Joseph Rigler

RIDGEWOOD - Joseph F. Rigler, 89, died on May 6.

Born in Flint, Mich., his family moved to Clark, N.J. when he was a young teenager. He 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, he 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. He 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, Pa., where he graduated with a civil engineering degree. He married his childhood sweetheart and literally the girl next door, the former Betty Gollon, in October 1947 at St. Roberts Roman Catholic Church in Chester. He 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, N.J. MKT's primary business was in the manufacturing, sale and leasing of pile hammers used in bridge and highway construction. He retired from his business in 1990. Upon retirement he 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 in Ridgewood.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty; his children Douglas of Whitefish, Mont., Wesley (Annemarie) of Ridgewood, and Doreen Bayo of Vernon, N.J.; his 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his older brother Gerald.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 9 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave. in Wyckoff. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m. with interment at Valleau Cemetery in Ridgewood.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 75815, Topeka, KS.