Gary G Meinke

Gary Meinke, 83, of Eastlake, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on September 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 2, 1942, in Cleveland, Gary graduated from Eastlake North High School in 1961 and proudly joined the Army National Guard the following year. From an early age, Gary showed an exceptional work ethic and determination-at just 15 years old, he operated a large excavator to dig the channel at Hi Skipper Marine, now known as South Shore Marina.

In 1966, Gary married the love of his life, Susan (Lehane), and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and devotion as they raised their two sons, Timothy and John. His greatest joy was being a husband, father, and later "Papa" to his beloved grandchildren.

Gary dedicated his life to both his family and his community. From 1975 to 1980, he served as Service Director for the City of Eastlake, where his leadership and dedication were deeply valued. Afterward, he founded and ran Gary Meinke Construction until 1989. In 1990, he followed his entrepreneurial vision and passion for boating by building and founding Eastbank Marina in Eastlake, home to the best boat ramp in the region-designed and built by Gary himself. For three decades, from 1989 to 2019, he also proudly served on the Board of Directors of the Port Authority of Eastlake, Ohio (PAEO), where he was honored for his commitment and service.

Gary was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers and carried an entrepreneurial spirit throughout his life. He was known as a hardworking, charismatic, and caring pillar of the Eastlake community. With his fun-loving nature, generous heart, and willingness to help anyone in need, Gary touched countless lives and left an enduring legacy of kindness, vision, and community service.

He was predeceased by his parents Gilbert and Mary Jane Meinke, and leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Susan; his devoted sons, Tim (Chris) Meinke and John (Deana) Meinke; his cherished grandchildren, Sean, Emma, Brooke, Ava, Kayleigh, Kate, and James; his loving sister, Candice (Louis) Kasunick; and many nieces and nephews who adored him.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at The Abbey of Willoughby, 38011 Euclid Ave. (on the grounds of the McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home). A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Fr. Joshua Cochrac officiating. Burial will take place at Willoughby Sharpe Ave. Cemetery.

Gary will be remembered as a man of vision, faith, and love whose legacy of family, hard work, and service will live on for generations.