OUr Friend John

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

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John C. Chiros, age 71, loving father of Chris (Leigh), Dave (Noel), and Katie (Justin) Shook; cherished grandfather of Gabriel, and Julian, Jeffery, Harrison Chiros, and Teddy, John “Jack”, and Lucy Shook; dear brother of Georgia (the late John) Sievert, and the late George “Allen” (Kathy) Chiros; also, many nieces and nephews. Visitation Wednesday, 3 to 7 pm., at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 South Cass Avenue, Darien, where funeral service will be held Thursday 10:00 a.m.…. Int. Evergreen Cemetery. For information 630-852-3595 or www.modelldarien.com