Joseph Scott Tiedemann

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Mary and Robert E. Tiedemann, Joe grew up in Franklin Square. He cherished visits to Brooklyn to see his cousins, the Travers, and watch the Dodgers at Ebbets Field.

Joe attended Holy Cross Preparatory Seminary in Dunkirk, New York, before graduating top of his class from St. Francis College. He earned a fellowship in American History and began doctoral studies at the City University of New York.

In 1967, he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Tiedemann (née Pape). Their plans were interrupted when Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army in June 1969. They married on August 14, 1969, before moving to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where Joe studied Vietnamese. Following the birth of their first son, Scott, in 1970, Joe served a tour in Vietnam. Honorably discharged in 1971, he returned to CUNY.

Joe and Barbara welcomed their second son, Michael, in 1974. Joe earned his Ph.D. in American History in 1976 and, in 1977, accepted a faculty position at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. During more than 30 years at LMU, “Dr. T” inspired generations of students through his passion for history and teaching.

In 1977, Joe and Barbara settled in El Segundo, where they built a home and a community over the next 49 years. Joe cherished watching his family grow, celebrating Scott's marriage to Erika Grimmond in 1997 and Michael's marriage to Colleen Auth in 2002.

In 2001, with the arrival of his first granddaughter, Hannah, Joe happily "officially" changed his name to PopPop. Emma followed in 2002, Annie in 2006, and Molly in 2009. PopPop loved his four granddaughters beyond measure and took immense pride in the remarkable young women they have each become.

Joe was happiest alongside Barbara, whether going to Dodgers games, relaxing at Belle Terre in Big Bear, or traveling the world together. During their almost 57 years of marriage, they visited all seven continents, forming lifelong friendships and sharing countless adventures.

Joe possessed an indefatigable spirit. No life-threatening accident or serious illness kept him down very long. He was known for his genuine kindness, humility, intellectual curiosity, and, above all else, his love for his family.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; sons, Scott and Michael; daughters-in-law Erika and Colleen; granddaughters Hannah, Emma, Annie, and Molly; and his siblings Robert E. Tiedemann, Rev. Bishop Neil E. Tiedemann, C.P., and MaryLou Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Passionists Benevolent and Missionary Institute.