It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lt Cdr Mark “Gucci” Dunleavy, a great American and a true legend in aviation. Mark passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, after bravely battling brain cancer for two years.
His loss is deeply felt across military aviation, JetBlue, and beyond. From the cockpit of a Blue Angel jet to the skies flown as a Top Gun pilot and JetBlue Captain, Mark embodied excellence, leadership, and heart.
Mark wasn’t just an exceptional pilot; he was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a kind soul. He brought quiet strength, calm leadership, and unwavering integrity to every role he held—whether in the air or on the ground. His sense of humor, humility, and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
As we remember Mark, we also celebrate the life he lived with grace, grit, and generosity. His legacy lives on in the skies he loved, the colleagues he mentored, and the countless lives he touched, most importantly, his husband and two children.
We are grateful for our video interview with Mark taped back in 2018 in which he talks about his family-building journeys. You can watch our interview below:
