Obituary of Remo Julius Nicoli

Remo Julius Nicoli, 88, passed away peacefully in Potomac Falls, Virginia on December 14, 2023. He was born on April 7,1935 in Auburn, Washington, to Maria and Andrea, who bravely immigrated to the United States from Northern Italy. A standout baseball player in high school and at Central Washington State University, with the potential of playing in the major leagues, Remo instead opted to commission into the Air Force, inspired by a cousin who was a test pilot, with a dream of becoming a fighter pilot.

While at Central, Remo met Beverly Burbach, who he married in 1957 following college graduation. They set off together as he was accepted into pilot training, ultimately achieving his dream of becoming an F-4 fighter pilot. Over the course of 26 years of active duty service, he, Beverly and their daughters traveled the world with Remo holding various operational and command positions that resulted in him earning 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 13 Air Medals, 5 Meritorious Service Medals and 2 Air Force Commendation Medals, amongst many others. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam. Remo and Beverly divorced after 42 years of marriage, after which Remo married his second wife, Betty Jones.

During the course of his military career, and in his successful 2nd career working for several defense related firms, Remo had the opportunity to play in work-related golf outings, where he was discovered to be a natural, scratch golfer. He parlayed this interest and passion into countless tournaments, championships and rounds, taking great joy in the friendships and competition that he found on the course, and in particular, with his regular league play group, The Gruesome. He enjoyed a great many golf successes and memories well into his retirement.

Remo is survived by his brother, Bruno (Sarah), daughters Shannon and Stacy (Floyd), grandchildren Lindsay (Dustin), Adam (Courtney), Alexander, Nicholas (Alexandra) and Maximillian (Ellen), as well as great-grandchildren Stella, Harlow, Joseph, Caleb and Luca Julius, and nieces Andra and Leighann and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Beverly, Betty and his sister, Olga. A Catholic funeral service will be held at a later date at the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel with interment afterwards in Arlington National Cemetery.