SCARBOROUGH — Emery M. “Nick” Nickerson, 90, of Piper Shores, formerly of Cape Elizabeth, died April 10 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Portland, July 19, 1918, the son of Clinton A. and Marion Nickerson.

In 1936, he graduated from South Portland High School. After graduating from the Randle School in Washington D.C., in 1937, he attended the United States Naval Academy.

He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1941 and was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Wasp after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

While on military leave in May 1942, he married his former elementary school classmate, Katharine “Kay” Verrill, of Cape Elizabeth.

In 1944, he pursued his dream of being a naval aviator and began flight training with the Navy. He received his wings in 1945. After the sudden death of his father, he resigned as a Lieutenant Commander from the Navy to take over the family business. He later worked for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard until his retirement in 1979.

One of his greatest passions was for the ocean, spending many hours sailing with friends and family. He was happiest when he was sailing the waters of Casco Bay, which he did well into his 80s.

Family was important to him and he always enjoyed large family gatherings. He and his wife were loyal supporters of their grandchildren’s sporting events in Cape Elizabeth, rarely missing a single event from Little League through high school athletics.

In recognition of service to his country, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the governor during the “Remember Me” ceremony at the Maine State House in April, 2008.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Katharine; son William and his wife Linda of Cape Elizabeth, daughter Katharine Blake and her husband Richard of Cape Elizabeth, and daughter Pamela Nickerson of North Port, Fla.; six grandchildren, Julianne Graffam of South Portland, Geoffrey Nickerson, Katharine Blackburn, Andrew Blake and Peter Blake, all of Cape Elizabeth, and Elizabeth Nickerson of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and three great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours were held earlier this week. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland.

Memorial donations may be made to The Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, 330 Ocean House Road, P.O. Box 265, Cape Elizabeth, ME, 04107.

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