Obituary
Alfred Anthony “Tony” Minner, Jr., 81, of Port Orange, Florida, passed away on June 24, 2022, after an extended illness. Tony was born on July 5, 1940 in Suffern, New York to the late Alfred A. and Carolyn (Bartlett) Minner.
Tony grew up in New York and graduated in 1958 from Far Rockaway High School in Queens. Following high school, he attended the Academy of Aeronautics at La Guardia Airport graduating in 1961. He then chose to enter a flight training program to serve his country as a Naval Aviator in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1966.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Tony began his career as a commercial airline pilot with American Airlines in 1966. During his 35- year career, he was based out of Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Illinois. He checked out as Captain in 1978. During this time Tony married his beloved wife Kathryn in 1975 and together they built a home in Comus, Maryland. Tony and Kathy would spend the next 25 years in Maryland, where they enjoyed farming, raising horses, and home improvement projects. This year would have marked their 47th wedding anniversary. In June 2000, Tony retired from American Airlines after spending the last two years of his career flying his favorite airplane, the Boeing 777.
In 2002, Tony and Kathy decided to make the Spruce Creek Fly-In Community in Port Orange, Florida their new home. Tony had a passion for aviation and being surrounded by it was something he thoroughly enjoyed! He was as smart as a whip and could fix anything. he told his children that, “There is nothing you will learn today that you won’t use later on.” Tony always felt that there was nothing more important than one’s family and this is a lesson that has been carried forward by his children and grandchildren. He will be missed.
Left to cherish Tony’s memory is his wife, Kathy Minner, his daughter, Julia Minner, of Frederick, Maryland, his son Al Minner, and wife, Missy Campbell, of Leesburg, Florida, his daughter Kate Minner and husband, James Hilton, of Miami, Florida, his son Matthew, and wife, Kelly, Minner of Wexford, Pennsylvania and son-in-law Neil Stewart of Tucson, Arizona. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren: Lucy and James Sokoloff; Jennifer and Gwyneth Stewart; Madelyn, Cecelia, and Freddie Minner; Hudson Minner-Hilton; and Henry and Rachel Minner.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents Alfred A. and Carolyn Minner, his stepmother, Louise (Van Houten) Minner, his sister Carolee Ahlers, his daughter Caroline (Minner) Stewart and son-in-law, Cameron Sokoloff.
There will be a service to celebrate Tony’s life Friday, July 22, 2022, at 1pm at the Spruce Creek Country Club, located at 1900 Country Club Drive, Port Orange, Florida. In lieu of flowers the family wishes contributions would be made in Tony’s memory to Halifax Health Hospice at 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, Florida 32129 or The Grey Eagles Foundation at The Grey Eagles Foundation, c/o Steven Fryer, 4300 Briar Ridge Drive, Colleyville, Texas 76034
I’m so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. He was a wonderful man and a privilege to know. Sending all my love.
We will always remember Tony. He was the best.
Fondly,
Mike and Diane Kelly
I have fond memories of flying with Tony over my career with AA. Tony was a great pilot and a great guy.
I also remember flying with you two as a couple which was always a fun trip.
I was saddened to hear of his passing, but know he had a wonderful family and a great life.
God Bless
I have many fond memories of flying with Tony over my career with AA. Tony was a great pilot with a big heart, and I always enjoyed flying with him. I also remember flying with you two as a couple, and it was always a fun trip!
I am saddened to hear of his passing but know he had a wonderful family and life.
God bless
Cecile Cole
My heart and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Tony will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved him.
God bless,
Penny
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 KJV
I always remember flying with both of you to SLC in early evening. The eagle reminds me of Tony as he flew us over the mountains and through a raging storm to land safely.
Dottie
Condolences to all of your family,
Chris Moreno
Sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. We had some good times in Maryland. Thanks for sharing your sad news. Prayers coming your way for you and your family.
Love, Nancy Morse
God bless and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Such a special person. We are so grateful to have known him these many years. Our sympathy to his loving family.
John & Kathy Steidinger