- Date Of Birth: September 25, 1954
- Date Of Death: September 21, 2015
- State: Arizona
Our beloved Bernie, age 60, took his final flight on September 21, 2015. He bravely fought cancer for 5 months and came out victorious as he was welcomed into God’s arms. Bernie was born in Bridgeport, CT on September 25, 1954 to Ernest B. Knorra and Concetta Lentini Knorra. Raised in Fairfield, CT Bernie graduated from Andrew Warde H.S. in 1973. He received his Business Finance degree from the University of Connecticut, Storrs and his MBA from Southern Illinois Univ., Edwardsville. Bernie joined the USAF in April of 1979 and flew the C-141 Starlifter in which he had over 4,000 flight hours. He was a flight examiner and instructor pilot and received his jump wings at Ft. Benning. While in the USAF Bernie flew missions to over 32 countries and was proud to be re-activated from the reserves while a part of the 756th Military Airlift Squadron at Andrews AFB for Desert Storm. He flew 28 combat missions during that time. Bernie briefly flew for Eastern and Presidential Airlines. Hired in May of 1992, Bernie was currently a Captain for Southwest Airlines, a company he truly loved. Bernie loved aviation and was a history buff. “Work hard, play harder” was his motto! He loved a great single malt scotch and a fine cigar after a round of golf at Pinnacle Peak CC. Never one to be politically correct, Bernie was always up for a good time. One of his proudest achievements was his published book, Inside The Green Light. He also loved RC flying and video making, especially Firebird football. He was so happy to see his New England Patriots win the SuperBowl this year. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Bernie is survived by his loving wife Jill, their son Gage, his son Major Luke (Brianne) Knorra, grandsons Harrison and Oliver, his daughter Jennifer Mattice, grandson Liam, mother Connie Knorra, brother Dan Knorra, sister Lisa (Greg) Knorra, sister in law Amy (Bryan) Sanderson, niece Mackenzie and nephew Thomas, sister in law Jennifer (Kurt) Patterson, niece Greer and nephew Henry. And many loving family and friends. Bernie was preceeded in death by his father Ernest Knorra and sister Kathy Knorra. Bernie’s family would like to thank the Oncology Dept at St. Joseph’s Hospital, including Drs Youssef, Fidias and Savvides for their care. Also the staff at Sherman Home Hospice.
