Rarefied air: Local aeronautics pioneer reaches big milestone
Michael “Tony” Paradiso of Woodbridge celebrated his 100th birthday on Jan. 25 surrounded by his three adult children, one of his granddaughters, his caregivers and friends.
Paradiso moved to Woodbridge with his late wife and the love of his life of 42 years, Pat, following his retirement. He misses her dearly and has visited her grave almost daily for the past 31 years.
He maintained the ranch and learned how to ride a horse. He fondly remembers his dogs Bear and Tammy and his cat Bingo who gave him much joy and entertainment.
Following his retirement Paradiso volunteered with the Very Important Person program for nine years teaching first through third graders how to read or to help them improve their reading skills.
He said he is proud to have been able to watch his three children grow up and finish college, and to get to meet his five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. One of the lessons he said he tried to teach each of them was to plan everything: “Plan, budget and save.” He reported he has never been in debt using this philosophy.
Paradiso was a pioneer in the field of aeronautics. He was involved in the development of the first practical helicopter in the United States with Igor Sikorsky. Paradiso flew in Douglas Aircraft's fighter F-30 jet propelled airplane and launched the first radar guided missile, Sparrow II. He worked as a supervising advanced design engineer for 39 years at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. He was also instrumental in leading two projects for the military designing the tanker aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, and the T-45 aircraft for the U.S. Navy.
Paradiso is still in good health and enjoys watching wrestling, football and documentaries. He looked forward to the Buccaneers winning this year’s Super Bowl and they didn’t disappoint.