William M. "Bill" Meisel Sr.

William M. Meisel, Sr. 88, of Erie, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. He was born in Clymer, NY on March 11, 1937, a son of the late, Alfred A. and Irene (Lictus) Meisel.

Bill graduated from McDowell High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Coast Guard. Bill spent most of his career working for the U.S. government as a communications officer, a role that took him and his family around the world, including Cyprus, Rio de Janeiro, the Philippines, Africa, and Taiwan, before eventually returning home to Erie so he could care for his mother. After retiring, Bill found joy in gardening, listening to country western music, playing his guitar, and beating everyone in a game of CAD, all of which reflected his self-taught, do-it-yourself spirit. Bill was a hard-working, self-made man who lived by the belief that a person's word means everything, and he was always true to his promises. Humble and deeply devoted to his family, Bill made sure his mother and loved ones were always cared for, welcomed everyone with kindness, and often served as the peacekeeper within the family. Exceptionally intelligent, Bill especially enjoyed teaching his grandson mathematics. He had a special love for his dogs: Zeus, Piper, Gracie, Lexi, Gigi, Harley, Samantha, and his special girl, Jodi. Bill was truly known as the family's "dog whisperer." He was such a special man and will be deeply missed by his family.

In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his siblings, Jay and Geraldine, and a great-grandson, David Mysnyk.

Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Audrey L. (Selleny) Meisel, children, William M. Meisel, Jr. (Lynn), Susan A. Meisel, Jeffrey A. Meisel (Heather Steiner), and Melissa L. Meisel Kane (Brad Churchill), grandchildren, Daniel Meisel (Lauren), Ashley Meisel, Kyle Meisel, Tyler Meisel, Hannah Steiner, Brittany Mysnyk (Justin), Nicholas Kane, and Tristan Churchill, great-grandchildren, Jackson, Amelia, and Elijah Mysnyk.

Friends may call on Monday at Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 2502 Sassafras St. from 11am until the time of the Funeral Service at 1pm. Military honors will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank UPMC Hospice for their exceptional care, and a special thank you to Stacey, whom Bill truly enjoyed spending time with.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/