OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – On opening day of EAA AirVenture, organizers announced the passing of its long-time president.
Tom Poberezny died Monday morning after a brief illness, EAA wrote on its Facebook page.
Poberezny was the EAA president from 1989 to 2010, succeeding his father, EAA founder Paul Poberezny.
People on the grounds for opening day were saddened to learn of Poberezy’s passing.
“I’m sure he’s up there right now watching down, enjoying this year’s convention,” says Young Eagles Volunteer Chairman Ted Kirkpatrick.
Many who knew Tom Poberezny said it was just like him to die on opening day.
“It is not lost on us that Tom’s passing occurred on the opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the event he led into world prominence as its chairman beginning in the 1970s,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Tom’s legacy is tremendous in the world of aviation with his personal achievements as well as the growth of EAA, especially the development of the current EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, the Young Eagles program and the creation of Sport Pilot nearly 20 years ago. He will be greatly missed but, more importantly, he will be remembered for all that he did for EAA and aviation.”
Poberezny is remembered as the one who would interact with anyone and everyone on the grounds.
“He knew the airshow community, he knew the exhibitors, he could talk with the common volunteer who was here from wherever and also the captains of industry who happened to be here with the big exhibits too,” said EAA Director of Communications Dick Knapinski. “He certainly became a leader, followed up a dynamic personality to his father but did it in his own way and added things to EAA that were not there before.”
Poberezny was also instrumental in growing not only the event but also the organizations on the grounds.
“He really was instrumental in starting the Young Eagles Program for the organization which, of course, is one of the most successful engagements EAA has ever had,” says Kirkpatrick.
Poberezny leaves a legacy here in Oshkosh.
“Not only will he be missed, he’ll be remembered,” says Knapinksi.
Memorial services are still being determined at this time.
EAA AirVenture started Monday and will go through July 31.
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