Merritt Island, FL, Florida - Brigadier General Nicholas Eremita flew his last mission on December 23, 2024. "He was the son of Italian immigrants. He was forever grateful to have been born in the United States of America, and devoted himself to its protection. He was a man of great dignity and humility. Those who knew him, loved him. We shall miss him. Godspeed."

He was born in Dedham, Massachusetts, on March 20, 1936, and after graduation from Boston University, he was commissioned as an Air Force second lieutenant. From November 1959 through April 1963, he flew at Loring AFB, Maine. Upon release from active duty, he joined the Maine Air National Guard, Bangor. Working his way through the ranks and holding a number of key staff positions, in October 1987, he became the commander of the 101st Air Refueling Wing. In November 1991, he became the chief of staff at the Air Guard Headquarters in Augusta, ME.

He was a command pilot with 7,000 hours of flying time, accrued piloting the T- 38, B-52, F-86, T-33, F-89, F-102, F-101B, and KC-135.

Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Carol (Valley), resided in Stonington, Maine, and Merritt Island, Florida.

He is survived by his wife, four children, three grandchildren, and their extended families.

Arrangements will be private.