Jumpseat: Dear John

Les Abend

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 10:03 PM ET

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Twin Otter FO John Costa

Key Takeaways:

The article is a heartfelt eulogy for John Costa, a cherished friend and significant mentor from the author's early career as a professional aviator, who passed away after a two-year battle with lung cancer.
The author fondly recounts their formative experiences and deep camaraderie at Southern Jersey Airways, highlighting John's generosity, leadership, and profound personal impact on his life, both professionally and personally.
The piece concludes by honoring John's enduring legacy, noting his well-attended memorial service and the character reflected in his son, and inviting readers to participate in a symbolic remembrance for him and other departed aviation friends.

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(July 2011) When the carepages e-mail arrived among other messages, I wasn’t quite ready to open it. The last communication that I had received regarding John’s condition was through a phone conversation via his wife. With stoic control over the tone of her voice, Pam had discussed the involvement of hospice care.

I clutched my laptop and walked out the front door and down the steps to my favorite spot on our concrete dock, where I had left a chaise lounge. A half-finished column needed my attention. I opened the laptop and stared at a page. The page might as well have been blank.