consult for Crown, Cork & Seal, and other corporations to assist in the purchase of their aircraft.  Jack was featured in Forbes, Professional Pilot and was awarded Pilot of the Month by Page Airways.  He was named in the Top 10 Corporate Pilots in the USA. In addition, Jack was awarded a place on the St James Wall of Fame at the "Doghouse" in Eddystone, his Alma Mater.

In November 2017, Jack was recognized and presented with the Wright Brothers Master Pilots Award. Representatives from the FAA were joined by his family and many friends during an award presentation held at Wings Field, Blue Bell, PA. This site was chosen as it was one of the first fields that Jack first flew into. The award is given to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for more than 50 continuous years while piloting aircraft as Master Pilots.  The FAA presented the award and a copy of his flight records beginning with his first solo flight.  The original flight records remain at the FAA flight headquarters in Washington, DC.  Jack was at the top of the list for flight hours logged in his profession at the time of the award.

In 2018, Captain Jack was invited to Crown, Cork & Seal rollout reception of the company's newest Gulfstream.  When Jack sat in the captain seat, he said," I feel like I am home."  So many stories have been shared with friends and family that have been truly remarkable.

Jack and Lorraine enjoyed the Springhaven Club and the many friends as it was their second home.  Many often referred to Jack as the "Mayor of Springhaven". Jack was a humble and gentle man and had an amazing life.

"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you will always long to return." (John H. Secondari 1965)

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lorraine. He is survived by his children Denise Kandravi-Smedley and George Smedley of Wilmington, DE, Craig Kandravi and Marie Keegan of Bluffton, SC, and Andrea and Brent Cumens of Lyndell, PA; two grandchildren Alison Cumens Sload (Buddy) of Glenmoore, PA and Ian Cumens (Lindsay Wilson) and their daughter Ellie of Lyndell, PA; his brother Bill Kandravi (Carol) of Secane, PA and sister-in-law Jeannie (Don Everhart) of Barnegut, NJ.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 15 at St. John Chrysostom Church in Wallingford.  There will be a calling in the church from 10-11 am followed by mass at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

St. James Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
1499 E. 9th St. Eddystone, PA 19022 or
Venmo @stj-alumni-40-93
Please include your address when making a contribution

or

Alzheimers Association
225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl. 17
Chicago, IL 60601
act.alz.org
Notification Information can be sent to Kandravi Family c/o Hagan FH, 15 E. Fourth St. Media, PA 19063