The family of Emile F. Skaff have requested the Patriot Guard Riders to honor their hero on his final journey. It will be our privilege to do so. Emile succumbed to complications resulting from a fall on Memorial Day weekend. He broke his hip and shoulder at that time.
Emile was born in Charleston, West Virginia in 1921. He and his family moved to Southern California when he was 5-6 years old.
In 1956, our hero was drafted and entered into service in the United States Army. His was a radioman stationed in Okinawa. At the time of his separation from active duty, his was the rank of Private First Class. Not much more is known about his service as his records were destroyed in a fire. We are expecting regenerated documents by the time of this mission.
Following his service to his country, Emile was employed by Lockheed as an engineer working on high security projects. One of the known projects was the F117 stealth fighter. He retired from Lockheed after 25 years.
In his personal life, our hero enjoyed traveling with his family. He was also very involved in church activities at his beloved St. Michaels Church in Van Nuys.
Emile was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of over 40 years, Carrie. He will spend eternity with her now in their joint burial plot. He is survived by their children Frank and Jocelyn, and his sister, Theodora Tortolano. In addition, there are two grandchildren, Dillon and Judah. His nephew, Tony Tortolano, is our contact and brother PGR member from the Antelope Valley.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family to the cemetery. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Please observe the latest COVID restrictions. Please have a face covering/mask should the need arise.TIMELINE FOR WED, 08 SEP1300 – Stage at Target parking lot, East End near Vineland, 11051 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606.
https://goo.gl/maps/r9dz7AetWMTPuugD7 1330 – Mission briefing.
1345 – KSU to Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary, 10621 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606.
https://goo.gl/maps/KxEJyQhsoGPVDfoFA 1400 – Flag line for dignified transfer of hero to awaiting coach.
1415 – Accompany hero and family to grave site.
1430 – Flag line, honors and PGR presentation.
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
SSGT USAF, 1970-74
Aka Captain Chaossteveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
661-212-2284
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
