Joseph Jacob von Ehr age 98 of Bridgeport passed away Sunday, September 7, 2014 in his home. He was the beloved husband of the late Grace M. Smitkowski von Ehr. Born in Stratford and raised in Bridgeport he was the son of the late Jacob and Gertrude Hartemann von Ehr. He graduated from The Connecticut College of Pharmacy in 1938. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as Captain in Iceland and England as a pharmacist. Upon his return home he continued as a pharmacist and began a 41 year career with the Bridgeport Fire Department. He retired as Acting Chief. He married Grace, the love of his life in 1950. He was an avid church goer, a former member of St. Joseph's, then St. Andrew Church and most recently St. Theresa. Joseph was a self-taught carpenter, building his own home from the ground up for his growing family. Joseph's wife predeceased him in 2010. Survivors include his loving children and their families; Joseph T. von Ehr and wife Fatima, and their children Julia and Alex of Southport, Margaret A. von Ehr and Terry Leahy and their son Michael Liang of Westbrook, Katherine M. von Ehr and husband Fred E. Wulff and their daughter Sara Grace of Andover, MA. He is survived by several nieces and nephews and their families, T.J. and Robert Krantz, Kevyn and Craig Morazes, Barbara Callahan and Peter Smitkowski. He was also predeceased by one brother William von Ehr. Friends and relatives may call Tuesday from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Redgate - Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 9:00 am in St. Theresa Church, Trumbull. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joseph's memory to the charity of one's choice. To send on line condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com