Obituary of Albert H. Prest

Albert H. Prest, 73, of West Bath, Maine, passed away on October 21, 2015. Born in Neptune on April 27, 1942, son of Warren and June Prest, he grew up in Freehold and graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA in 1961. He went on to the University of Miami where he studied Aviation Administration and graduated from the American Flyers in Fort Worth, TX. With a passion for aviation, Al had over 47 years of experience in the airline industry focused on air carrier operations, safety and training. He was a career pilot for Trans World Airlines (TWA) and was qualified on five air carrier aircraft and served as captain, check airman and instructor pilot on both the Boeing 727 and Boeing 707, in domestic and international operations. Following retirement from TWA, he became Director of Charter Operations for both Jet America Airlines and later Gulf Air Transport from 1984-1990. He then accepted the position of Vice President of Operations for the Air Transport Association of America in Washington, D.C. until 2003 where he made numerous contributions to the modern aviation industry. He completed his aviation career as Vice President, Operations, for Beacon Management Group in Maryland. After retiring to Maine, Al joined Grace Episcopal Church in Bath and enjoyed being an active member at that parish. Later, Al became a member of the Solar Lodge of Masons in Bath, ME where he received his 32nd degree and then received his 50 year pin in 2015. He served on the Board of the Senior College in Bath and the Board of the Joshua L. Chamberlain Civil War Round Table where he was president for two years. He was a member of two advisory committees of the Pejepscot Historical Society and worked as a docent at the Chamberlain Museum. He loved exploring the coast of Maine in his boat, the company of good friends, and above all spending time with his family and grandchildren. He married Margaret Smith in 1965, who is since deceased. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth P. Prest of West Bath; son, Captain Richard W. Prest (USN) and his wife April; daughter Susanne L. Hogan and her husband Dan; son Dr. Phillip J. Prest and his wife Summer; brother Robert Prest; three sisters, Susan Gunther and her husband Harold, Jeri Pistone and her husband, Dennis, Joni Britton and her husband Johnny; 7 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, 10/29, from 3 to 6 PM at Freeman Funeral Home, 47 East Main Street, Freehold. A graveside service will be held on Friday at 11 am at Maplewood Cemetery. To send a condolence or find directions