It is with deep regret that I inform the members of the passing of the founder of the Midway Historians, Bob Soraparu. Bob passed away on Friday, December 12.

Bob and I first met in the early 1980s through a mutual friend, renowned aviation photographer and slide dealer Bill Thompson. Our very first phone conversation lasted two hours, as if we had known each other our entire lives. True to form, Bob ended that call with his signature sign-off: “God bless America!”

Although I had been collecting Midway (MDW) photographs prior to our meeting, Bob’s collection was truly astounding. His sources were remarkably diverse and included the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, Southwest News-Herald, and even the CTA. Bob had personal relationships with reporters at many of these outlets and often relied on them for inside scoops on Midway news.

It was Bob who suggested that we form the Midway Chapter of the World Airline Historical Society, which we did. Our early meetings were held in our homes, with guests such as Jerry Davis, transportation editor of the Sun-Times, and noted MDW historian Mike Rezich. As we later met Chris Lynch and Dave Kent, authors of Midway history books, membership grew and our meetings eventually moved to various restaurants.

An anecdote that perfectly illustrates Bob’s lifelong dedication to Midway bears repeating. Growing up near the southeast corner of MDW, Bob would ride his bike to the terminal to collect the latest airline schedules. One day in the late 1950s, a photographer asked him to pose with a young girl near the United counter and dispatch area for promotional photos (see photos below). Bob obliged and soon forgot about the encounter. Decades later, in the early 1980s, while researching Midway photographs at United Airlines’ photo archives in Elk Grove Village, Bob was astonished to discover those very photos—featuring himself as a boy—preserved in the collection. 

Bob’s professional career as a Customer Service Representative with Allegheny Airlines, and later USAir, allowed him to play a role in USAir’s opening of its Midway station in the 1990s. He worked at MDW throughout that decade until USAir suspended operations there, after which Bob returned to ORD, where he remained until his retirement.

A consummate gentleman, Bob was known for going out of his way for customers, coworkers, and commuting airline personnel alike. His generosity extended beyond the workplace; with his vast knowledge of Midway and his extraordinary photo archive, Bob was always willing to assist authors, historians, and anyone seeking information about MDW.

Bob will be deeply missed, but never forgotten, by all who knew him. May he enjoy clear skies and a smooth ride.

Farewell, my friend,
Bob Russo

Robert Soraparu Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gibbons Funeral Home - Elmhurst on Dec. 13, 2025.

Robert F. Soraparu, age 79, member of Midway Historians and Addison Senior Club, die hard Chicago Cubs Fan, beloved husband of the late Kathleen, nee Cooney; loving father of Christine (Michael) Noorlag and James (Breann) Soraparu; proud grandfather of Emily Noorlag and Colin Soraparu; dear brother of Linda (Dave) Rozovics and James Soraparu and the late Mary Swets; cherished son of the late Robert and the late Marian; fond uncle of many. Visitation Tuesday, Deember 16, 2025, 8:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:00 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Ste 310, Miami, FL 33126. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com

United Airlines promotional photos featuring Bob when he was approximately 10-years-old.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of one of our longtime and early members, Paul Casey, grandson of John Casey, the first airport manager of Midway.

Paul was a warm and welcome presence at our meetings, generously sharing his knowledge of MDW’s history, much of it drawn from his grandfather’s remarkable collection of memorabilia. His stories, insights, and friendship enriched our group in countless ways, and his absence will be profoundly felt.

We were recently informed by his wife, Michele, that Paul was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May and passed away on July 29. Services have already been held.
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We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michele and the entire Casey family. Paul’s memory and contributions will remain a lasting part of our community.

Blue skies and tailwinds Paul.

It is with deep regret that we share the passing of MDW Historians member Bob Jesko. Bob was widely known for his exceptional talent in photographing aircraft, particularly commercial airliners—especially at Midway (MDW)—and World War II Warbirds.

Bob’s lifelong passion for aviation began with his airline career at Braniff in 1959, working as a ramp serviceman at MDW. In 1962, he transitioned to O’Hare (ORD) with Braniff, remaining with the airline until its closure. He then continued his career with American Airlines in ramp service until his retirement.

An avid traveler, Bob made the most of his airline pass privileges, capturing stunning and unique photographs of aircraft around the world. Among his many adventures, he flew on a BOAC Comet and even had the rare opportunity to experience various Russian aircraft. His passion for aviation extended beyond commercial airlines; he flew on and photographed numerous Warbirds with the Confederate (now Commemorative) Air Force. Many of these historic aircraft no longer exist today.

Bob’s deep appreciation for World War II aircraft was profoundly personal—his uncle was lost in action while serving in the Eighth Air Force aboard a B-17 over Germany. This connection inspired Bob to visit England frequently, exploring WWII airfields and museums. His remarkable photography earned recognition, with many of his images published in European aviation publications. One of his most treasured photographs captured four German aces, including Adolf Galland, standing beside an Me 109 at Oshkosh.

Although not a pilot himself, Bob’s love of flying led him to become a co-owner of one of his favorite aircraft, the PT-17 Stearman. He also became the "official" unofficial photographer of the annual Stearman Society Fly-In in Galesburg, IL, generously sharing his stunning images with aircraft owners at no charge. In recent years, he continued to pursue his passion by attending the TBM Avenger Reunion in LaSalle-Peru, where he delighted in capturing breathtaking images.

Bob often attributed the beauty of his photographs to one simple philosophy: “Location, location, location.” His kindness, generosity, and passion for aviation touched many lives. He will be deeply missed by his friends and fellow enthusiasts.
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Blue skies and tailwinds Bob.

The Midway Airport Historians would like to thank the Blackhawk Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. We were recently contacted by the president of the chapter regarding some old airplane photos. The group acquired an old photo album that contained mostly train photos but tucked in the back of the album were several pages that contained photos of aircraft including many that were taken at Midway Airport! The chapter president graciously donated the airplane photos to our group. We are in the process of digitizing the old pics and will soon add them to our photo archives and post them on our Flickr page. Look for them shortly.

Also, we were contacted last week by Missy M. who recently came across her father's collection of 8mm movies. Amongst the home movies was a reel mostly shot at Midway Airport in 1958 (the first minute was taken at Glenview NAS). We've posted a link to her YouTube video on our page under the "Videos" tab. Thanks for taking the time to digitize the film Missy and thanks for sharing with us. You and your dad helped preserve a piece of Chicago's aviation history!

We deeply regret to inform you of the passing of a charter member of the Midway Historians. Captain John Chiros passed away unexpectedly Wednesday in Atlanta. John was presently working as an FAA Air Carrier Inspector and was in Atlanta in the furtherance of his duties as an inspector of airmen. John was a highly respected member of our group. His knowledge of airline history, equipment flown by each airline, and knowledge of the history of MDW was amazing. On a personal note, I remember seeing John and his brother Al on the observation deck at MDW shortly after United returned to MDW in 1964. Our friendship developed shortly thereafter as we pursued our goal of eventually flying for the airlines. After becoming a flight instructor and instructing at various flight schools at Midway, John was hired by Air Illinois and flew Twin Otters. After Air Illinois, John flew for a number of airlines including Orion, Spirit, Midway I & II, ATA, and finally Ryan International which took him around the world. John was a role model for his fellow airmen and as an employee of the FAA "he was always here to help." We are going to miss our friend terribly but we will never forget having been associated with a truly exceptional individual. Smooth air and tailwinds, my friend, and we'll see you again on the other side. Keep the blue side up you "old pelican."

Our condolences go out to his family, 3 children, grandchildren, sister, and former wife.  

—Bob Russo, 1/18/2024

Watch as Midway Airport Historians members Bob Russo and Dave Kaufman make the last landing ever on runway 31R.

The Midway Historians are happy to announce our first meeting in over a year!

WHAT:       Midway Historians Meeting
WHO:        Anyone who is is interested in the history of Midway Airport is welcome to attend
WHEN:     Sunday, April 30, 1:00 p.m.  
WHERE:   Illinois Bar & Grill — 1131 State Street, Lemont,  IL  

Join us for this social event to discuss the storied history of Midway Airport and Chicago aviation history!