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John R. Meinke

John Meinke Obituary

MEINKE - John R., (Dick) on September 10, 2008. Longtime resident of Seaford and St. William the Abbot Parish. Beloved husband of Dorothy (Darcy) for 65 years. Born January 18, 1920 in Brooklyn to the late Richard and Bertha Meinke. Devoted father of Barbara (Bob), Judy (Al), Diane (Joe), Richard, Eileen, Robert (Maria), Dorothy and Donna. Also survived by 24 cherished grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Truly a man who believed everyone should "have love in your heart". Reposing at the Charles G. Schmitt Funeral Home Inc. 3363 Merrick Rd. Seaford (two traffic lights East of Rt. 135). Mass Saturday 9:15 at St. William the Abbot R.C. Church. Interment St. Charles Cemetery. Hours Friday 2-4 and 7-9pm.

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Published by Newsday on Sep. 11, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Meinke

Sponsored by Your son, Bobby.

152 Entries

Robert Meinke

September 11, 2014

Dad,

I miss you very much. I wish you could provide some advice to me for the many things going on in my life. I wish you could. Reach out when you can.

Love, Bobby

Dorothy

February 20, 2013

I've been thinking a lot about you lately. And just re read your obituary. You did live by those words "have love in your hearts." It's truly fitting that it is on your tombstone. It fits too that mom is there because she would always say that to us. I only would hope the people that stand in front of that grave where you lay try to live by that. When times get tough; I think of you and mom saying that. Love is much easier than hate. I have love in my heart.

I just looked at Luke's cheeks and said to him... My grandpa would love these cheeks of yours. Then I pinched them like you would. I pictured your face and tongue sticking out while doing this. Wish you were here to meet my son.... You would eat him up. Thanks for looking over me and him.... I miss you and love you always.

January 18, 2013

Happy birthday.

Love, Bobby

Robert Meinke

December 7, 2012

Hey dad, remember you used to tell me as a kid that one day they will make a pill you can add to water to make the fuel needed to operate a car? They're close! BNL is working with very small metal nanometers (long story) that can break down H2O into Hydrogen fuel and Oxygen waste. Just like you said!

Love, Bobby

Jessica Zimmermann

August 22, 2012

It's amazing to me how much you could appreciate what you have when it is here and when it is gone. I look around at people who don't understand the beauty of their parents, grandparents, and siblings while they are alive, and I wonder how they will ever find the peace they need when those people are not around anymore. I grew up with you as such a strong, positive influence in my life. You raised my Mother to be someone who was such a beautiful person inside and out, and her loss has left such an empty feeling inside those who cared for her. Grandma is the best woman in the world - so quiet, peaceful, and always has the right thing to say. I love nothing more than to spend my lazy days with her, sharing stories, memories, and most importantly, time. Time is never promised and not enough people cherish what they truly have in front of them. You picked a great woman to share your life with, and I'm blessed to be able to share mine with Grandma as well. I miss you more than you know. I love you and you will forever be in my heart. Say hi to my Mom for me.

Hey Dad, A Met finally pitched a no-hitter. You would have loved it. It was a beautiful thing. Love, Bobby

Robert Meinke

June 4, 2012

May 15, 2012

I wish people would live by your words... Have love in your hearts.

Mother's Day 2012

Robert Meinke

May 13, 2012

Hi Dad,

Mom still looks beautiful!

Miss you and Love you,

Bobby

Donna Schneider

January 18, 2012

Happpy Birthday to you!! We miss u very much. We are having strawberry shortcake for dessert tonight >>to celebrate YOU!! And noo poppa, I did not make it!!

xoxoxoxox Donna Marie and my kiddies

At the picnic

Robert Meinke

January 16, 2012

Happy Birthday Dad. Miss you much and always.

Love Bobby.

January 12, 2012

Hey Gramps,

I miss ya like always, and I know that you get my prayers so I am not worried that you think that I forgot about you. So proud to be THE ONLY ONE in the family to share the same name as you, and better believe I will carry it on with pride and dignity, and I hope to pass this name on sometime in the future, not too soon...Im way too young for that right now, lol. Well, just thinking about you and thought that I would write, especially because no one has written since Sept. 14, 2008? Saw Grams last month when I was home and let me tell you, you picked a keeper! She still looks great at 91 years old, not a clue how she does it, and she is so witty and smart it is not even funny. Gotta go spend some Jeopardy time with her one of these days to get get smarter. hahahahah. I feel like she knows all of the answers. Well thats all I got for now, Look after us, talk to you soon.

John Richard

A pic of your 1955 Dodgers

Robert Meinke

September 23, 2011

September 10, 2011

Dearest Dad,

All day long my kids and I have been reminecing about you with stories and the silly things that u said to us! All loving and funny memories! We continue to miss u and love u even more....
One of my favs " Tell me whats on your pretty little mind?"
xoxoo
Donna

Robert Meinke

September 9, 2011

3 years now. Miss you much. I'll think about you all day tomorrow.

Love,

Bobby

3 years. Miss you much.

Robert Meinke

September 9, 2011

Robert Meinke

January 18, 2011

Happy Birthday Dad. Love you and miss you much.

Bobby

September 10, 2010

Hi Dad,

It's been two years since you passed. I think about you a lot. Wish you were here. I keep your picture near the desk at work.

Love Bobby

June 20, 2010

Happy Fathers Day, Dad. Miss you much. Say hi to Bob and Al and all the other dads up there.

Tell Dot I miss her.

Love,

Bobby

Robert Meinke

December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas, Dad. Listening to all the Christmas songs this season reminds me so much of you.

I can hear you singing, "here comes ranny claus right down ranny claus lane."

And the Ave Maria was always your favorite.

I miss you very much.

Love,

Bobby

September 10, 2009

Gramps, Miss you and love you, but I know you are in a better place. Love, Ryan

September 10, 2009

Dad,

The year moved by so fast. I catch myself all the time saying and doing things I know you would have done.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

I miss you.

Love,

Bobby

Jessica Zimmermann

September 10, 2009

It has been a long year without you. I miss you everyday, and will never forget the impact you have had on my life.

I love you very much.

Love,

Jessica

Dad, You're a Great Grandpa again ! Billy did it. William E.'s got good baseball hands......Love, Bobby

July 22, 2009

Dad, I thought you'd like this photo. Jackie Robinson with Ebbets Field in the backround. Love, Bobby

July 10, 2009

Citifield is beautiful but the Mets stunk ! Love, Bobby

July 10, 2009

July 7, 2009

I was thinking that this year was the first time not buying a father's day card for you. I think about you and how you have shaped so many lives.

I love you and miss you.
Love Dorothy

Jessica Zimmermann

June 22, 2009

Miss you everyday.

Love you very much.

Robert Meinke

June 21, 2009

Happy Fathers Day, Dad. We all miss you very much.

I got tickets to Citifield in July. I'll let you know what I think.

Say hello to Dot.

I love and miss you,

Bobby

evan meinke

January 20, 2009

happy new year,gramps.well finish our plate and have nice weather tomorrow! miss ya gramps

ev/fatty

Robert Meinke

January 19, 2009

"Daddy (Grandpa) gets a piece of cake, a piece of cake, a piece of cake. Daddy (Grandpa) gets a piece of cake, fee, fye, foe."

Happy Birthday, Dad
(a day late)

Miss you very much. I'll bet Dorothy belted out that song for you. And they probably have candles all over heaven, no?

Love,

Bobby

Jessica Zimmermann

January 18, 2009

Happy Birthday Grandpa,
i made a cake, i know homeade was your favorite..

i love and miss you everyday

love jessica

Donna

January 17, 2009

I am up late on January 17, just a few moments til your birthday....enjoy this year in heaven, I miss you very much --

I feel your presence in Church when the choir sings (along with Christopher).

The kids and I often talk about you and all those made up words and sayings - and we laugh.

We will sing to you for your birthday.
You are very much missed in our lives...oh and the weather outside is frightful, but I am sure the temperature is just right for you up in heaven!

Mother misses you, but we keep her busy every day:)

xoxoxo
Your Ever-lovable daughter, Donna

Robert Meinke

December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas Dad. Miss you much.

Opening soon. Maybe on your birthday?

Thanks for your support.

Love

Bobby

Jessica Zimmermann

December 25, 2008

Hi Grandpa,

It's weird without you being here, but I know you are happy.. Merry Christmas in Heaven.. We all miss you very much..

I love you

love jessica

Enjoying the pool.. 1996

November 30, 2008

CHRIS SCHNEIDER

November 28, 2008

hi grandpa i miss you very much
you were very nice to me and eric
i miss you very much
i miss you every day.

Jessica Zimmermann

November 27, 2008

Happy first Thanksgiving in Heaven Grandpa.

I miss you, and I love you.

Love,
Jessica

Robert Meinke

November 27, 2008

Miss you on Thanksgiving even more than the World Series.

Love,

Bobby

Jessica Zimmermann

November 20, 2008

Hi Grandpa, Its Jessica Pessica. It is about 38 degrees & I can picture you with sweaters and blankets, emphasizing to keep the front door closed so the heat doesn't get out. Oh what an experience winter became. I am at your house everyday, and every time I am there, I feel the void of your absence. I miss everything about you, and I wish I could still talk to you. The truth is, I am still trying to face the music and realize you are gone. But, you will never be gone because I will take a piece of you everywhere I go. Monday is my 18th Birthday, and Uncle Bobby's and I am going to miss you singing out of tune to me. Aunt Donna is wonderful with everything she does for your lovely wife. You'd be very proud of her and the heavenly fellows.

Well, I'm freezing, as you would be to, so I am going to go try and stay warm.

I love you very much and miss you more then you know.
Love,
Jessica
(your favorite redheaded granddaughter)

October 21, 2008

You truly are the best grandfather ever.... Thank you for always having so much love in your heart for everyone. You have always been so good to me and my siblings. I miss your wet kisses and visits from the infamous "Sidney." You will always be a man to look up to.
I love you!
Love Always,
Dorothy

Jessica Zimmermann

October 8, 2008

Hi Grandpa, it's me again. I still can't believe you are gone. I really miss talking to you, and being around you. I miss making your coffee and going to church with you. You've told me many times how proud you are of me, and I hope you know how lucky I was to have such an amazing grandfather like you.

I miss you very much.
I love you.

Love always,
Jessica

Edward Szabo

October 7, 2008

We only found out of Mr. Meinke's passing a few days ago. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Ed,Jeanette,Jeanenne & Jason

DONNA MEINKE SCHNEIDER

September 30, 2008

As September comes to a close, it seems like such a looong time since you have been gone and not just a few short weeks....this house is so empty without you....

I remember how Deanna and I would talk about "the day" you might leave us...sitting quietly in your chair, so relaxed, and she or I would walk in to talk to you and try to wake you up.....perhaps it is better that you went another way, for us at least....

Eric and Chris missed you last week for their birthday...they missed you singing to them and kissing them sooo much.....and they miss reading their books to you at night.... I still say to them at night, "Go kiss Grandma and Grandpa goodnight.".......

Chris remembers putting your socks on your feet every morning of the summer months....and now Eric finds Granny's cane for her, yours sits quietly in the corner behind your chair....

We saw your friends at church last week, the couple that shared the same anniversary date as you and mommy....Chris didn't think that you had any more friends.....out of the mouths of children.....

It must be wonderful for you up in heaven, seeing your old friends like Joe Littman and your mom and dad, and all your Greek and Italian friends from the neighborhood.....I bet you make them laugh....
I miss you making me laugh and I miss you laughing at all my corny jokes!

Keeping 'em all smiling dad -- mom is gonna stay here for awhile, ok, I'll take good care of her -

Kisses to Dot, you two have lots to catch up on.....

And, again, please guide me through those tough spots...

With Love In MY Heart..........

Robert Meinke

September 28, 2008

Dad,

The Mets lost again on the last day of the season! Ugh...No playoffs again! Ugh...Remember we watched that disaster last year together! Ugh...

You would have enjoyed the last game ceremony at Shea. They brought back all the players like Seaver, Koosman, Piazza, Gooden, Strawberry, Kranepool and your favorite, Ron Swoboda. Even Yogi and Willie Mays were there.

I really missed watching with you and hearing all your comments. Baseball will not be the same without you.

I Love You and Miss You.

Bobby

Thanks for all the years you let me "lean" on you.

September 28, 2008

Jessica Zimmermann

September 22, 2008

I miss you so much, and i feel that a part of me is missing. Things have felt so differently since you've been gone, and I still can't seem to grasp the fact that you are really gone.
I know that I spent plenty of time with you while you were alive, but I still wish we could have one more day. I will always remember the times we've spent laughing and reminiscing about funny times.
I love you so much Grandpa, and I will never forget you.

Say Hi to my mom for me..
Love and miss you,
Love always, Jessica

September 18, 2008

I will always have the fondest memories of you.... Walking down to the train station with me and Bill and we always thought it was so far away.... Your signature 'jump' into the pool; falling over and covering your ears ~ you would then come up and make that gorilla sound and come after us. Jumping off your knees and shoulders, racing around the pool to see how many times we could go around. Of course pressing your bubble on your knee when we got off the ladder and had to jump in. You really did make those summer days so much fun.

For the most part I will always remember how much my mother looked up to you. When she spoke about her father and what a great man he was; she wasn't telling a story ~ it was the truth. She raised her children like you always told to 'Have Love in our hearts.' At times its hard, but if I really try I know I can.

You are a man I will always look up to. Our family will miss you so very much. Thank you for always caring about our lives and well being, especially after our mom died. Thank you for welcoming Joe into the family with open arms.

I will miss you always. The only comfort I have is that you and mom are together again. She always loved you so much. Now you are together and I am sure she is loving that. I know you will take care of each other.

I love you.
Love Always,
Dorothy Porothy

Christmas

September 17, 2008

Grandma Grandpa Deanna

September 17, 2008

Grandpa with the "heavenly fellows"

September 17, 2008

Grandma & Grandpa with Eric and Christopher

September 17, 2008

LINDA MORAN

September 15, 2008

GRANDPA,
I WILL MISS YOU MORE THEN WORDS CAN SAY. YOU WERE A GREAT MAN AND AN EVEN BETTER GRANDFATHER. WHEN EVERYONE CAME BACK TO THE HOUSE AFTER THE FUNERAL EVERYONE THERE SHARED SOMETHING ABOUT YOU AND WHAT A GREAT MAN YOU WERE. I THOUGHT THAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS I HAVE EVER HAD. TO HAVE A LEGACY LIKE THAT PAYS TRIBUTE TO WHAT A GREAT MAN YOU WERE. I WILL MISS YOU FOREVER.

LOVE, LINDA SHMINDA

Donna Meinke-Schneider

September 14, 2008

Dearest Dad,

I know how difficult this year has been for you, I truly believe you are at peace in heaven.

You, my dearest dad, define the word "Legacy". You have touched so many people in your life. You adored your wife and gave your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren so much love and affection.

The outpouring of sympathy from all the people you knew throughout the years was a true testament to your kindness.

Your wake and funeral mass was an outstanding display of all the people that you have met and have felt that warmth of your love.

You had a special way of making every person feel important.

You have been a rare gift to us all, daddy, and I hope you know how much I will miss you and how difficult it will be for me to no longer have you a part of my home. You made my house a home.

Please Dorothy take special care of him. He missed you so.

I will pray to you both.

Please guide me through life's tough spots.

With All My Love In MY Heart,
Donna Marie

What a great relaxed pose. A beer, a pipe and a family picnic.

September 12, 2008

June 2008

September 12, 2008

Jessica's Graduation ~ June 2008

September 12, 2008

March 2008

September 12, 2008

Rest in Peace

September 11, 2008

Jessica Zimmermann

September 11, 2008

Hi Grandpa.. I hope my mom welcomed you into Heaven.. the mets were on the last night i already miss watching every single game with you and talking about how horrible the mets pitching is.. or you always telling me when "my boy" is up.. you know how much i love david wright. You were such a wonderful man and someone who i admired so much. I am so glad that i had someone like you in my life to be a role model for me and to learn from. I am truly going to miss your guidance and seeing you everyday. i love you with all of my heart and i promise to take care of grandma for you.. i hope you know how much you mean to me, and you will always have a special place in my heart..
rest peacefully grandpa.. i love you.

love always
Jessica

janet peterson-andrade

September 11, 2008

For Mrs. Meinke,& all the Meinke families,
My deepest sympathy for your great loss.
I grew up in Seaford, (the Turbets are my godparents.
I, too grew up in a large family with loving parents, as you all did. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad is surely resting in Jesus' arms. My parents, Catherine and Howard(Buster) Peterson and yours' knew one another from Brooklyn days. God bless all of you as you get through these difficult days. Mr. Meinke was a wonderful, sweet, funny, loving man.
Of course he will be missed by many, but also remembered.
Janet(Peterson)Andrade
Taunton, Ma. (formerly of Locust Ave. Seaford)