VINCENT ARIAS JR's Obituary
Vincent Arias, Jr. Born Vicente Arias Vargas in Manila, Philippines November 17, 1927. Died in Coral Gables, July 16, 2017. Vincent survived the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, immigrating to the U.S. after WWII. He joined the USAF during the Korean conflict, and was a fighter pilot. Vincent flew missions in Germany intercepting Russian Migs during the cold war. In 1960, Vincent was transferred to Homestead Air Force Base for the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban missile crisis. Until he left the Air Force in 1967, Vincent defended the U.S. shores, chasing Eastern Bloc planes flying out of Cuba. In 1967, Vincent left the Air Force and was a flight instructor, hobby shop owner and boat captain taking UM marine biology students on diving excursions. Vincent was a member of the Miami Ski Club, skiing for months at a time. He was one of the oldest NASTAR skiers, racing until he was into his mid-80s. Vincent is survived by five of his children (Victoria having passed away in Oct of 2012), Constance Griffiths, Eve Arias, V. Michael Arias, Jeanne Arias and David Arias. A small memorial service will be held at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES on Thursday July 20 from 7-9pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.
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