I agree with Nishasmom. Quite a few older dogs are not tolerant of puppy antics. Nothing wrong with that, it just means that you should keep your boy away from puppies - for both his sake and theirs. Given how crucial dog socialization is, you don't want your boy to be a bad experience for a puppy!
I will say, however, that even older dogs who tolerate puppies will often correct them for their rudeness - it can sound loud and scary, but is rarely truly physical. It is just the older dog instructing the pup on what is, and what is not, acceptable dog behavior. Having one of those dogs - that you trust to safely instill some manners - is a godsend when you have a pup!
Bottom line - your dog is making his feelings on this subject crystal clear. Respect that. It's perfectly normal and there is no reason to try and make him like puppies. While I wouldn't let him act like a jerk when he should just be ignorning them (in a store, in class), I certainly wouldn't ask him to meet them up close if you know he's not a "puppy" kind of dog.