James R. Petosa, 49, of Baldwinsville, passed away Tuesday, October 11 at home following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was a 1980 graduate of Solvay High School, served in the U.S. Navy from 1980–85 and received his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science in 1988 from Embry Riddle University. He was the flight department manager and a pilot for Carrington Capital Management. James was a communicant of St. Augustine’s Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister and member of its men’s group. He was also a member of the National Business Aircraft Association and past member of The Solvay Fire Department. James was predeceased by his father, Robert, in 1991. Jim’s greatest loves were his wife, family, friends, and his aviation career. His spirituality, as well as his love, caring and generosity towards others made him a role model, admired by so many.
Jim was an avid supporter of the work of the Veterans Airlift Command, utilizing his skill as an aviator, but more importantly, his quiet caring demeanor to welcome aboard combat injured warriors in order to deliver them to their destination with grace and class.
He is survived by his wife and soul mate, the former Christine Frank; his mother, Joanna, of Solvay, three sisters; Marianne (Mark) Hatch, Roberta (Rodney) Goodrich and Theresa Petosa, all of Solvay; a brother, Paul (Leslie), of Atlanta, Georgia; his mother-in-law, Wanda Frank, of Delanson; a sister-in-law, Kathy (Frank Horn) Mackey, of Sharon Springs; a brother-in-law, William (Martha) Frank, of Delanson; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.