Obituary for James Elwood Niner
James E. Niner, beloved husband of the late Doris M. (Panni), entered into eternal rest on March 23, 2023 at the age of 88. Jim was born in Cresaptown MD, son of the late George and Bertie (Martz) Niner and was a 1952 graduate of Allegany High School. After high school, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a cryptographer during the Korean War. During his enlistment, Jim was stationed at Fort Devens where he met and married the love of his life, Doris. After being Honorably Discharged from the Army, Jim and Doris moved to Connecticut and Jim began his long career with Pratt & Whitney. Jim retired from Pratt & Whitney as a Financial Supervisor after 36 years of dedicated service. After retiring from Pratt, Jim started a consulting firm, C.N.W, with two friends, where he worked for another seven years. For over 49 years, Jim served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the North Thompsonville Fire Department. Jim also ran a tax preparation service for decades. Jim was the most loyal, kind, witty gentleman, a born storyteller who was quick with a smile and a joke for everyone he met. Jim and Doris were envied for their love story and threw the best parties. His wife and daughters were his life and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Jim was an avid sports fan, always rooting for his Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Orioles, Hartford Whalers and whatever sports teams his grandsons played for. Jim played for several fast pitch softball teams in various leagues in and around Enfield. He enjoyed bowling in his Monday night league and after retirement, could often be found golfing with his buddies at St. Ann’s and other courses around the state.
Jim was devoted to his wife of 63 years, Doris, and leaves behind his four cherished daughters: Deborah and her husband Howard Rae; Karen Distazio; Patricia and her husband Gregg Piepul, all of Enfield; Donna and her husband Rocky King of Cumming, GA; and a son-in-law, Albert Distazio of Enfield. He adored his nine grandchildren: Allan Wight and his wife, Nicole of Cumming GA; Adam Distazio of Enfield; Aaron Distazio and his wife Cori of Enfield; Derek Piepul and his wife Nicole of Loganville GA; Drew Piepul and his partner Cara of Broad Brook; Dylan Piepul of Enfield; and Joseph, Juan and Bella King, all of Cumming GA; as well as his six great-grandchildren; Allan, Timothy, Lucas and Alexander Wight of Cumming GA; Elizabeth Goulet of Suffield CT; Grayson Gaines, of Dawsonville GA; and two great grandchildren of his heart, Emmylou Haag of Springfield MA and Mia Boice of Broad Brook; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim also leaves behind his sister, Patricia Scott of Cresaptown MD and sister-in-law, Merry Niner, of Cumberland MD. In addition to his wife and parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother, Richard Niner and his sister Eleanor Winebrenner, both of Cumberland MD.
Relatives and friends may gather on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield, CT from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 9 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Martha’s Church, 214 Brainard Road, Enfield CT, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Enfield CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the North Thompsonville Firemen’s Benevolent Association, 439 Enfield Street, Enfield CT.
Jim was an avid sports fan, always rooting for his Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Orioles, Hartford Whalers and whatever sports teams his grandsons played for. Jim played for several fast pitch softball teams in various leagues in and around Enfield. He enjoyed bowling in his Monday night league and after retirement, could often be found golfing with his buddies at St. Ann’s and other courses around the state.
Jim was devoted to his wife of 63 years, Doris, and leaves behind his four cherished daughters: Deborah and her husband Howard Rae; Karen Distazio; Patricia and her husband Gregg Piepul, all of Enfield; Donna and her husband Rocky King of Cumming, GA; and a son-in-law, Albert Distazio of Enfield. He adored his nine grandchildren: Allan Wight and his wife, Nicole of Cumming GA; Adam Distazio of Enfield; Aaron Distazio and his wife Cori of Enfield; Derek Piepul and his wife Nicole of Loganville GA; Drew Piepul and his partner Cara of Broad Brook; Dylan Piepul of Enfield; and Joseph, Juan and Bella King, all of Cumming GA; as well as his six great-grandchildren; Allan, Timothy, Lucas and Alexander Wight of Cumming GA; Elizabeth Goulet of Suffield CT; Grayson Gaines, of Dawsonville GA; and two great grandchildren of his heart, Emmylou Haag of Springfield MA and Mia Boice of Broad Brook; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim also leaves behind his sister, Patricia Scott of Cresaptown MD and sister-in-law, Merry Niner, of Cumberland MD. In addition to his wife and parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother, Richard Niner and his sister Eleanor Winebrenner, both of Cumberland MD.
Relatives and friends may gather on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield, CT from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 9 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Martha’s Church, 214 Brainard Road, Enfield CT, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Enfield CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the North Thompsonville Firemen’s Benevolent Association, 439 Enfield Street, Enfield CT.