Dominic P. Renda, 92; Western Airlines Exec, Developed Micronesia Air Route
Dominic P. Renda, who developed an air route through Micronesia in the late 1960s as founding president of Air Micronesia and later served as chairman, as well as chief executive and operating officer of Western Airlines, has died. He was 92.
Renda died Sept. 2 at a Rancho Mirage hospice, said his son, Dominic Renda Jr.
A lawyer and World War II veteran, Renda launched his 50-year career in the airline industry in 1946 as a vice president’s assistant at Western Airlines.
He worked his way up in the corporate structure of the Los Angeles-based company until 1968. Then he moved to a high-ranking management position at Continental Airlines, a potential partner in a merger that did not occur. Air Micronesia, a subsidiary of Continental, linked 12 places between Hawaii and Okinawa, Japan.
Renda returned to Western in 1973, becoming president in 1976 and chief executive three years later. In 1981 he was named chairman of the board and served as chairman emeritus from 1982 to 1985. Western merged with Delta in 1986.
After leaving Western Airlines, Renda worked as an aviation industry consultant until the mid-1990s.
The son of Italian immigrant parents, Dominic Phillip Renda was born Dec. 25, 1913, in Steubenville, Ohio.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree and law degree at Ohio State University, Renda was admitted to the bar in 1938 and practiced law in Steubenville for three years. He served as an administrative assistant to Rep. James G. Polk (D-Ohio) before enlisting in the Navy during World War II and rising to the rank of lieutenant commander.
A longtime resident of Los Angeles, Renda spent the last 10 years in Rancho Mirage.
In addition to his son, Renda is survived by his wife of 26 years, Del; daughter, Dominique; another son, Patrick; stepsons, David Stolier and William Stolier; and six grandchildren.
A private funeral was held in Rancho Mirage. Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to Odyssey Health Care Foundation, 71777 San Jacinto Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270.
