Capt. Nicholas Armeda

With Christmas just two days away, family and togetherness are prominent themes and thoughts for many as they prepare to celebrate the holiday. Despite the festive cheer of the holiday season, it can be a tough time for those grieving the loss of a loved one, particularly when a death has occurred close to the holidays. And that’s as true today as it’s ever been.
This week’s essay from News-Press storyteller Amy Bennett Williams centers on an historic photo of the family of legendary Fort Myers local Captain Nicholas Armeda. Armeda is best known as a shipmaster with expert knowledge of Florida waters which he continued to navigate well into his golden years. Those adventures were proceeded, however, by a significant loss just before the holidays that, through the power of the photograph in question, can reach through history and touch our hearts even today.