Obituary of Joseph Rigler

Rigler, Joseph P. 89 of Ridgewood, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2014. Born in Flint, Michigan his family moved to Clark, New Jersey when he was a young teenager. Joseph graduated from Springfield High School in 1942, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp. Upon completing pilot training and being commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1944, Joseph was assigned to the 5th Air Force, 22nd Bombardment Group, and sent to the Southwest Pacific Theater where he was a co-pilot of a B-24 Liberator. Joseph also served with the 417th Bombardment Group in the Philippines after the 22nd Group was deactivated. After completion of his service and the end of World War II, he attended Weidner University, then known as Pennsylvania Military College, in Chester, Pennsylvania where he graduated with a civil engineering degree. Joseph married his childhood sweet-heart and literally the girl next door, the former Betty Gollon, in October 1947 at St. Roberts Roman Catholic Church in Chester, Pennsylvania. Joseph worked for several engineering firms throughout the United States before entering into a partnership with two co-workers when they purchased McKiernan- Terry Manufacturing in Dover, New Jersey. MKT's primary business was in the manufacturing, sale and leasing of pile hammers used in bridge and highway construction. Joseph retired from his business in 1990. Upon retirement Joseph enjoyed travelling, golf, bowling, being an active member of the Hobbyists in Ridgewood, and vacationing in the house he built on Cape Cod. He was a member of the American Legion Post 53, Ridgewood, NJ. Joseph was pre-deceased by his parents Carl and Mary Rigler and his older brother Gerald. He is survived by his wife Betty of 66 years and his children Douglas of Whitefish, Montana, Wesley (Annemarie) of Ridgewood, and Doreen Bayo of Vernon, New Jersey. Joseph leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Friday 2-4 and 7-9 pm from the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com. 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 10:30 am. Interment Valleau Cemetery, Ridgewood, NJ. Memorial Contributions to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 75815, Topkeka, KS would be appreciated.