Bill Davidek

Davidek
William "Bill" J. Davidek, Lt. Col, USAF-Ret., 78, passed away Friday, October 14, 2011 at home. He was born and raised in Tarentum, PA. Following graduation from high school Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1953. After basic training he entered the Aviation Cadet Program completing Navigator flight training and was commissioned Second Lieutenant. In 1954 Bill married his wife Rita A. Burket and together they raised three wonderful children. He was very proud of his Air Force career as an aerial refueling combat crew (SAC) member during the Cold War, serving multiple tours in Thailand during Viet Nam and in various operations as Chief of the Navigation Branch, 301st Air Refueling Wing, Rickenbacker AFB. While on active duty he earned his bachelors degree in Business Administration. After retirement from the USAF in 1973, Bill earned his MBA from the Ohio State University. He then worked as a Financial Control Officer for the Huntington bank. Bill then worked as a CPA for more than 20 years for Arena, Harrison and Ring CPA's in Hilliard, OH. He enjoyed traveling, working in his garden, going on his annual fishing trip to Canada, watching the Buckeyes and his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Bill also loved going to hear the Columbus Symphony with his wife. He spent many years attending his grandchildren's activities and enjoyed holidays with his family and spending time with "the puppies". Bill is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Rita, sons, Mike (Lisa) and Tom Davidek; daughter, Karla (Doug) LaBorde; grandchildren, Erika (Brett) Dorsett, Kristin, Taylor Renee, Mitch and Joel Davidek, Laura, Jenna and Jonathan LaBorde; great grandchildren, Brendon and Makenna Dorsett; siblings, MaryAnn Buffone of Boca Raton, FL and John Davidek of Flint, MI. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 18, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home NE Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Rd. Columbus. Military graveside service will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors, Navy League/Warrior Foundation 2115 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 or The Capital Area Humane Society, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Ct. Hilliard, OH 43026. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.NewcomerColumbus.com