Daniel D. Meskill

We lost a sweet soul and a bright light last week with the passing of Daniel Derrig Meskill, 47, of Essex Junction, VT. Surviving him are four wonderful children whom he loved more than anything in life—Daniel, Patrick, Michael and Kathleen. He adored his children, and they were a source of great happiness and pride for him. Dan is also survived by his wife, Elizia; his mother and father, Barbara A. Meskill and James J. Meskill Sr.; his four siblings, Barbara M. Meskill, James J. Meskill Jr., Kirsten M. Meskill (Giancarlo), Kathleen M. Blomquist (Robert); and many nephews and nieces. "Dan" to his friends and "Danny" to his siblings, worked at FairPoint Communications where he was a highly valued and esteemed colleague. Outside of work, Dan devoted a great deal of time to volunteering with the local little league in Essex Junction. He was a coach for many years and served on the board of the league for the past 10. Dan was also passionate about the mission of Burlington's Spectrum Youth & Family Services and, on his own, participated in its annual "Sleep Out" fundraiser. Dan had a brilliant mind that allowed him to tackle the most challenging technical scenarios at work and at home, and he was always pleased when he had the opportunity to use that know-how to help others, even if it was just to replace a light switch. He was the type of person who held the door open for others, gave up his seat for ladies on the train, displayed impeccable manners, and always had a ready smile and a positive greeting to share with everyone. The appreciation for quick wit and humor that comes along with Dan's Irish heritage ran strongly through him, and he was always ready to laugh at the simplest things or to pass along a corny but hilarious joke. Although born and raised in New York, Dan loved Vermont and was an avid skier who took full advantage of the slopes. As a devoted New York Yankees fan or when referencing the "crunchy" stores where he bought organic tea to make his batches of delicious ice tea blends, Dan enjoyed being a fish out of water. Of course, he actually fit in perfectly and was loved by the many people whose lives he touched and who got to know him at work and in the community. We love you, Dan. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2916 from 4 to 7 pm in the Ready Funeral Home Mountainview Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Dr. in Essex Jct., VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Hawthorne, NY in the Chapel on the grounds of the Gate of Heaven Cemetery at a later date.