ALLEN MEISELS Obituary

MEISELS--Allen,

age 79, passed away May 30, 2017. Born in New York City on April 27, 1938, he overcame great odds in surviving polio at a young age--to the point that it never limited him in his dreams or accomplishments. He went on to graduate from NYU and eventually start his own company, Garden State Business Machines. His role there gave him the opportunity to mentor many others in their own careers to this day. That mentorship continued with his 20-year involvement in New Jersey SEEDS, where he championed educational access for high-achieving, low-income students. Few people wore the badge of New Jersey SEEDS Trustee more proudly. He had innate warmth, honorable integrity, deep intellect, dogged perseverance and a jovial spirit. To his dear bride Peggy of nearly 42 years, adoring daughters Blair and Alexis, son-in-law Brandon, and beloved grandson Bryce, he was the captain of the ship, the man with all the answers, and he will be deeply and dearly missed. He was the hub to a large family spanning continents, and will be missed by his brother Steve Meisels and sister Ida Shapiro as well. He believed in the "Pay It Forward" philosophy--and asked as his legacy--for us all to pay it forward in our lives. Donations can be made in his honor to New Jersey SEEDS, 494 Broad Street, Suite 105, Newark, NJ 07102.

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 6, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for ALLEN MEISELS

10 Entries

Jill & Judd Shanker

July 18, 2017

Dear Peggy
Judd and I send our deep condolences to you and your children. Everone who knew Allen, knows that he was an intelligent, caring and sweet man. Being in YPO with the two of you was fun. Alken was kind and inquisitive, always interested in what Judd was working on. I imagine many, many people knew and loved Allen, and miss him so very much. With love to you,
Jill and Judd Shanker

Dwight Wilson

June 20, 2017

Allen was on my board when I was Founding Executive Director of New Jersey SEEDS. Of the hundreds of people who served on the boards that I led in 28 years as a non-profit CEO, none was more fair or welcoming. As a black man in America that means he was an extra special person.

Elly Jennings

June 18, 2017

Dear Peggy, just heard about the passing of Alan. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a very special person. If I can do anything for you please let me know.

Henry W. Marks

June 12, 2017

Allen came into my life 48 years ago. I worked for him, briefly - - and we maintained a friendship from that time forward. My wife and I were very fortunate to have Allen and Peggy visit us for a weekend last Fall, at our home in East Hampton, N.Y. Allen was an unusually gifted man, and freely shared and gave of his talents...not
just to me and a few others, but virtually to all he came into contact with. Allen had an uncanny ability to sense the needs of others, in all areas of life, and fashion a response to most, if not virtually to - - all of them. I doubted that Allen would ever marry....but then Peggy came along, and she was the ideal partner for Allen. I am glad that they had each other for so many years....and saddened that he has physically been taken from his family. "Physically taken ?" Yes, as Allen left behind so much that he gave to so many in talent, friendship and unusual support - - that his presence is manifestly present and evident today, as it will be for far into the future. Henry W. Marks. [email protected]

June 8, 2017

To the Family of Allen Meisels,
I was very saddened to read of the passing of Allen. I knew Allen in business as his insurance broker for GSBM. Allen was a true Gentleman in every sense of the word, a real mensch.
He will be missed greatly. To Peggy and Family, my sincerest condolences to you.
Sincerely,
David Skolsky
Smyrna, GA

Mark Lichtenberg

June 2, 2017

Allen was a kind and generous man. I always enjoyed our visits

Jorge and Sue Da Silva

June 1, 2017

My husband have been Mr. Meisels landscaper for more than 30 years. Mr.Meisels was more than a costumer, he was a friend,he was very generous person. Years ago he came through to us in a time that we were in need, and we never forgot his kindness. My husband turned 65 years old at the end of March and I invitedMr. and Mrs. Meisels to his surprise party, he couldn't make it, but he called me to ask what he could give to Jorge for his birthday, and I said to him not to worry about. He insisted saying that he really cared about Jorge.This was the last time I spoke to him.
My husband and I were very saddened to hear of his passing. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

June 1, 2017

June 1, 2017
I spent 17 wonderful years at GSBM with Allen Miesels. In many ways, he was like a second father to me. Allen would always ask how my family was doing. He was also the force of the Government, Education and Medical (GEM) team. I think if you asked each GEM representatives, they would say Allen made them a better sales person and an even better person. Sure, some days you might want to stay clear of him, but 98% of the time he was fun to be with. He was driven to make GSBM a major player in the copier and office information age and he succeeded.
I have many fond memories of the summer picnics with all the families. The annual Holiday Party was another fun time for all the employees and their wives as well as the President's Club trips to many islands in the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii. These memories and many more too numerous to mention, helped create the GSBM family where everyone felt important and meaningful to GSBM's success.
We kept in touch by phone after I left GSBM in 1996. Once I retired in 2012, Allen and I would try to get together annually for lunch, usually at the Short Hills Mall. We would talk about our children, the old days at GSBM, and even politics though we differed on certain issues. This was special time for me and I will miss those lunches, but more importantly, I will miss him.
At this very sad time for the family, I would like to thank Peggy, Blair and Alexa for sharing Allen with me.

Bob & Libby Tumelty

Robbie Goldberg

June 1, 2017

Allen was a wonderful, generous friend. He was there for my husband Joel during the most difficult times and for my family after Joel's death. Joel and I admired Allen's dedication to making the world a better place and his absolute devotion to his family.

Fran Arnone

May 31, 2017

Allen hired me in 1983 as his executive assistant, a chance we both took. Those first three or four months were rough, he scared me and I confused him, the perfect start of a wonderful friendship. I came to respect and love Allen. Just last month we had lunch and as with all of our lunches we reminisced about the wonderful times and people at GSBM something we both missed. My heartfelt sympathy to the family he lived for and adored.

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