Joseph Niemeyer

1932 - 2012

Niemeyer, Joseph

Johnson City: Joseph Niemeyer, 79 of Johnson City passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at his home. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward C. and Marie (Collins) Niemeyer; his step grandson, Mark Morgan; and his sister and brother in law, Monica and Henry Calleo. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 38 years, Arlene Niemeyer, her daughters Terry Walton and Deborah (Brian) Pilotti; her sons, Howard E. Walton (Lisa Stuckey), Daniel A. Walton; brother, Edward William (Dorothy) Niemeyer; sister-in-law, Diane Fleenor; step grandchildren, Raymond Lasky, Jr. and Jillian Walton; step great grandchildren, Jenna Morgan, Cory Dufton-Church, Hailey and Matthew Misner, Jr; nieces and nephews, Maureen (Bruce) Patrick, Joseph (Lori) Calleo, Colleen (Scott) Goldstone, Henry (Tammy) Calleo, Debra (David) Panter, Christopher (Jana) Niemeyer; great nieces and nephews, Cara (Joe) Dattoria, Mitch and Jack Niemeyer, Nicole, Vincent, Jenny, Dominic, Liza, Mia, Henry, Gabriella, Anna Calleo, Gina, Elena Goldstone; and his long time friends, Manny (Patti) Feijoo, Marc (Cheryl) Liddic, Tom Brown, Marlene Malchak, Duane (VeVa) Winters - and so many others. Born in Johnson City, June 16, 1932, Joe graduated from St. James and then Johnson City High School (January 1952). He joined the Navy with his friend Harry "Bud" Smith and went to Great Lakes Boot Camp. Proudly he served in the US Navy from 1952 to 1956, during the Korean War on Aircraft Carriers, USS Gilbert Island CVE 107; USS Wright CVL 49; USS Pine Island AV 12. He achieved rank of Machinist Mate MM2. After his discharge he returned to Johnson City where he was employed at General Electric, New Processing Gear in Syracuse, NY, IBM Owego and Endicott, and Singer Link where he spent 24 years working on the Apollo Space Project, F111 and other projects retiring at age 58. In 1979-80, Joe designed and oversaw the building of their new home in East Maine. Until his last breath, he was always designing or building new projects. Joe would like to thank his friend Dr. Steven A. Malkin for a PSA Test at age 59 that saved his life for his remaining years and to Dr. Richard Baron and all of Joe's Health Care workers for their wonderful care during his struggle for the past year, from his Navy asbestos exposure. Joe had a great life, proud of his Irish and German Heritage. He hopes all will not be sad as he goes to see his parents, grandson Mark, and sister Monica. As the Irish say, be happy with the memories of so many years. " Happy trails to you until we meet again". Funeral Services will be held at the J.F. Rice Funeral Home, Inc., 150 Main Street, Johnson City, NY on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. at St. James Church, Johnson City, where a Funeral Mass will be offered by Father Clarence J. Cerwonka. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial contributions to St. James Church Memorial Fund, 147 Main Street, Johnson City, NY 13790 in Joseph Niemeyer's memory.