More than 80 years after his death, the remains of a U.S. airman killed in World War II have finally returned home to New York.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Governale, who was killed in a 1943 plane crash in the South Pacific, was reunited with his family in Queens following decades of uncertainty.

“It’s all kind of a dream right now,” said Edward Veneziano, a nephew.

The emotional homecoming unfolded at LaGuardia Airport, where generations of Governale’s family gathered to greet the American flag-draped casket of the man they had only known through stories and photographs.

“His focus was always on home — what can he do for his family, how can he help them,” said Veneziano.

“There was always a picture of Uncle Nick and you were introduced to him like he was with us,” said Carl Veneziano, another nephew of Governale’s.

Governale, who was from Brooklyn, served with the 69th Bombardment Squadron. In July 1943, the Bushwick native was aboard a B-25C Mitchell when it crashed into the sea near the Solomon Islands. Despite search efforts at the time, no trace of the aircraft or its crew was found, leaving his family without answers for decades.

For years, Governale remained listed as missing in action. His absence was a lingering question for the family.

“This has always been an unanswered question in the family,” said Edward.

That uncertainty began to shift in 2000, when family member Anthony Veneziano learned about advances in DNA technology that were helping identify missing service members. He and his mother submitted DNA samples, holding onto hope that one day there might be answers.

“I said, ‘But Mama, this is so many years later, you never know,'” Anthony said.

That hope became reality in 2025.

“They found Nicky and we were all shocked,” said Anthony.

A team with the nonprofit Project Recovery located Governale’s remains using advanced technology. The organization is dedicated to finding and repatriating Americans missing in action.

“This is what why’re dedicated to. Their motto is ‘No one left behind,” Anthony said.

On Friday, the family was escorted to a gate at LaGuardia’s Terminal B, where they saluted as Governale’s casket was brought in — marking the end of a journey more than eight decades in the making.

“It is a miracle that this is happening. We have Uncle Nick, he’s with us. And we have a place we can go and pray and be with him,” said Carl Veneziano.

The moment was both emotional and bittersweet, as relatives reflected on loved ones who did not live to see the day.

“Their wishes are actually going to be fulfilled we never thought that was going to happen,” said Edward.

Governale will receive a full military burial in Queens, where he will be laid to rest alongside family members.

“All of these veterans, all of these people who gave their lives for our country, as the years pass, it’s so easy to forget,” Edward said.

“It’s important to remember and that’s what we’re doing,” said Anthony.

After more than 80 years, the family says their uncle — and hero — is finally home.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.