Wayne’s Ira Saligman, Aviator, Philanthropist, and Investor Dies Aged 53

Wayne ‘s aviator, philanthropist, and real estate investor, Ira M. Saligman, died on Sunday aged 53, from injuries sustained after his vintage aircraft caught fire while landing in West Mifflin, writes Bonnie L. Cook for Philly.com.

The cause of the fire in the World War II-era plane is undetermined and occurred while Saligman was heading to an air show in Oshkosh.

A graduate of Harriton High School, Saligman earned a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and a master’s in business administration from Emory University.

His main passion has always been flying. After college, he joined the Navy, where after officer and flight training school, he received his wings as a naval aviator.

“It was a metaphor for his life,” said friend Jay Leberman, “to reach out and look at the sky, to soar above.”

Saligman flew Viking S3 anti-submarine aircraft off the USS America during the Gulf War. After completing his tour of duty, he followed the family tradition and entered the real estate business while continuing his father’s devotion to philanthropy.

Read more about Saligman’s life at Philly.com here.