Joseph H. Quaderer passed away peacefully at home in the company of family April 2, 2008. Born June 21, 1918 in New York City and raised in Floral Park, he graduated from Jamaica High School in Queens. In 1936, Mr. Quaderer worked as a purchase researcher for Western Electric Company in New York City. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1941 and served his country as a radio operator in combat in the North Atlantic in the Greenland Patrol. He was honorably discharged in 1947. During WWII, Mr. Quaderer was fortunate to meet Rose E. Muller and married her in 1944.

He became a firefighter for the City of New York in 1947 and proudly served until 1975 throughout the city, including Engine 8 in Manhattan and Engine 304 in Queens. He ran a part-time printing business, Star Press. He joined the Floral Park Fire Department, Reliance Engine Company, in 1952, serving as treasurer in 1982, and remained an active volunteer his entire life.

In 1930, Mr. Quaderer became a Scout in Boy Scout Troop 178 in Queens, Scoutmaster in 1939 and Explorer Post 178 advisor in 1947. In Floral Park, he established Troop 678 in 1962 and served as its first Scoutmaster. He organized Post 4, Troop 83, Pack 124 and Troop 482 in Floral Park and Firefighter's Specialty Post 562 in Queens. He led Scouts on six 50 Miler hikes and canoe trips. Active as a scouting volunteer in Nassau County, he served as neighborhood commissioner in 1964 and assistant district commissioner from 1965-1967. He was appointed dean of Merit Badge Counselors for Matinnecock in 1972. He was a member of the Sagamore Service Troop and a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow.

Mr. Quaderer received the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth in 1977. Other awards are the Arrowhead Award, The Commissioner's Key, District Award of Merit and the St. George Award.

In Floral Park, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and an usher at Our Lady of Victory Church. Joseph and his wife, Rose, received the Spirit of Floral Park award in 1997 for their contributions to the growth and energy of the community.

Happily married for 61 years, Mr. Quaderer was the beloved husband to the late Rose E. and devoted father of Joseph, John, Robert, Elizabeth Maestri, James, Thomas, Mary Pitts and the late Rose. He was cherished grandfather of Claire, Kerin, Joseph, Stephen, Meghan, Kevin, Ian, Elizabeth, John, David, Robert, Cory and Kayle.

Throughout his life, Mr. Quaderer extended a helping hand to many, welcoming them into his home and family. He will be sorely missed by all. Donations may be made to Tribute Fund, Theodore Roosevelt Council, Boy Scouts of America, 544 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758, In Memory of Joseph H. Quaderer.