Gerald L. Meiler, 83, of Upton, died peacefully December 9, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Sandra L. (Natalzia) Meiler for 44 years. Born in Buffalo, New York on July 10 1931, he was the son of the late Ferdinand and Rosa (Schilling) Meiler. Mr. Meiler was raised in Lancaster, New York and resided there until moving to Massachusetts in 1975. He attended St Marys High School in Lancaster and represented his high school at Boys State at Colgate University. He was a graduate of the Buffalo State Technical Institute and earned an Associate Degree in Electrical Technology. He proudly served in the Army during the Korean War from 1952 – 1954. After returning from the service he graduated from the University of Buffalo and earned a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Gerry was a prolific fastball pitcher for many years in the mens industrial Softball League in Western New York, winning his first game at the age of 15 years.
At the age of 15, he was the youngest licensed amature radio “ham” in Western and Central New York State. His final call letters in Massachusetts were W1VP.
Mr Meiler worked for 35 years for Sylvaina, General Telephone, and General Dynamics retiring in 1993 as Manager of the Radio Communications Department. Mr. Meiler did extensive travel for his company throughout Thailand and Vietnam and aboard the USS Mount McKinley where he received a letter of commendation from the US Navy for his work in maintaining the ships communications equipment during the Cuban Blockade.
Mr. Meiler loved to travel. He and his daughter crossed the country multiple times on all the major US Interstate Highways.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his son Patrick and his wife Tracy and granddaughters Reagan Rose and Anna Glenn Meiler of Franklin, his daughter Kelly and her husband John Rogan and granddaughter Rosa Lee of Worcester, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves a sister Norma Palma of Lancaster NY.
Family and friends may call on the Meiler family on Saturday December 13, 2014, from noon to 5 pm at 27 Pleasant Street, Upton, MA. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home of Hopkinton MA.
UPTON DAILY 