Niederriter

Richard James "Big Jim" Niederriter, 73, a lifelong resident of Erie, died peacefully Feb. 5 while under Hospice Care of Lakeland, Fla., after a brief battle with cancer.

Born Nov. 4, 1933, he was the only child of Leonard and Ann Niederriter.

An avid sportsman, fisherman and arm-chair quarterback, he was a graduate of Cathedral Prep in Erie and Notre Dame University and followed their teams with enthusiasm. His passion was golf and his best day was one spent on the links with his wife or sons.

His early career was spent working with his father at L.J. Niederriter & Son, Appliances in Erie. He later was a salesman for the Brown-Thompson newspaper, and he was the current owner of R.J.'s Sports Bar in Union City, Erie County.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol DiGello Niederriter, of Erie; four sons Michael, Leonard and Matthew, all of Woodbridge, Va., and James of Butler; six grandchildren; two stepsons, Gerald DiGello of Orange, Conn., and Joseph DiGello, of Erie; five step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandson.

<B>NIEDERRITER</B> — There will be no services or calling hours. A memorial service for Richard James "Big Jim" Niederriter, who died Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, will be held in Erie later.Donations can be made to any hospice care facility.