Michael D. Meilach

Michael D. Meilach, 93, passed away peacefully on March 1 at Truewood by Merrill in Port Charlotte FL.

He was born Charles Robert Meilach in New York City on May 12, 1932, to parents Samuel and Hannah (Weiner) Meilach as an only child. After honorable service in the US Air Force at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois and 2 years in Japan, ending in September 1954, he entered the Catholic seminary and took the name Michael David. Michael was ordained as a Franciscan priest in 1964 after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree at St. Bonaventure University and a PhD at Fordham University. He then taught philosophy at St. Bonaventure University for 2 years and Siena College for 21 years. During this time, he was the editor of the Cord, a monthly review devoted to Franciscan spirituality, embarking on a lifelong friendship with his colleague David Bossman. Michael also wrote several books on theology, published by the Franciscan Press.

At Siena College, he met the love of his life, Germaine (Desbiens) Meilach. They married on May 5, 1987, and moved to Providence, RI for 10 years, followed by 2 years in Wayne, Pa and then New York City for several years. During these years, they enjoyed exploring the surrounding areas, whether it was museums, the seaside, or just spending time together. Michael loved New York and followed the Yankees baseball team even after moving to Florida upon Germaine’s retirement in 2004. He and Germaine loved the Florida warmth, car outings to beaches, and spending time with dear friends Genevieve Poulain and Thierry Miller.

Michael continued his collaboration with David Bossman on the quarterly Biblical Theological Bulletin from 1992 to 2022. During this time Michael forged lasting friendships with contributing authors from around the world, including David Zucker. These authors appreciated Michael’s gentle thoughts about content and his perfectionism when it came to format, spelling and punctuation.

Michael will be remembered by his family and friends for his wit and intellect, as well as his kindness. He was a fountain of knowledge about arts, languages, history and places. His mastery of the written English language was unparalleled; his emails were treasured by recipients for their warmth, eloquence, and the way they made you feel so valued. Michael delighted visitors to Florida with popovers or Belgian waffles with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream, as well as Linguini with clam sauce. This would be followed up with hours of fun playing card games.

Michael is survived by his stepchildren Diane (John) Pettinelli of Media PA, Sandy (Larry) Bardenett of Media PA, Tom (Terri) Waite of London, UK; stepgrandchildren Elisabeth Bardenett, Dennis Bardenett, and Thomas Bardenett, Laura (Johnathan) Pettinelli, John (Kataii) Pettinelli, Joseph (Eva Basilio Garcia) Pettinelli, Christine Waite, Stefanie Waite, Sarah Waite, and Alison Waite; stepgreat-grandchildren John, Sofia and Diana.

He is also survived by very loved and special stepnieces Suzanne (John) Finocchiaro and Michele Carroll and their dear families as well as his loved brother and sister in law Wilfred and Martine Bindler-Desbiens.

In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his stepson Fred Waite and Michele’s husband Bernie Carroll.

A service with military honors will be held at 11 am on May 12 at Sarasota National Cemetery. A reception lunch will follow at a location to be determined.