John M. Meola

Meola, John M. GLOVERSVILLE John M. Meola, 79, of Highland Road, Gloversville, passed away early Sunday, July 27, 2008 at his home with his loving family at his side. Born in Guardiaregia, Italy, on February 24, 1929, he was the son of Nicholas and Nicolina Pallotta Meola. He was educated in Italy and graduated from St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam, class of 1949. He received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from St. Michael's College in Vt. in 1953. Mr. Meola was employed at Albany Medical Center as a clinical chemist. In 1965, he was appointed assistant to the director of the department of clinical chemistry. He developed the forensic toxicology department at Albany Medical Center where he worked until his retirement in 2001 after 48 years of service. During that time, he also taught medical technology at the College of St. Rose; St. Peter's Hospital; Albany Medical Center and Hudson Valley Technical Institute. He was past president of the Albany Medical Center 25 Year Club. He was also a contributor to several chemistry journal publications and clinical chemistry reference books. His professional membership included the AACC and the Forensic Toxicology Association. He was known as a loving father, a guiding papa, giving friend and caring teacher who would have given the shirt off his back and is remembered by many for his homemade pizza. He was a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church and was married to the former Gladys Hunter on April 27, 1957. He was predeceased by a sister, Rosalie Veccharelli. Survivors in addition to his wife include two sons, John (Shari) Meola of Ravena and Mark (Angela) Meola of Mayfield; two daughters, Nicki (Lance) Pine of Denver, Colo., and Nancy (Gary) Purchase of Cleveland, Ohio; one brother, Rudy Meola of Hague, N.Y.; also seven grandchildren, Evan, Andrew and Alyssa Pine, Nicholas and Gianna Meola and Courtney and Shawn Meola; also several nieces, nephews; and cousins. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 9:30 a.m. from De Stefano Funeral Home, Rt. 5-S, Amsterdam, N.Y., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, Gloversville. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Johnstown, N.Y. The family will receive relatives and friends Tuesday 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, One St. Jude Place, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148-0552. Arrangements, De Stefano Funeral Home, 1414 St. Highway Rt. 5-S, Amsterdam, NY 12010, (518) 843-2755, Fax (518) 843-2601.