[matese]

Most older dogs are scared of puppies because of the nipping and pouncing in older dogs face. Under the circumstances your dog met puppies has to be taken into consideration,
1-he was in a strange place,
2-mom and dad not around
3- these were strange puppies jumping at him, sure he's going to be aggressive.
I have had a pack of 3 yorkies, all females, all 3 years apart. When ever a new kid came home the older one / ones would stay on high grounds, the sofa. A new puppy coming into your house will have a different smell, not smell like a dog, your older one will stay away. He will watch the puppy from afar, maybe come to sniff him, when the puppy starts to hop and pounce in his face your older one will back off, make sure you have a safe haven for your older one to get away from the puppy.
Do not force your older one to be friends, let him go to the puppy on his terms and his time. It may take 4 to 6 weeks before your older one will stay on the floor with the puppy. Do not rush the friendship. You say you are retired, that's perfect, you will be home to supervise and when you have to leave the two kids make sure the puppy is crated or separated from your older one. Is your older dog neutered? you want to get a male puppy, males must be neutered so they will not fight for dominancy. I think you will be just fine getting a puppy.