The Newman family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1960. Carl attended Longfellow Elementary School. When the family moved to South Phoenix in 1962, he continued his primary education at Sheraton Park and Percy L. Julian Elementary Schools. Carl received his secondary education at South Mountain High School.
While attending South Mountain High, he was active in sports, especially football, baseball and track. Carl was an outstanding running back. He received a full academic scholarship to the University of Arizona where it was his dream to play football. After suffering an injury, he made the decision to focus on his studies. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in public administration. He later received a master’s degree in Aeronautical Sciences from Embry Riddle University.
While attending the University of Arizona, Carl met his love and life partner of 45 years, Jeanette Gigliotti. Carl and Jeanette were married on March 11, 1978. To this union four children were born, Aundrea Renee, Jason Mychal, Jennifer Nicole, and Taylor Alexis. Carl was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was very active in the lives of his children during their formative years and continued as they became adults. He was affectionately known as Big Daddy to his grandchildren. Carl was able to coach all his children in baseball and softball. He also coached high school football and baseball and coached Junior Olympic softball.
Carl worked for the City of Phoenix for over 34 years. He began his tenure with the City as a police recruit. He joined the aviation department in 1980 as an Operations Administrative Assistant. He held many roles in the Aviation Department, eventually becoming the Assistant Aviation Director.
After retiring from the City of Phoenix in 2012, Carl and Jeanette relocated to Houston, Texas where he accepted the position as General Manager of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. He would remain in Houston until another career opportunity in Jackson, Mississippi was offered to him as CEO of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority. Carl was not one to sit idle. Upon his return to Phoenix in 2019, he accepted the position of Aviation Director for the Glendale Municipal Airport in Glendale, Arizona. He remained in this position until his health would no longer permit him to work.
During his illustrious career, Carl received many accolades and served as a mentor to many. Some of his major accomplishments include serving as the first African American to chair the American Association of Airport Executives Executive Committee. He was also appointed to serve on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council by President Barack Obama in 2017.
Out of all of Carl’s accomplishments he was most proud of his children and grandchildren.
Carl was an avid sports fan. He loved football, baseball, racing and coaching. Carl’s passion was aviation. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying his Piper Archer II every chance he got.
Carl passed peacefully on Monday, October 9, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones. He is now resting in the arms of Jesus.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Conley and Minnola and his sister Debra.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Jeannette Newman, Phoenix, AZ; his children, Aundrea Newman, Chandler, AZ; Jason (Lynda) Newman; Jennifer Newman, Taylor (Eric) Newman all of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren, Carlyn Faye, Miranda Jean, Conley Mychal, and Giana Sophia; -three siblings, Vernon (Lesia) Newman, Winnola (Randolph) Thompson, Phoenix, AZ, and Bobby (Tammy) Newman of Tucson, AZ; one Aunt, Katherine Baker of North Hills, CA; nephews, nieces, and host of cousins; other relatives and friends.
Carl was greatly loved. He will be dearly missed, and not soon forgotten. He made his mark on many lives.
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