Stephen Richard Munroe

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen R. “Moons” Munroe, a decorated Naval Aviator, distinguished American Airlines Captain, and devoted family man. He passed away on August 19th, 2025, leaving a profound legacy defined by his unwavering commitment to his faith, his country, and the family he adored.

Born to Ray Ellen Munroe and Stewart Munroe, Steve grew up alongside his siblings Ellen Munroe and John Munroe. He was a devoted husband to his wife Ulli, a loving father to his daughters, Amanda, and Michela and son-in-law Hunter, and a cherished grandfather to Emma Ray, Joshua, Sophie, and Kinsley. His family was the cornerstone of his life.

Steve’s passion for flying was truly lifelong, beginning at the age of 15 and continuing for the rest of his days. This love for the sky blossomed into a storied, four-decade aviation career that began with the United States Navy. A graduate of the elite Naval Fighter Weapons School, “Top Gun,” he was recognized as a seasoned and highly skilled aviator. He flew the F-14 Tomcat and, during a USAF/USN exchange program, demonstrated his superior intellect by quickly mastering the formidable F-15 Eagle. His fellow officers described him as a “ruthless and skilled warrior” in the air who was simultaneously a “kind and caring officer and a gentleman” on the ground—a true leader of men. This leadership was formally recognized as he rose through the ranks of Fighter Squadron 202 (VF-202) at NAS Dallas, serving as Department Head, Executive Officer, and ultimately as the squadron’s final Commanding Officer from 1993-1994. In this role, he commanded over 400 personnel and managed a $250 million inventory of aircraft, achieving the highest retention and advancement rates at NAS Dallas. Across his military career, he compiled over 3,400 flight hours and 430 mishap-free carrier arrested landings.

In 1987, Steve began a distinguished 29-year career with American Airlines, a path he pursued in parallel with his Naval Reserve command. He began as a Flight Engineer on the B-727 and methodically worked his way up the ranks, serving as First Officer on the DC-10 and B-757/767, before earning his Captain’s seat on the FK-100 and A-300. He spent the final 16 years of his career as a B-737 Captain, where he was ultimately responsible for the safe passage of thousands of passengers across North, Central, and South America.

His commitment to excellence made him a natural leader at the airline. He was specifically chosen as a Check Airman to implement a new FAA-approved qualification program, where he was responsible for all facets of training B-737 crew members. He also served as an FAA Aircrew Program Designee, personally conducting type rating qualifications, and was one of only five selected as a Standardization Coordinator to develop fleet-wide policy. In 2009, his dedication was recognized when he was named the American Airlines Check Airman of the Year. Perhaps the greatest testament to his expertise came when he was selected by American Airlines to serve as the B-737 subject-matter expert to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) during the investigation of the AA331 accident in Jamaica.

Retirement from the airline was not an end but a new beginning. With a passion for giving back, Steve founded True North Pilot Consulting. He became a mentor and coach, contributing to the hiring of hundreds of new pilots at major airlines by developing realistic interview training and sharing his four decades of wisdom.

With over 18,000 total flight hours, Steve Munroe was a master of the skies. But to those who knew and loved him, he was so much more. He was, as one friend put it, “larger than life,” a man who had a “profound effect that changed our lives forever and has been a beacon of hope in a challenging world.”

Despite the immense demands of two careers, Steve was first and foremost a devoted husband and unwaveringly present father; he showed up for every game, dance, and milestone without complaint, extending that same steadfast support to friends that new him as a mentor and a man that always came through. His boundless kindness, compassion, and humor were the direct expression of a life built on the unshakeable foundation of faith and family, values he exemplified in every quiet act of service and love. Even though he flew jets and captained airliners, the man himself—kind, faithful, and true—was always his greatest attributes and what we will miss most. He will be remembered for his integrity, his quiet confidence, and the enduring love he had for his family.

The funeral arrangements have been made through Roberts Funeral Home of Dunnellon LLC and service will be held at the Bushnell Florida National Cemetery on Friday September 12th at 0900 (6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513). Because the cemetery holds multiple services each day and operates on a strict schedule, it is very important that everyone arrives promptly at 0840 to allow for parking and time to get to the committal site.

Though his final flight on earth has ended, his legacy of courage and kindness soars on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he have fair winds and following seas on his journey home.

To register for Steve's Celebration of Life please go to the following link: https://www.hanovercelebrations.com/about-5