Don Ereminas – A Friend to the Alfa Community

Remembrance by John DeWaele

ALTHOUGH I HAD SEEN HIS AD for parts and service in the Alfa Owner magazine over the years, I was in the habit of ordering my parts from International and Centerline. On the way back from Lime Rock one day, I stopped into Alfas Unlimited and spoke with Keith Goring about a few items. During that conversation, Don’s name came up as the go-to guy for Alfa parts. The following week, I gave Don a call and ordered a few things. I was amazed at the time he was willing to spend with me on the phone, taking a genuine interest in my Spider. As I hung up, I thought I really have to meet this guy!

Well, several months later, I found myself with a differential issue and a rebuild on the horizon. I believe it was Brian Shorey who suggested giving Don a call. I called Don and asked him if he worked on diffs; his response was “reluctantly”! And, “I hope you’re not in a hurry”. So my son Evan and I (with advice from Brian and the Alfa BB), pulled out the diff, cleaned it up, and headed off to Harwinton, CT.  I met up with Don at a Dunkin Donuts, transferred the diff to his mighty big sedan, and then enjoyed a cup of coffee and conversation. Little did I know at that moment that I’d just met someone who would come to be one of my dearest friends.

Over the years, we had many wonderful conversations, some at DD and some at his home.  Don rebuilt my Spider motor as well as the motor in my brother Jim’s GTV. When we were discussing parts that I would need for a project, I might mention a source and he would say, “Nah, I can get you the good ones”! Two years ago, I bought a GTV from Don, a true barn find. This was a car that a customer had traded to Don many years ago, somewhat incomplete, so I had Don on a hunt for parts. Retrieving the car from the barn was a project indeed; sons John, Evan, and Sean made it happen. Don was very impressed! The car is currently being brought back to life at The Paddock Classic Cars – fitting that it is still in CT. 

Shortly after that time, Don lost his lovely wife Marthe in a terrible accident while out shopping. (Don and Marthe were married for 57 years!) Don had been retired for a bit, although he still enjoyed hunting down those rare parts. But after the accident, Don really slowed down and just took it easy. His son Marc came out from Oregon to organize the shop and the vast array of Alfa parts, many new items, a treasure trove of used motors and some real gems still in original factory boxes!

Don passed away on Friday, February 25th, after having his health decline over the last six months. It was not until a trip with Don and Marthe up to Bob Cess’s house one day did I learn so much about him. He started out as an industrial engineer, and then became a teacher. Soon after, and above all, Don became an amazing Alfa mechanic, running his own shop for many years in Torrington, CT. After closing his shop and semi-retiring, he did a very brisk parts business as well as engine and gearbox rebuilds from his home shop. During one of our early chats, Don said to me, “John, the people in the Alfa community are the best, they will always help one another”. I am sure we will all agree, Don Ereminas was the best! On a comforting note, Ereminas Imports lives on in Marc’s home state of Oregon.

Don is survived by his son Marc and his wife Carrie, granddaughter Katrina and grandson Nicolas, as well as daughter Kimberly and her husband Daniel.  

A service will be held at 10AM on Saturday March 5th at The Hillside Cemetery, 76 Walnut Street, Torrington CT 06790. Arrangements are being made by Phelan Funeral home. A short obituary and photo of Don can be found at https://www.phalenfuneral.com/obituary/Donald-Ereminas.