Vincent "Tony" Cestnik

Sep 2, 1943 -

Mar 6, 2024

"Tony" Vincent Anthony Cestnik departed for the Beyond on March 6, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Diana; extraordinary daughter, who was tasked to write this, Samii; unofficial official kids, Ted and Portia; the cats, Jorgi and Ashlyn; siblings, Hank and Deb; and a smattering of nibblings whom I'm sure have kids as well.

Tony was born in a small town in southern Montana to Hank and Donna (Price). He joined the Marines as soon as possible, at 17, as a helicopter mechanic, and followed that up four years later by enlisting in the Air Force. Over those eight years he was stationed in Oahu, Vietnam, Korea, and Washington. He would tell you though, he was a Marine through and through.

Tony and Diana moved to Alaska in 1972, and started Aero Twin Inc. in Anchorage in 1975, where he repaired aircraft, sold parts and designed and manufactured aircraft parts that are still sold all over the world today. He was awarded with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award in 2011 for Excellence in Aircraft Mechanics for 50 years - over 60 now.

He was Board President for the Alaska Air Carriers Association and Commander of VFW 10252, as well as a VFW Allstate Quartermaster.

If you are wondering why we are posting this now, the lilacs have finally bloomed and we will be celebrating Tony's life on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 2 p.m. Anyone who knew him will know where to find the party and are welcome to join us for the barbecue.