Roderick F. Corvello, 85 of New Bedford, husband of Jacqueline (Plaud) Corvello, passed away October 31st after an extended illness.
“Buster”, as he was affectionately known to his family, was a native of Dartmouth. He left Dartmouth High School to enlist in the Marine Corps where he served as an aerial gunner in the Philippines during World War II.
Following his discharge form the Marine Corps in 1945 he completed high school and went on to attend the College of Aeronautics in New York. Selected for pilot training, he graduated from Naval flight school in Pensacola, Florida as a designated naval aviator, and then transferred to the Marine Corps once again as a fighter pilot where he served in the Korean War.
Following his service in Korea, he returned to civilian life entering employment as a pilot with Pan American World Airlines. Moving up through the ranks he retired as a Captain in 1975.
For several years following his retirement from flying, Rick owned and operated a local framing business with his wife Jackie. Dedicated to public service, he served the town in several capacities including the Dartmouth Planning Board and the Housing Authority. In addition, he was committed to several veterans groups over the years, which included the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
In addition to his wife Jacqueline he is survived by daughter Debra Corvello of New Jersey, step-daughter Julie Barcelos of Dartmouth, and son Andrew Corvello, a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps stationed in Yuma, Arizona, brothers William Corvello and Richard Corvello of Virginia, and James Corvello of Connecticut, grandsons Dean Weber of Florida and Roderick A. Corvello of California, and a step-granddaughter, Lizzy Phenix of Dartmouth. He was also the brother of the late Louise (Corvello) Vieira.
A private military service for immediate family will be held at the National Cemetery at Otis Air Force Base where he will receive military honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to the Disabled American Veterans at: Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 Attn: Gift Processing.