Lt. Col. (Ret.) Linda Anne Sposito

Linda Anne Sposito, 77, of Niceville, Florida (formerly of Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania), peacefully passed away with family beside her on December 13, 2023, after her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Linda was born in Bronx, New York on October 8, 1946, to Joseph and Helen Mangano. She graduated from Robinson High School in Tampa, Florida in 1964. Linda earned her nursing diploma from Jackson Memorial School of Nursing in 1968. In 1988, Linda earned her Health Administration degree from Eastern College, Pennsylvania and was a member of the Delta Honor Society.

In 1969, she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) into the U.S. Air Force where she was assigned to 37 Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, Homestead AFB, Florida. During this year, Linda found her love, 2nd Lt Thomas Sposito, at Sheppard AFB, Texas. They married in 1970 and went on to have three children: Christine, Joseph, and Julie.

Linda entered inactive reserve with the U.S. Air Force in 1972. In 1986, she once again fulfilled her dream to serve the nation by returning to service. During this time, she served as a flight nurse in the 69th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. She earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel where she served as the commander of the 514th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, McGuire AFB, New Jersey; retiring from this position in October 2007. In her 24 years of service, Linda was deployed in support of Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Restore Hope (Somalia), Kohbar Towers, the Embassy Bombing in Kenya, and Enduring Freedom. She was referred to as “Mother” by her fellow airmen for her dedication to her people, her patients, and all who flew with her as she accumulated over 3,000 aircrew hours. Linda was a decorated veteran awarded over 15 medals including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

In her private life, Linda worked in a variety of medical settings including surgical, coronary care, ICU, cardiac catheterization lab, home care, office nurse, and school nurse. Her last employment was as a nurse case manager for the Department of Homeland Security employees. She was a caring and true patient advocate ensuring they received proper healthcare for their injuries.

Linda loved spending time with her seven grandchildren, traveling the world with family and friends, and collecting Santa figurines for her favorite holiday.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved husband Tom and their children: Christine, Joseph and his wife Sea, Julie and her husband Bryan Salceies, and her 7 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Diane and brother-in-law Gary Sandelin and their family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Linda Anne Sposito, please visit our floral store.