Francis Dutko

Lt. Col. Francis (Frank) J. Dutko, USAF, Retired made his Last Flight on August 14, 2015. He was a native of Trenton, New Jersey and moved to Gulf Breeze in 1979 from Dayton, Ohio. Col. Dutko retired from the USAF in 1972 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio with over 30 year's service. He worked for AF Civil Service until 1979 as a Procurement Contract/Analyst before moving to Gulf Breeze. In 1981 he earned an Associate's Degree from Pensacola Junior College. He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis, daughter Roxanna Zaluski and husband Dr. John C. Zaluski, granddaughter Paige Zaluski, son Francis J. Jr. and wife Angela, brother, B/G Robert Dutko, AF Retired and numerous nieces and nephews. While in the service, upon graduation from pilot training in April 1943, he served a year as a Basic Flight Instructor at Strother AAF, Winfield, Kansas. Upon leaving training command, he was a P-39 and P-38 pilot with the 32d Fighter Squadron at Howard AB, Panama. He was first discharged in March 1946 and returned to service for the Korean War in February 1951. He remained on active duty continuously until his retirement in 1971. During his continued service, he served at Turner AFG, GA; Godman AFB, Ft. Know, KY; Air Rescue, Newfoundland; Greenville AFB, MS; Hq. FTAF, Waco, TX; Hq. ATC, Randolph AFB, TX; Clark AB, PI; Tachikawa AB, Japan; joint staff assignment with Army Tank Automotive and Mobility Commands, Detroit, MI. After a tour in Vietnam 1967-1968, where he flew 123 electronic reconnaissance missions, he returned to the USA and was assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB where he finished his service in the Office of Inspector General, AF Logistics Command. His many awards include Distinguished Flying Cross, six Air Medals, American Theatre Ribbon, Victory Ribbon and Viet-Nam Service medals. Col. Dutko organized and founded the Pilot Class 43-D Association, a military fraternity of graduates of that pilot class. Through his and others' efforts, they located over 2,000 members of the largest pilot training class in history. At present about 150 remain on their mailing list. This organization held reunions for over 25 years at various locations across the country. Col. Dutko was a member of the Daedalians, Shalimar Flight, NAS Pensacola; Air Force Association; American Legion and Air Force Museum. Private services were held at Barrancas National Cemetery/NAS Pensacola. The family suggests a memorial contribution to a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze.

Cemetery