Francis M. Maye

Francis Maye was born on 22 March 1931. He joined the Navy at the age of 17 after convincing his mother to sign the release to allow him to join. He served his country with pride for 37 years as a P-3 Flight Engineer. He married his love of his life Helen Cantagallo in 1955 and they shared a wonderful life together raising 4 children. 

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  He enlisted on November 30, 1949 in the reserve program at NAS Willow Grove while he was a senior at Abington High School.

• He performed boot camp at NAS Willow Grove on weekends and one two-week period.

• He was attached to VA59 that flew TBM-3E World War II aircraft (Avenger" Torpedo Bomber Warplanes).

• He flew as an observer on TBM (Torpedo Bomber Warplanes).

• In 1955, his squad received AF-25 ASW aircraft (Grumman's AF Guardian), trained as a Radar Operator and flew as aircrewman until 1959.

• From 1959 to 1967, he was attached to VS-932 and flew as an aircrewman.

• From 1967 to 1978, he was attached to Aviation Unit VR-934 and various VR Units flying C118-B.  He trained and qualified as C118 Flight Engineer.

• 1978-1980 he was assigned to Unit NAS Bermuda 0693 AIMD Power Plants Shop as a Work Center Supervisor and as Division Leading Petty Officer.

• 1980 to retirement he was assigned to Unit NAS Willow Grove 1993  AIMD Power Plants Shop as Work Center Supervisor and as Division Leading Petty Officer.

• The highest grade he held was AD-1 (E6) - Aviation Machinists Mate First Class, Petty Officer First Class

A few personal facts:

• He started caddying (golf) at a very early age for money, which, in turn, brought him to one of his major loves, golfing !

• He was an avid bowler, and was a member of a bowling league for decades.

• He self-taught himself the accordian musical instrument and used to play for us kids.

• He took major pride in his Irish heritage.

• He was a good poker player.  

• He was a carpenter by trade.

• He self-taught himself the computer, and did all of his stock market buying and selling!

• He was a financial wizard, knew where to invest and how to make money