Donald Slattery
Donald J. Slattery, 86, of Orlando, FL passed away January 25, 2025 at Cornerstone Hospice in Ocoee, FL. Memorial Mass was held Friday, February 7 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Orlando, FL. Donations in Donald’s name may be made to The American Legion online at www.legion.org or to the Arnold and Winnie Palmer Foundation online at www.palmerfoundation.org.
Don was born April 8, 1938 in La Crosse, WI, the son of Larry and Esther Slattery. He grew up in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School in 1956. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University in 1960.
He joined the U.S. Navy shortly thereafter, completed flight training, and became a Naval Aviator. He flew the F8 Crusader as a member of the VF-32 Squadron and was assigned to the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier.
After leaving the Navy in 1965 he began his career as a commercial airline pilot in San Francisco with Pan American World Airways flying the Boeing 707 and Boeing 747 aircrafts. In 1985 he transferred to United Airlines where he ended his flying career as a Captain on the Boeing 777 in 1998.
While in San Francisco he met Marilyn Piesko and in 1975 they were married in Chicago, IL. Their son, Patrick, was born in 1976 and the family moved to Cedar Rapids.
Don’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, boating, skiing, and golf. He was known for his dry sense of humor, optimistic attitude, and his ability to move forward even during times of challenge.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Marilyn; his son, Patrick; his sisters-in-law, Janice Bell, Linda Piesko, and Clare Slattery; his nephews, Tom (Lisa) Slattery, James (Susan) Slattery and Brian (Tracy) Quandt; his niece, Andrea (Matt) Aagesen; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Joe and Alex Slattery, Brendan and Ella Slattery, Avery and Emmy Quandt, Payton, Ella, and Charlotte Aagesen, and Sophia and Lauretta Piesko.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Esther Slattery; his brothers, Tom and Joe Slattery; his sister, Ellen Slattery Quandt; his brothers-in-law, Rick Piesko, Sr. and Charles Quandt; and his nephew Rick Piesko, Jr.
