Italo Bragalone died peacefully in Carlisle, PA on Friday, December 9 at the age of 95.Italo is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Marilyn (Whiteley) Bragalone; children, Susan (Bragalone) Storch of Scottsdale AZ, Amy (Bragalone) Towne of Carlisle, PA, Andrew Bragalone, of Kirtland, OH, Cristina Bragalone of Chicago, IL, and brother Albert Bragalone of Fort Wayne, IN. He is also survived by 3 in-laws, Annette Bragalone of Chelsea, MI, Diedra Bragalone of Kirtland, OH, John Towne of Carlisle, Pa, as well as 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother Joseph Bragalone of Fort Wayne, IN, son Michael Bragalone of Chelsea, MI, son-in-law Robert Storch of Scottsdale, AZ, and grandson Andy Towne of Carlisle, PA.Italo was born on May 16, 1921 in Clinton, In, to Giovani (John) and Felicita Bragalone, in 1924 they moved to Fort Wayne, IN where Italo grew up and graduated from Central High School in 1939. After high school, he worked as an apprentice to a draftsman. In 1942 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, but following a higher calling he instead applied to and was accepted into The U.S. Air Corp. He was awarded his Wings on December 5, 1943 and Marilyn wore them proudly just a week later on their Wedding Day. After the war he began working for the Essex Wire Co. in Fort Wayne. He worked at that plant for a number of years,before being transferred to the Hillsdale, Mi. plant in 1961. He and Marilyn moved with their four children to Hillsdale where he was Plant Manager. In 1968 they were blessed with a fifth child, daughter Cristina. His children remember him as a kind father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. He retired from Essex in 1983, with 44 years of service. He then enjoyed traveling to see his children and grandchildren and twice to his father's childhood home in Italy to visit family.Italo was an accomplished pilot, flying more than a dozen variant models of aircraft in service of our country, and achieving the famously trepedacious flight across the Himalayan Mountain know as "flying The Hump". After being discharged from active duty, he continued his service by opting to be in Ready Reserves until his 60th birthday in 1981, when he was honored with a certification of Retirement from The United States Air Force with the rank of Major.In his time on the ground, Italo was a generous and self-taught man who loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and especially golf. He was passionate about living and working honorably, and passing these values on to his children; through not just words, but example. Italo was always kind, and thoughtful of others, often giving of himself to help those in need. He was an active and dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church, a respected Manager of The Essex Wire plant, and an a proud and honorable member of the community of Hillsdale, MI. Italo always had words of wisdom for his children and grandchildren, he will be missed dearly by his family.If you ever heard him describe his experience as a pilot, you know that part of him ways always missing the skies."For once you have tasted flight you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return." - Leonardo Da VinciInterment will be at the convenience of the family at a later date in Hillsdale, Michigan.Donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Hillsdale or the .