Peter Paul Dardani

Chief Warrant Officer

USN (Retired)

Navy-Marine Corps MARS

29 Jun 1920 - 31 Jul 2006

W6RAS

N0AEQ  N0ASH3

Gunner Dardani

Click picture to enlarge

Peter Paul Dardani, elder son and oldest of three children of Italian immigrants Edward (a baker) and Luiza (Luigia) Dardani was born in Benicia, Solano County, CA.  Raised mainly in San Francisco County, Peter graduated from San Francisco’s Mission High School, Class of 1938.  Growing up he developed a fascination for all things electronic and aeronautic and while in high school he became a licensed amateur radio operator.  After graduation he pursued his passion for flying and on September 13, 1939, at age 19, he soloed out of Mills Field (now San Francisco International Airport) becoming a general aviation pilot. Peter later earned an Associate of Arts Degree.  A member of the United States Navy during World War II, Peter served for 28 years retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer (4) 

After WWII Pete met and in 1946, married Bessie Ruth Hallstrom.  The couple raised two daughters Linda and Diana.  A devoted father and family man his daughters describe Peter as “having brought the world to our doorstep via the rotating antenna that stood high on a rocky outcropping in our backyard where we stood straining our eyes to catch the blink of Sputnik while listening to the radio transmissions in 1957.”  Pete and Bessie have remained married for 60 years and having resided in San Bruno, San Mateo County for the last 43 years.  They have four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

His skills as a naval electronics technician, knowledge gained in obtaining his Extra Class amateur radio license, as well as his experience as a general aviation pilot provided him with a superb skill-set when joining the team developing the Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN), the military short-range ultra-high-frequency air navigation system.  Becoming part of Navy-Marine Corps MARS at it’s inception in 1962 Peter served on various MARS nets and held various administrative positions in the 12^th District including N0ASH3 Assistant Director for Operations. 

Friendly, devoted and reliable, Peter was also part of the San Francisco Sheriff's Air Squadron for many years.  Infirmary and old age finally grounded Pete as it eventually does everyone.  Peter was allowed his final departure Thursday and his key is now silent.  He will be greatly missed by his friends and family, especially by his bride of 60 years, Bessie.

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