CAPT Michael James Coumatos, USN (Ret.)
LTJG Coumatos became a Naval Aviator on October 7, 1968 at HT-8, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. LTJG Coumatos was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-10132.
Michael James Coumatos
1946-2025
Grief is the shadow love casts in the light of loss. The grander the love, the more vast the shadow. Though our family grieves the loss of our beloved Michael, a grief that will surely cycle as the tides, we also recognize, and we declare, a bounty of joy for the life and love that is our Michael. A life force filled with goodwill, a joyful spirit, and a loving heart. Michael wrote the following for inclusion upon his setting sail amongst the stars.The famed poet, Mary Oliver, wrote: “All eternity is in the moment.” Take this moment to reflect upon your shipmates, your dear friends, and those of beloved family who’ve sailed into the sunset. Tonight, share a beautiful story with someone close, honoring their gift to your heart and soul. You have all gifted me such eternal moments. New York City born, he was a son of first generation immigrants: his mother an Irish Lass whose plight as a deaf mute never burdened the flourishing of her son, gifting him empathy and love; and, a raucous Greek father who instilled values of honor and respect — starting with family — and the importance of belonging to something bigger than self. Michael proudly wore a United States Navy uniform for 28 years. He served two tours in the Vietnam theater of war, through the Cold War years; a war commander during the Persian Gulf War, and led a more than rough and tumble Humanitarian Operation in Somalia. As a Naval Aviator and Officer, he distinguished himself as a pioneering test pilot, twice Commanding Officer of aviation squadrons, a ship’s Captain, and twice as Commodore of Naval Task Groups. We are proud of his many accomplishments, earning a Bronze Star with the “V” for valor in combat; and was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Naval Helicopter Association for his many firsts as a naval aviator. He was also a designated Member of the Society for Experimental Test Pilots, recognizing his many firsts as a test pilot. He followed military service as a successful business founder and owner, while finding time to author two widely acclaimed novels, and a television screen play selected as a new season pilot show for a popular television series. His journey has not ended. Distant shores calling him to star-filled horizons. Though a life rich in accomplishments, Michael wished to be remembered most for love of family, his cherished friends, and a dedicated service to the Navy, his shipmates, and to this great Republic. This is his legacy. Michael’s internment will be in Oregon’s Willamette National Cemetery at a future date. Michael’s beloved wife Susan, children Kelly, Michael, and Lori Anne, and the grandchildren, Nicole, Riley, Savannah, Owen, and Florence request in lieu of donations, and as part of an enduring ceremony, that you send any memories of Michael you might wish to share with the family to the following email:
sisususan@icloud.com
May you have the courage to live the life you love.