Picture: Sisters of Seamus Ruddy; Molly Carr, Patsy McAteer and Anne Morgan
DNA tests by French investigators confirm a body found at Pont-de-l'Arche near Rouen in northern France is that of Seamus Ruddy from Co Down.
A statement released by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains - set up during the peace process by the Irish and UK governments to recover bodies of victims from the Northern Ireland Troubles - confirmed the news.
The 32 year old teacher was abducted in Paris, then murdered and buried by the republican paramilitary group Irish National Liberation Army in 1985.
Speaking at the weekend, when news of the discovery of remains emerged, Mr Ruddy's sister Anne Morgan said: "We just want to take Seamus home and give him a Christian burial with his parents Molly and John."
"We have waited a long time and prayed for the day that he could be given a Christian burial in Newry."
The latest development leaves three of the 16 Disappeared victims - Columba McVeigh, Joe Lynskey and Robert Nairac - yet to be found.
Reacting to confirmation the remains are her brother, Anne Morgan told BBC Radio Ulster: "As the family are getting older it is more poignant now we are able to bring him home and at least we will have some sort of closure."
"At this time it becomes a very personal family journey but we are prepared for this and we are all together for this.
"Those 32 years were the longest years that we had to wait for this, the next few weeks won't be as bad."
Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said: "This will be a desperately sad time for Mr Ruddy's family and loved ones.
"I would like to express my sympathy as steps are now taken to bring Seamus home. My thoughts remain with all those families who are still awaiting the recovery of the remains of their loved ones."