Joseph Ernest Niedermeyer, 84, of Southbury died unexpectedly January 24. He was born February 1, 1933, in Middle Village, N.Y., to Magdalena and Joseph Niedermeyer.

He was a longtime resident of Sandy Hook and a parishioner at St Rose of Lima in Newtown. He was active in the adult leadership of Boy Scouts and watched all four of his sons receive the Eagle Scout Award. Affectionately known as "Ace," he was a devoted husband, supportive father, and every grandchild was his favorite. He was an avid UConn, Mets, and Celtics fan; a collector of stamps and miniature soldiers; a student of the American Revolution; and enjoyed trying to keep up with his wife at the flea market.

Mr Niedermeyer graduated from Brooklyn Prep and St Peter's College in New Jersey, where he also earned a college letter on the rifle team. After serving in the US Army, he worked as a market analyst at Uniroyal in New York City and later in Middlebury. While working, he received a master's degree in both economics and business administration from NYU.

His wife of more than 60 years, Veronica; his five children and their spouses, Joseph Niedermeyer and Diane Springer of Brookfield; Peter and Deborah Niedermeyer of Simsbury, Thomas Niedermeyer and Linda Mulski of Buxton, Maine, John and Angelee Niedermeyer of Woodbury, and Anne Marie and John Firlings of Woodbury; and his 14 grandchildren, Patrick, Elizabeth, Joseph, Emily, Magdalena and her husband Stephen Reale, Greta, Anna, Eva, Daniella, Lydia, Jules, Jared, Nathan, and Jacob survive him. He is also survived by his sister, Clare Sledz, and many nieces and nephews.

His sister, Rosemarie Brockmann, predeceased him.

Calling hours are Sunday, January 28, from 3 to 6 pm, in the chapel of Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main Street, Southbury.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 29, at 11 am, at Sacred Heart Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to BSA Troop 54, C/O North Congregational Church, 11 Main Street North, Woodbury CT 06798.

Arrangements by Carpino Funeral Home, Southbury.