Peter J. Volcheff; Retired Airline Pilot

Peter J. Volcheff, a longtime commercial airline pilot, has died at his Sherman Oaks home. He was 68.

Volcheff began flying a DC-3 for American Airlines in 1942 and retired in 1981 while flying a 747 for the same airline. He averaged two trips a week across the United States.

A longtime San Fernando Valley resident, he died Friday of complications of lupus, said his wife, Helen Jo Volcheff.

Born Sept. 12, 1921, in Cleveland, Volcheff took up flying when he was in high school, although his mother wanted him to be a violinist.

He served as an airplane mechanic and flight instructor for the U.S. Army during and after World War II. After his discharge, he returned to American Airlines.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years; brothers Gus Volcheff of Glendale and Nick Volcheff of Scottsdale, Ariz.; four nieces and four nephews. A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, 13370 Valleyheart Drive in Sherman Oaks. Burial will follow at San Fernando Mission Cemetery. J.T. Oswald Mortuary in North Hollywood is handling the arrangements.

Donations can be made in Volcheff’s name to the National Lupus Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, the American Heart Assn.-Northwestern Division or the Valley Dialysis Center in Van Nuys.