Ray Niemotka (Nemo) Obituary (1943 - 2024)

Raymond (Ray) passed to heaven on May 14, 2024. The son of the late Joseph S. Niemotka and Bertha F. (Kulik) Niemotka, Ray grew up in Wallington, NJ and attended Wallington High School where he played football and was elected senior class president. After graduating from Rutgers University, he eventually made his home in Toms River, NJ where he raised a family and founded his two businesses, Captain Nemo Realty and Atlantis Appraisal. His second home became Tucson, AZ with his loving wife, Charlotte Niemotka, who survives him. He is survived by his two daughters, Sandra Niemotka and Susan Niemotka Goldfarb, who are forever grateful to have such an incredible Dad, and by his sister, Lorraine LeCheminant, who adored her big brother. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jacob and Abigail, of whom he was incredibly proud. He is predeceased by his brother, Allan Niemotka. He also became family and enjoyed being with Charlotte’s children: Beth, Teresa, Lance, and Shawn, and grandchildren: J.R., Triston, and Noah. Ray (aka “Nemo”) spent most of his career protecting America’s skies as a highly decorated pilot for the 177th Fighter Squadron of the Air National Guard (the “Jersey Devils”). He flew the F-106 and F-16 jets and intercepted a record number of Russian surveillance planes along the East Coast. Earlier in his career, he served as a pilot instructor with the Air Force in Big Spring, Texas. He honorably served our country and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Ray’s career is an example of his never-ending sense of adventure. He loved to navigate road trips to Lake George, the Poconos, Arizona, Florida, California, and Canada. He took his daughters to the country of Jordan where they were guests of King Hussein and Queen Noor. He would frequently ride his Harley throughout New Jersey and go boating on Barnegat Bay. Ray was known to be disciplined and strong, but extremely kind and generous. Nothing got him down. His response to any problem he faced would be, “it could be worse.” He was always grateful and often said “we are so blessed.” He loved God, his wife, his family and his country, and he was adored and respected by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Click this link to view additional details about Raymond's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/raymond-niemotka