(Ret) Col Wilfred “Glenn" Mackey, USAF, passed peacefully last week at the Long Island State Veterans Home. He is survived by wife, Aurea, of Huntington, daughter Fran, son-in-law Clair and grandson Joshua. “Papa Glenn” was born in Eastern Kentucky before attending MIT in Cambridge, MA.  He followed his father’s military footsteps and joined the young US Air Force, flying fighters overseas.  He served as an A-1 Skyraider pilot rescuing down airmen in Vietnam. He concluded his career in the Air Force test and development programs.  After his retirement from the Air Force, Glenn was hired by Fairchild-Republic and Grumman developing the A-10 attack aircraft. He developed what would become standard aviation safety equipment like the Ground Avoidance System and the use of NVGs during night flying. Passionate about the advancement of the next generation of aviators, Glenn was a mentor and leader at local Civil Air Patrol events and a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Later in life, he transitioned to full time “Papa Glenn” helping raise his grandson. Our family is stronger because of his legacy and gentle support.

Visitation will be held Saturday at M.A. Connell Funeral Home from 0900 to 1300.

Funeral Service will be held starting at 1200.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Glenn’s name to: https://todaysveterans.org/contact/