Ned Wernick

Upon graduation from the NYC public schools, Ned answered the call of duty and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, proudly serving his country in the South Pacific as a Seahorse Marine, doing his part during WWII and along the way helping to blaze the emergence of Marine aviation. For his heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, he received many commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Returning stateside after the war, he enrolled at The Ohio State University and into its ROTC program, earning his Bachelor’s degree in management engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, serving with distinction for 28 years and retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Ned worked in the private sector for the Mead Paper Company for 31 years, first in Flint, Michigan, later transferring to Ft Smith, Arkansas where he retired in 1981.

Whilst at Ohio State Ned met and married his lifelong companion Suzanne Alice Smith. Forever Buckeyes, they raised four children and moved to Pensacola to spend their retirement years. On September 16, 2020, they celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Ned had an adventurous spirit which led he and Susie to travel the world. He had an insatiable appetite to see and do and was constantly seeking to expand his intellect and gather unique experiences. Many memories were made during their annual trek to Puerto Vallarta.

A talented craftsman, Ned Wernick will be remembered for his many self-taught hobbies, especially his reviving in the Pensacola area of the lost art of Nantucket Lightship basket weaving, a talent which he shared over the years with many and for which his creations were recognized at the Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival.

A true patriot, for over 30 years he helped muster and nurture his beloved VMB-423 Seahorse Marines by organizing annual reunions and assisting in the gathering and publication of a written history of his squadron. Largely due to his painstaking research, the aircraft and remains of a VMB-423 “lost crew” were discovered and recovered 50 years after crashing on the island of Vanuatu, which led to the delivery of the crew members to their final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery.

Ned is survived by wife Suzanne, his sons Max (Mary Ann) and Joel (Lyndy), and daughters Linda Del Carlo and Amy Braden, together with eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.