1930 – August 19, 2022
Lt. Colonel John William Brill USAF passed away peacefully in Noblesville on August 19, 2022.
John served as a jet-fighter interceptor squadron commander during the Korean and Cold War Era, beginning in 1952 at Otis USAF base followed by 15 years of active reserve duty based in Baer Field, Ind. He piloted the following military aircraft: F-861, F-94C, F-80, F-84F, B-25, along with many civilian aircraft. ln his 70s, he could be spotted landing his ultralight amphibious aircraft on various Indiana waterways.
He was born in 1930 to Athalia and Dwight Brill in Tulsa, Okla. John served as cadet commander during his Howe Military Academy days, followed by his graduation from Purdue University in 1957 with a degree in Industrial Economics. He met the love of his life, Carolyn Rudy Brill, when the DePauw Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority took a road trip to Purdue and appeared at his Kappa Sigma fraternity social event.
Brill has a career built upon being an entrepreneur. He served as president of Brill Industries executive search firm, and president of Brill Video Productions, including wedding photography and aerial photography. He took part-time jobs as a photographic model for many print publications and closed many transactions with his real estate license. He served as an FAA flight instructor for 15 years. He also owned an Indianapolis-based limousine company and piloted a nationwide tourist bus for Gruninger Travel Tours. Brill also served as engineer, coach attendant, brakeman, conductor, and chief dispatcher of the Indiana Transportation Museum railroad group.
Brill served as president and chairman of the board for the Indianapolis Aero Club, commander of Legion Post #153, vice-president of the Service Club of Indianapolis, and distinguished as the longest active member.
He served as president of the Indiana Trade Association and five corporate boards. Lt. Colonel Brill was a member of the Quiet Birdman aviation fraternity and won the FAA’s Wright Brothers Award for attaining 64 straight years of piloting safety. He was an active member of Indianapolis 2nd Presbyterian Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Noblesville.
John was an active family man and fathered three children, John II, Robert (deceased), and Crystal. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Blake, Alexa, Corey, Jaylon, Javen, and Jersey; great-grandson, Nolan; and nephew Jay and his wife, Jan, of Carmel.
His celebration of life will be held following his life-long companion Carolyn’s service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church of Noblesville, 1207 Conner St., Noblesville, with Pastor Eric Gale officiating. A luncheon will follow the services at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Service Club of Indianapolis, P.O. Box 586, Carmel, IN 46082-9586.
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