Ernest N. Kostis

Ernest N. Kostis, 79, of Main St., Sanford, died Wednesday morning, December 24, 2003, at Greenwood Center in Sanford.He was born in Sanford on August 10, 1924, the son of Nicolaos and Efterpi (Parliari) Kostis who were both Greek immigrants. He graduated from Sanford High School, Class of 1942. While stationed at Hendricks Field, Ernest married Betty Jean Whatley of Sebring, Florida, October 7, 1945.Mr. Kostis co-founded York County Travel and the York County Realty Company in 1955. He also formed York County Insurance. He was past president of the American Association of Travel Agents, a life member of the York County Board of Realtors and was named York County Realtor of the Year in 1978. He was a charter member of the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Kostis was very involved in community service and served as chairman of the Sanford-Springvale United Way and was chairman and director of theSanford-Springvale YMCA for almost 20 years. He previously served asmanager of the Sanford Airport and was a longtime director of the MousamLake Region Association.Mr. Kostis enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in April, 1943 and became one of the youngest B-17 pilots of the war. He was attached to the 457th Bomb Group, 749th Bomb Squadron, in Glatton, England. As a squadron commander, he led 19 successful missions deep into Germany including Hamburg, Berlin and Dresden. Mr. Kostis' formation was once attacked by the first German jet fighters of the war. Upon Germany's surrender, he flew throughout Europe picking up English POWs. When he returned to the U.S. on leave in 1945, he twice flew his B-17 at tree-top level down Main St. in Sanford. Mr. Kostis retrained as a B-29 pilot in Roswell, New Mexico, for deployment to the Pacific Theater but remained stateside when the war ended. After the war, he flew military transport planes. He was instrumental in forming the Sanford-Springvale Civil Air Patrol and served as squadron commander for many years. Mr. Kostis retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 1984 after 41 years of service, with the rank of Lt. Colonel.Mr. Kostis enjoyed traveling and visited dozens of countries. He had greataffection for animals and had many dogs and cats during his life. He alsoenjoyed spending time with his family at their camp at Mousam Lake.He is survived by his wife of 58 years; a sister, Helen K.Truman ofBiddeford; two children, N. William Kostis and his wife, Julie of Sanford,and Suzanne Desfosses and her husband Urban of Sanford; five grandchildren,Jeffrey Kostis, Laurie Auger, Kristy Cacace, Gregory Kostis, and Julia Horr all of Sanford; and three great-grandchildren.Calling hours will be held Tuesday, Dec. 30th. from 5-8pm at Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31st. at 10am At St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 186 Bradley St., Saco.Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 163 Lancaster St. Suite 160 B, Portland, Maine 04101.