Family Honored For Contributions To Local Aviation

SHIRLEY, NY — A family that gave aviation wings to fly on Long Island was honored recently.

Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico recently presented a plaque to the Kaloski family of Center Moriches, for their contributions to aviation in Brookhaven Town.

Victor and Ed Kaloski, two brothers originally from Moriches, started Brookhaven Air Service in 1946, on property that is now Brookhaven Calabro Airport, on Dawn Drive in Shirley, Panico said.

The Kaloski brothers operated the airport until 1963, offering flight instruction, maintenance, repair and tie down rentals.

While the airport was subsequently assumed by the Town of Brookhaven as a municipal airport, the brothers "had a significant impact on aviation in Brookhaven, having taught numerous residents how to fly, including the airport’s namesake, Dr. Calabro," a release said.

Photo courtesy Dan Panico.