Rohleder, John R., RADM USN (Ret) 95, of Fountain Hills, AZ, passed away on September 13, 2017. Russ was born on December 19, 1921 to Mathilda (Gsell) Rohleder and Herman Hahnemann Rohleder in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from Perry High School in December 1940. Russ wanted nothing more than to become an aviator and moved to California to attend St. Mary's College, which hosted a program of Naval Cadets who desired aviation training. A "30-day Wonder," commissioned via Officer Candidate School, he later spent many years as a Recruiter for the US Naval Academy at Annapolis. Together with his wife, Thea, they helped over 300 young candidates who were as eager to qualify for Annapolis as he had been to take to the skies. Russ was part of the well-known VF-653 Flying Dragon Squadron, flying 4FU-4 Corsairs off the USS Valley Forge in WWII and then again in the Korean Conflict. Eventually attaining the rank of Rear Admiral (Upper Half), Russ retired after 38 years of service to his country. He commanded Reservists in the Northeastern US, including NAS Norfolk, as their Flag Representative and served as US Naval Reserve Representative to NATO, among many other duties. He married the love of his life, Thelma "Thea" Marie Kash on October 11, 1947 in Avalon, PA, and they spent a devoted 60 years together. In addition to Thea, he was predeceased by his infant daughter, Debra. He is survived by daughter Rhondalee Donovan, her husband, John Donovan, and grandchildren Maria Gabriela and Javier Donovan, all of Austin, TX. Arrangements are being handled by Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary; please see their website for service schedule. Contributions may be made to the Commemorative Air Force, Airbase Arizona at Falcon Field in Mesa, AZ.