Colonel Ernest "Ted" Laudise

Ernest “Ted” Laudise passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was reunited with our beloved Mom, Patricia Anne Laudise. His children were by his side, sharing stories, laughter, and tears as he passed.

Ted’s memory lives on through his children: Stephen Anthony Laudise, Laurel Laudise Murray, Jan Laudise Salvay, Michael Bartholomew Laudise, and Christopher Theodore Laudise, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

From an early age, Dad dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot. At just eight years old, he could identify airplanes from different countries, including the Supermarine Spitfire, P-51 Mustang, and P-38 Lightning. After graduating from high school, he applied to become a Navy aviator and fighter pilot. Although he missed passing the entrance test by one point, that unexpected turn of events led him to the life he was meant to live: meeting Mom on a beach in Hawaii, getting married, and building a family with five children and twenty-nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After serving in the Navy as a Submariner, and with help from his parents, Dad earned a degree from Pasadena Junior College so he could apply to become an Air Force cadet. Because cadets were required to be single at the time, he and Mom divorced in Tijuana, Mexico, so he could begin his training. After his first solo flight, he called Mom and said, “This is really happening. You and Steve need to come out.” They rented a house for $50 a month, and Dad’s fellow fighter pilots and friends helped by quietly bringing food from the mess hall to support Mom and Steve. Dad earned $100 a month, half of which went toward the rent.

Dad graduated at the top of his class and chose to fly the new supersonic F-100 Super Sabre and then the F-4E Phantom. He went on to fly 525 combat missions in Vietnam and later became commander of the 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. He then assumed a new command at Luke Air Force Base, where he became the first commander of the F-15 Eagle with the 555th Triple Nickel Squadron.

Our Dad taught us some of life’s most lasting lessons. Alongside our Mom, he encouraged us to follow our instincts, discover what interested us, and carve our own paths. He taught us the importance of integrity, teamwork, commitment, and giving our absolute best rather than doing anything halfway. He showed us how to care for our homes, stay organized, to let go, when necessary, recognize the beauty and value in the arts, and save for the future.

He also loved music, especially classical music. As a child, he played the piano and admired Vladimir Horowitz. Through a recent family visit to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, our family discovered a meaningful connection between Dad’s musical past and his second cousin, Violinist David Frasina. It was David who gave tickets to Dad to see Vladimir live. To our delight it was like opening a bank vault that held such an important clue to who Dad was and how he came to be.

Dad rarely spoke about his own father, Ernie, except to say that he was playful and that he died far too young, at a time when medicine could not yet effectively control high blood pressure. So, Dad stayed active in both mind and body, exercising every day as he approached life with discipline and purpose. He took his medication and cared for his health in honor of his father (Ernie) and mother (Lillian). He wanted to live forever.

We will remember Dad for the wisdom he shared, the examples he set, and the wholehearted way he lived. He taught us not only how to move through the world, but how to live with honor, courage, determination, integrity, devotion, curiosity, and love. We are grateful for every lesson, every story, and every moment we had with him. Our Dad was deeply loved, and he will always be our hero.

On November 5, 2026, at 11:20 AM, we will lay our Dad and Mom to rest in Boulder, Nevada at the VA Memorial Cemetery. Please join in the Military Honors and celebrate their remarkable life.

Military Honors: Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery
1900 Veterans Memorial Drive. Boulder City, NV 89005