John Frank Lisella

Col. John F. Lisella (USAF-ret.) passed away peacefully and “slipped the surly bonds of earth” on June 9, 2025, while traveling back from a family reunion in Las Vegas, NV. He was 93 years young. Husband to Natalie, father to Linda, Laura, and Glen, grandfather to 5 grandchildren and great grandfather to 5 great grandkids, John lived a magnificent life. Always larger-than-life, John left an unforgettable impression on all he encountered and will be dearly missed by his family and his many friends.

Born in Montclair, New Jersey, on January 8, 1932, John was the son of Hilda and Frank Lisella, and brother to Franklin Lisella. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in June 1953, with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. In January 1955, he married Natalie Biamonte, the love of his life. They recently celebrated their 70th Anniversary! John received a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University in June 1964. He was also a distinguished graduate of the Air Force’s Squadron Officers School, 1958, and the National War College, 1972.

Colonel Lisella was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force in 1954 and completed pilot training at Laredo Air Base, Texas in 1955. His flying career began in August 1955 as a proof test pilot with the 4926 Test Squadron (F-84G), Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, and Eniwetok Operation “Red Wing” at the Air Force Special Weapons Center, Kirtland AFB. He then served as a project engineer with the 4925 Test Group Fighter Division, AFSWC, Kirtland AFB, NM from 1957 to 1959, after which he returned to the cockpit as a tactical fighter pilot.

John’s many assignments during his Air Force career included the 492nd Tactical Fighter Squadron and the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing (Assistant Chief, Standards/Evaluation for F-100s); HQ Tactical Air Command; Skoshi Tiger Flight Commander in the 10th Fighter Squadron in Bien Hoa, Southeast Asia; Program Element Monitor at HQ USAF, Tactical Division, Office of Plans and Operations; Assistant to the DCS/R&D, HQ USAF; Program Director, Avionics, AF Aeronautical Systems Division, WPAFB, OH; and Assistant DCS/Test and Evaluation, HQ AFSC.

John’s military decorations and awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. He was a command pilot with over 3,500 flying hours in jet fighter aircraft. He logged over 125 combat hours in the F-5 and was checked out in the F-80OC, F-84G, F-100C, D, and F, the F-5A and B, and the F-4E. After his military service, John was employed by United Technologies’ Norden Systems until his retirement.

John’s gregarious nature touched the lives of many, and he had an ability to connect with everyone. He always had an optimistic attitude, even when facing challenges. John will be remembered as a lover of life, finding joy in simple things and new adventures. He cherished time with family, and had a passion for golf, music, Sunday Redskins games, travel and cruises. He was a fantastic chef, and the family always looked forward to his culinary creations. As patriarch of the family, John provided a calming wisdom to each of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was adored by all of them. Known as the “World’s Greatest Fighter Pilot” to family and friends, John’s zest for life and eternal good humor will live on through all he touched in life.

John will be laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery with full military honors on a future date (TBA). The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in tribute to Col. John F. Lisella to VMI.