John Edward Fardal was born Nov 26, 1940 in New London, Connecticut, to Johannes Nicholsen Fardal and Edith Margareth Christiansen. His parents migrated from Norway as children. His father was in the Coast Guard during WWII. John was their first child. His brother, Gordon Juel Fardal, and sister, Judith Louise LoDolce, were also born during WWII.
He loved the outdoors, had an adventurous nature and loved to travel. He had an inquisitive mind, loved learning and believed strongly in education. His nick names were "JE”, "JEF" and “Straight Arrow” as he was an honest man who always did what was right.
He graduated from Windham High School, Willimantic, CT and was a member of the National Honor Society. He won a scholarship from the Philip Lauter Foundation to UCONN (class of 1962) where he graduated with the honor of a University Scholar and Distinguished Military Graduate. He was also a member of the UCONN rifle team. In addition, he won a scholarship to Yale, majoring in Forestry and graduated with the highest honors. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison to take 2nd semester classes in Norwegian and German. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and often referred to himself as a “Viking”. "JE" had been part of the ROTC program and after his graduation, he joined the Army in 1964. He was a US Army fixed wing aviator and rose to the rank of Captain. He was first in his Pilot class and qualified as Parachutist, and Airborne.
He was transferred to Thailand during the Vietnam war where he met the love of his life “Pia” at the Friendship Officer’s club on base at Korat, Thailand.
He had a natural talent for languages and learned to read, write and speak Thai. He enjoyed conversing with Pia and her Thai family and friends. Their daughter Kristina Grace was born in Korat, Thailand. They later moved back to the US, settling in warm Florida where their second daughter, Katherine “Kathy” was born.
JE was a flight instructor at Opa-Locka, airport after discharging from the Army. He was a natural teacher. He went on to become a commercial airline pilot for Saudi Arabia Airlines in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 1978 to 1991. He loved flying and his favorite plane was the Boeing 747, which he referred to as “The big pussy cat”.
JE had a kind heart, a strong Lutheran faith and always believed in giving people the benefit of the doubt. John Edward is survived by his wife Krisana “Pia”, and their two daughters Kristina Grace (husband Michael) and Katherine “Kathy” (husband Eric). Three grandchildren Gabriella (husband Greg), Lauren and Carter. His brother Gordon Fardal (children Kristine, Nicholas and Steven) and sister Judith LoDolce (children Anita and John).
JE is predeceased by his parents and his granddaughter Savannah (“Savy”).
He was greatly admired and loved, will be missed greatly and live in our hearts forever.
JE’s celebration of life service will be held on January 8, 2023 from 1-4 pm at Landmark Funeral Home, 4200 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL
The services will be livestreamed via Facebook beginning at 2:30pm. Click on the Facebook icon and you will be redirected to Landmark's Facebook page.
