Nelson DeMille, of Garden City, NY, passed away on September 17 from complications due to esophageal cancer. He was the best-selling writer of over twenty books, seven of which were #1 New York Times bestsellers.

Born in Jamaica, Queens, he then moved to Elmont, NY, where his father was a house builder. DeMille spent three years at Hofstra University, then joined the Army where he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a Lieutenant in the United States Army (1966-69). He saw action in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division and was decorated with the Air Medal, Bronze Star, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. He returned to Hofstra University after discharge and graduated with a BA in Political Science and History.

DeMille’s first major novel, By the Rivers of Babylon, was published in 1978. He went on to write over twenty books, including The General’s Daughter, which was made into a major motion picture. He coauthored two books with his son, Alex, and was at work on a third. DeMille was a member of The Authors Guild, Poets & Writers, and MENSA, and is past president of the Mystery Writers of America. He was also a member of the International Thriller Writers who honored him in 2015 as Thriller Master of the Year.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, friend, and community member. He is survived by his daughter Lauren, and his sons Alex and James, in addition to two granddaughters, Vera and Margot. He is predeceased by his wife, Sandra, his brothers, Clark, Dennis, and Lance, and his parents, Huron and Antonia.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 22 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, and the funeral mass will be Monday, September 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Joseph in Garden City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider making a donation in Nelson's memory to Disabled American Veterans.