Lawrence V. Ermler

Helped Create Nunnawauk Meadows Senior Housing

Lawrence V. Ermler, 94, of Newtown, died at Bethel Health Care Center, February 17. Mr Ermler was born in New York City, March 1, 1914, the son of George and Kathryn (Frank) Ermler.

He lived in various locations in Manhattan where he attended Stuyvesant High School. He was married for 65 years to his beloved wife, Ethel (Castka) Ermler, who predeceased him.

He served in the US Navy during World War II. After returning from the war, he moved to Valley Stream, N.Y., where he and his family lived for 30 years. During that time, Mr Ermler was very involved in religious and community activities. He was an active member of the Valley Stream United Methodist Church and of Valley Stream Lodge #1143 of the Masons where he served as Grand Master in 1972.

His career included working as a merchandise buyer for the J.C. Penney Co. for 40 years, and later as a realtor with Joseph T. Chase Realty in Newtown.

Upon his retirement, he and his wife moved to Newtown, where they resided for more than 30 years. He worshipped at the Newtown United Methodist Church and volunteered on the Newtown Housing for the Elderly Committee that was instrumental in the creation of Nunnawauk Meadows senior housing. He continued his membership with the Masons through the Hiram Lodge in Newtown, being an active participant for more than 45 years. For fun, he and Mrs Ermler danced with the Rocking Roosters Square Dancing Club, and attended the spaghetti suppers at the Methodist Church.

Mr Ermler is survived by four children and their spouses, Laurel and Robert Carlo of Stonybrook, N.Y., Richard and Patricia Ermler of Lyme, Cheri Schutt of Danbury, and Cynthia DeSantis of Woodbury. He was grandfather to ten grandchildren; and great-grandfather to 12.

A service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, February 21, at 11 am, at the United Methodist Church, Church Hill Road, Newtown.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Candles Program, Bethel Health Care, 13 Parklawn Drive, Bethel CT 06801.

The Newtown Bee        February 20, 2009