Jack Pair.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Jack Pair, 70, of Charleston, a celebrated local golfer, retired executive, Vietnam War veteran and loving family man, died Thursday at home, following a long illness.

Pair was not only a talented golfer whom we knew for decades, but a delight to be around,' said Tom Flannagan, the Advance's golf columnist and a longtime friend of Pair. He was always ready to play, wherever the action was. And, win or lose, he maintained that pleasant smile. He'll be sorely missed.'

Born in Tompkinsville, Mr. Pair lived in Annadale for 25 years. He had lived in Charleston for the past 10 years.

He began his career as a sales manager for Manhattan-based Knomark, Inc, and later worked as transportation coordinator for the chief executive officer of the advertising firm N.W. Ayer, also Manhattan. He retired from his position at Geoffrey Beene, Inc., also Manhattan, in 2007.

A graduate of McKee High School, Mr. Pair held an associate's degree in business from Brookdale Community College in New Jersey.

He served in the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. Trained as a paratrooper, he was an airborne courier between the commanding general's headquarters and the frontline command centers during the war.

A Well-known and accomplished golfer, Mr. Pair won dozens of tournaments, from his junior golf days right through the senior ranks. He was a nearly life-long member of the Island's South Shore Men's Golf Club, where he was also a vice president on the club's board.

One of his most impressive accomplishments occurred in 1987, when he shot a then-competitive course record of 66, 5-under par, at the South Shore Golf Course.

Mr. Pair was loved and respected for his jovial disposition by all who knew him and was known for maintaining an uplifting attitude through the difficult recent years.

He was just loved by everyone,' said his wife, Barbara. He really just was. He was easygoing. He truly just loved life.'

When he wasn't playing golf, Mr. Pair enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

In addition to his wife of 34 years, Barbara; he is survived by his sons, Gregory Pair and Joseph Cippoletti; his daughters, Jacqueline Hertgen, Cynthia Cippoletti and Michele DiOrio, his sister, Linda Burrowes, and 12 grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday from the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville, with a 10:30 a.m. mass in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Pleasant Plalins. Arrangements include cremation.

Services: Monday February 15, 2016 , A 10:30 Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas The Apostle R.C. Church. PRIVATE CREMATION.

Visitation: Sunday February 14, 2016 from 1-4 7-9

Cemetery: Rosehill Crematory

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: St. Thomas The Apostle RC Church