In Memory of Our Friend and Colleague - Peter Conforti
Peter Anthony Conforti. A name respected the world around. I personally loved and admired him. My love for Pete was not the kind found with a brother or family member, but rather the love that is earned out of admiration and respect. Pete was always very tactful, yet firm in his commitment to everything he did.
I loved it when Pete and I would sit around and just talk. The love and pride for his wife Liz, and sons Anthony and Peter, was undeniable. His face would glow, and even blush at times, as this mild mannered man talked about them.
I personally learned a great deal from Pete. Not only in aviation, where he was one of the most accomplished pilots I have ever met, but also in life. Pete was a man of great dignity. His honor and dedication to his family, country, and friends will never be surpassed.
Although the link to this page may be gone with time, this page will remain forever a part of the Sky Safety website, just like Pete will remain forever a part of me.
I will never understand his death. I do know that God has received one of the greatest men to ever walk the Earth.
Pete, I want to sincerely thank you for everything you’ve given me. I am a much better person because of you.
Sincerely,
Gregory Richard Runnels
The staff, instructors, and students of Sky Safety honor the life and work of their esteemed colleague, Peter Conforti. Peter enjoyed an illustrious career in aviation and was respected by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Memories and Photos
I will never forget the day I met Pete in January of 2003. After many years of putting the dream on hold I finally putting things into place to get my pilot's license. I did not know what to expect when I was told that I would be assigned an instructor. Well, Chris Lauderdale could not have done a better job that when he matched me with Pete. When I first calculated weight and balance I was amazed to see that Pete, myself and a full load of fuel equaled exactly the max gross weight of a Cessna 152. I guess some things were just meant to be.
From that time he taught me that landing is more art than science, flying is like bouncing a bunch of basketballs (don't pay too much attention to any one thing, but constantly focus on the next thing), and that when the wheels leave the surly bonds of earth the pilot has reached his destination.
I will always treasure our time together. Pete became so much more than a flight instructor, he was my true friend. I will always love him and await the day we will meet again. Below are some photos of our time together. Michael T. Starnes
I just wanted to share a couple of pictures I had of Mr. Conforti from about three years ago while I was an Air Force ROTC Cadet at U.T. El Paso going through introductory flight training at Stinson Field. I have very fond memories of learning to fly with him and will truly miss him. Shaking hands after my first solo.
Awarding me my cadet pilot wings. Julian S. Mapp, III
This photo was taken at Randolph Air Force base two years ago when Pete and I flew in support of a POW reunion. If it had not been for Pete, I would not have had his experience as a military FAC pilot in Viet Nam and a great friend in civilian flying. Pete gave me my check ride in the O2A as he was the only one in this area who was qualified with time and type in this aircraft. We flew a lot together to both air shows and out just smashing bugs. He flew the O2A in Viet Nam as a Forward Air Control pilot in the 20th TASS in Da Nang Republic of Viet Nam in 1967. His call sign was Astro FAC. He had 750 hours combat flight time in the O2. When we would fly, he never flew straight and level, always jinking, just like he did in combat. He always said to change altitude and direction
every 60 seconds. This made it harder for ground fire to track his flight. I will always remember Pete who always had a smile on his face and never said a bad word or an ill word about anyone. Jon McLinden
Services
Visitation was held from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM on Thursday, October 11th and a Rosary was recited at 7:00 PM at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road. Funeral services were held at 9:30AM Friday, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 4222 SW Loop 410. Interment was at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery following the service.
Peter's obituary can be found at MySA.com
After the Interment, there was a reception at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort off FM-151 at 12:30.
We are providing a guestbook for anyone would like to leave a message of comfort and support. Guestbook