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Harry Meisel Obituary
December 6, 1922 - July 25, 2010 Harry "Coach" Meisel passed away Sunday, July 25. He was born in Stamford, CT to Mae and Harry H. Meisel. On September 3, 1949, he married Jeanette in DeLand, FL. He is survived by Jeanette, his loving wife of 60 years; children,
Karen (David) Hales, Steve (Janice) Meisel, Cathy Meisel, Kevin (Bobbi) Meisel and Teresa (Mike) Crant; grandchildren, Rachel, Kevin,
Sarah, Julia, Daniel, Brian, Monica, Meghan, Lauren and Evan; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Pierce; cousins, Jack (MaryAnn) Healy and
Marianne Fahey; many nieces and nephews. Special thanks for the wonderful caregivers at Hospice of the Comforter. Thanks to all of our family and friends for their love and support. "Coach" was loved and respected by many and will be dearly missed by all. In lieu of flowers, send contributions to St. Charles Catholic Church and School, Bishop Moore Catholic High School, or Hospice of the Comforter (Altamonte Springs, FL). Public Visitation and Eulogies Thursday, July 29, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Rosary 7:30 to 8 p.m. at Saint Charles Catholic Church, Orlando, FL. Funeral Mass at St. Charles Catholic Church, Friday, July 30, 10 a.m. with Reception at Bishop Moore Cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial at Glen Haven Memorial Park with Military Honors at 2 p.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for Harry Meisel
Sponsored by The Blue Dolfins.
Clark
July 21, 2025
Also, please remember that Harry was a decorated WW II veteran!
Clarktheshark
July 21, 2025
I first met Harry in 1969 when I was at Kingswood Pool...my first coaching job, Kevin swam for me, Harry was a parent. I was 18. I later joined up with the Dolfins when l was at Lyman. I love your family.
Magdlyn "Cookie" Olander
July 21, 2025
Still shining star Coach MEISEL after 15 years and out of sight, however, memories still glistening! Enjoy the beatific vision!
Magdlyn "Cookie" Olander
July 22, 2024
Still bright star shining in the memories of all those of whom you touched.
Kevin Meisel
November 11, 2015
Happy Veterans Day, Dad! You served our Country during WWII and then worked tirelessly for your fellow comrades and all Veterans with the eventual unveiling of the GI Monument at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. Thank You for your love & service!
Debbie Smith
August 3, 2012
Just saw this. I have so many old memories of your wonderful family !
Will always remember Congo bars ! Many fun nights at your house as a youngster!
God Bless ! Debbie Fricke
[email protected]
Don Clark
July 27, 2012
Harry (I never called u that... It was always Coach), we probably went back longer than anyone (1968,69 at Kingswood when Kevin swam for me as an 18 year old kid). I missed your funeral because we were in Hungary. Love you!
kit woodhouse
July 25, 2011
A whole year you've been on another level. I hope it was less complicated than my move to North Carolina in May. I know you are watching every time I swim. miss you! ethel
Shirley Burke
July 25, 2011
Dear Meisel Family,
It is hard to believe it is a year since your dad passed away, he is gone, but not from our memories of being so great to our families and we honor his memory for those of us who remember the great man he was to so many. I know my family will always remember him from Kingswood.
Much love to you all,
Mrs. Shirley Burke
Kevin Meisel
July 24, 2011
Dear Dad,
One year ago today, I came over to let you know how the kids did at the CFCC meet. Although you were not able to express your congratulations for a job well done, I knew you would want to hear how the team did. The Blue Dolfins are now wearing team shirts with your likeness on the back...a great tribute to the best age-group coach and mentor a swimmer or parent could hope to find! I remain ever grateful for all you taught me over the years...you lead by example and were tireless in your pursuit to get the job done right! I miss you and think of you each day...
Take Care & God Bless You Always...your forever friend and loving son,
Kevin
Don Clark
August 11, 2010
Many people don't realize how long we go back...to 1969 at Kingswood. I coached Kevin when he was 10. Harry was and is a true legend...we will miss him. God bless.
Ethel Hirsch
August 4, 2010
Coach, you made Boone High School something worth attending and staying after classes for. You taught me much. Thank you for taking the time to guide, inspire, and console. You were and are very special to all whose lives you touched. I shall miss knowing you are there, but you and your smile will live in my heart forever.
Terri Dinneen
August 1, 2010
To all my wonderful Meisel "friends" When I think of Harry I think of a coach, a great neighbor, a terrific friend when Libby and the girls needed both He and Jeanette. He was a special human being with a big heart who is now with God. My love to all of you!
Jo (Jean) Collins
August 1, 2010
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of Coach Meisel. He was a caring teacher at BMHS. My strongest memory is of Coach sharing, in great detail and description, his overview of the Battle of the Bulge. It took up three blackboards, presented to a rapt audience. A truly patriotic statement. BMHS '59
jennifer pence(ryan)
July 31, 2010
You made a difference in my life! I will never forget you.
Hershel & Ann Entrekin
July 31, 2010
Nettiebug, our love to you, Steve, Karen, Kevin, Kathy and Teresa. We know that Harry's passing has left a void in your lives that won't be filled. He was truly one-of-a-kind. We are sorry we couldn't be there for you, but we know you were surrounded by so many others who love you, as well. Hershel has so many good memories of Harry that he will always hold in his heart. You all remain in our love and in our prayers.
Marcos Sayago
July 31, 2010
A Truly Great Man !
July 30, 2010
I first met Harry as one of our four football coaches at Boone High in 1952. Many times Harry would pull me aside and give me some fatherly advice as to how to run the team. Those times have stayed with me and cetainly have helped me thanks to Harry. That made him a special person in my life and I will really miss his welcomed smile and hugs at our reunions. Yes, he will definitely be missed and I'm very honored ro have known him. Jerry Rooks
July 30, 2010
To Jeanette; Steve Meisel, Kevin Meisel, Karen Hales, Mary Meisel and Teresa Crant and all the Meisel family. As Lou Holtz recently said, "Harry WAS the Best Coach Ever". I was honored to be coached by Harry and swim at Kingswood Manor with him in the early mornings and know his wonderful children and family into my High School years. When Harry's wife, Jeanette was baking and sharing boxes of her congo bars and the family recipe when we went to State, it showed you the giving spirit of this whole family. He touched our lives and made us happy. He was a good and honest man who bestowed life's lessons on us all. With Love and a heartfelt goodbye. We will miss you! I am proud to have known you. I will never forget you!
Gary Burke
Bishop Moore High School
Greg Burke
July 30, 2010
Great man, father, coach and will be missed. He is prominent in my childhood memories and made a POSITIVE impact on so many.
Nyma Whitmire
July 30, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to the Meisel family. Many swimmers have memories of Coach Harry Meisel. My husband still swims every day ~ God did gain a great coach in heaven. Rest in Peace Coach Meisel. With condolences and prayers to the family.
Carter & Nyma Whitmire (All Whitmire swimmers....Carter and Bill and In memory of Bob who joined God 2 years ago :-() we miss you all.
John and Reba MacFarlane
July 29, 2010
Our deepest smpthy to the Meisel family. He inspired skills of discipline for achievement not only to swimmers but also to parents. His charisma and management prompted some 0f us to 0400 reveilles and two hour drives to deposit skinny kids(Bruce and Angela)on a sometimes freezing pool deck. And then we parents sometimes sat nervously in the stands as threatening skys approached over Rollins Pool while Coach stood under his very large, blue umbrella vowing, "I don't see lightening" :) :).
The mold was broken....he was one of a kind. May he rest in peace.
Our love to the family.
July 29, 2010
Coach Meisel will always be "COACH"to me and my children; Xavier" Guy",Lynda and Carlos who all swam for The Blue Dolfins when they started swimming at very early age.Harry will be deeply missed.
With Sympathy,
The Tovar Family: Xavier "Toby" Tovar, Linda, Jessica R., Monica D., Lynda L.and Xavier "Guy"
We lost our son Carlos in April 27,2010
Orlando, Florida
Katie Gordon
July 29, 2010
Dear Meisel Family,
Coach Harry shaped my life as a swimmer at BDO. I remember fondly our practices at the Rollins pool, filled with inspirational talks and "tough love." You don't realize it as an 8 year old, but the daily life lessons that Harry taught us shaped the people we are today. Harry introduced me to a sport that made a tremendous impact on my life, and for that I can never thank him enough. Harry's legacy lives on in the lives of each and every one of his swimmers.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers,
Katie Gordon
Magdlyn Fallucca Olander
July 29, 2010
My condolences to the family of Coach Meisel. He was a great coach to us who went to Bishop Moore in the late 1950's, early 60's. Some stars shine and others shine and touch our hearts both. Those who mourn shall be comforted says the Lord.
Carlton Crenshaw, Jr.
July 29, 2010
Mrs Meisel, I was so pleased you and Harry were able to join the reunion of the Class of '56, when last we gathered in "our" home town. It gave us a chance to share loving fondnesses to both of you, as in marriage, two become one and I hope you and Harry were able to re-live that evening with us in the days and months that followed. Heaven will be full of Boone Braves and the input you had into your husband's life and his into ours as a coach and friend, has had such lasting positive impacts. If God allows Parent-Teacher meetings in Heaven, I hope he will have kind things to say to my parents. To your children and family, there were many many men, who deserved and lived, youth to follow patterns, and follow, many of us have done. Mae and Harry H. had a great idea when they decided to have children. Love and comfort to all of you. Cren
July 29, 2010
Dear Jeannette and Children:
I was so sorry to hear about Harry's death. He was a wonderful husband, father, and neighbor. I have only fond memories of the Meisel gang when I lived nextdoor on Alfred Dr. Please know you are in my prayers.
Ruth Webb
Tom & Linda Burke
July 29, 2010
As our neighbors, a family of close friends and our coach, We can't help to think of the wonderful memories we had together growing up. We will miss coach, and our loving thoughts, prayers and sympathy go out to Jennette and your wonder family. Love
Terry Burke
July 29, 2010
Mr. Meisel certainly had a special place in our lives. I think of the great contribution he gave each of us swimmers that were really life lessons. He instilled very early in my life the importance of getting up early and being on time. Harry provided a foundation for success in business, family and faith. Thank you for being there for us and our country.
Karen Porter Mickunas
July 28, 2010
My lifetime love of swimming began at Kingswood in the 1960's with Mr. Meisel. Thanks so much to the Meisel Family for sharing Coach (and Congo Bars) with all of us for so many years.
Emmert & Schubert Family
July 28, 2010
Dear Jeanette and Family,
Harry will always live on in our hearts and we will forever be thankful for what he and all of our veterans have given us. It was a pleasure to get to know you and Harry during our trips to Luxembourg. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Charlotte Emmert, Lorraine and Rainey Schubert
July 28, 2010
Dear Jeanette and Meisel family
Harry was one of my JV coaches at the Orlando High School and we stayed in touch ever since. We did a lot of fishing together and he would always call and let me know how his Alaskan trips went. He loved fishing and always liked to talk about WHATS BITING. I am going to miss him as I know all of you are too, what a wonderful guy.
Jim Conley
Maxine Hayes Kruzner
July 28, 2010
Mr. Meisel was the beloved Coach of my 1950s high school years and coached my now deceased brother in football 1953-1954. Last time I saw him, he even remembered Philip's name. A remarkable gentleman.
Harry and Jean Kirby
July 28, 2010
Dear Jeanette and Meisel family,
As you know Harry has long been a very dedicated member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Golden Triangle Chapter 48 as well as our National Organization. He will be missed by all of us and by the many friends he has made in Europe, especially in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
With love,
Harry and Jean Kirby
John D Bowen VBOB Sec
July 28, 2010
To the Meisel Family:
The Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge express our deepest symphathy on the loss of Harry Meisel. A soldier and a true leader he also was an avid member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge and his Chapter. His contribution of bringing forth the beautiful statue, in Eula Park, to all who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the founding of his Florida Chapter and all the other things that he did to serve his fellow veterans are appreciated by all and a legacy that he has left.
Go forth kind but noble warrior, your work is done and your final orders have arrived. May you rest forever in the Peace you sought for mankind among the heroes of your generation. May they and the angels in heaven welcome you forever as that final bugle calls.
John D. Bowen, Acting Chaplain, National VBOB
Betty Bumby Bandy
July 28, 2010
On behalf of the entire Boone 1954 class, I would like to express sympathy to the family. "Coach" was regarded with such respect and loved by all - even those he never coached. He will be missed. He touched so many lives.
Betty Bumby Bandy
Boone High School
Class of 1954
Kristin Gossett (Arnos)
July 28, 2010
What an impact Coach Meisel had on my life. There are the little things like enjoying working out before sunrise, not being afraid of triathlons and knowing a big straw hat is a good thing to have on a pool deck. More importantly, competitive swimming gave me a diverse group of friends, kept me employed through college, and introduced me to my husband. But the greatest things I learned from Coach Meisel weren't about swimming. His wisdom and example shaped me as a student, coach, wife, mother and a citizen. He lived an honorable life and I am grateful to have known him.
July 27, 2010
we and the, world of the rite, will miss you harry
T/5 earle o edmunds BS , VBOB pp M/D chapter
26 YANKEE DIV.101 inf.
Annette Wilson Patterson
July 27, 2010
Dear Mrs. Meisel and Family - Coach transformed the lives of thousands of kids/families. For my mom, my sister and me he provided a positive focus in the midst of insecure times. Coach taught me to become disciplined, focused and passionate about being the best I could be. He made us all feel like we were important and gave us a formula for living a productive life! My prayers are with you as you reflect on the life of a truly great man! With all my love and admiration, Annette Wilson Patterson (aka Netty-bug)
John & Kathy Conlon
July 27, 2010
Our heart felt thoughts & sympathy to Mrs. Meisel and the entire Meisel family. May all the great memories of Coach’s wonderful life help soften this loss. His influence on so many people is truly remarkable. I am still swimming Masters today. He was a perfect example of how the simple lessons of sports can positively affect so many other aspects of your life. He will be greatly missed and fondly thought of often.
Barry Stanley
July 27, 2010
My association with Harry was with the many Veterans groups here in Central Florida and with the VA Medical Center near Winter Park while I worked there. He is truely an American Hero in the highest regard, someone I greatly admired, respected and looked up to, and a dear friend. I'm sad to hear of his passing, but he'll always be remembered by me and all veterans that knew him. My thoughts will be with him and his family!
Megan Segur
July 27, 2010
Coach Harry taught me how to swim when all I could do was dog paddle down the pool when I was five years old. He was always very encouraging in both life and swimming. I remember how he gave out Powerbars for doing a best time at meets, got in the pool to teach stroke technique, and he brought donut holes after Saturday morning practice. He cared about everyone as a person, not just a swimmer. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. You are all in my prayers.
-Megan (Reponen) Segur
July 27, 2010
Jeanette & family. Our sincere sympathy.
Harry was/is...ONE OF A KIND!
May he rest in peace.
The Frank Vaught family
July 27, 2010
Meisel family - my family & Kingswood family have wonderful memories of Coach. My sympathy goes out to all of you. He will be greatly missed by so many kids that he inspired.
Judy Couch Daigneault
July 27, 2010
Mrs. Meisel & family - my sympathy goes out to all of you. One of my fondest memories (haha) was getting up at 5 in the morning to head to the pool. And boy if you weren't there on time. It was great growing up in the community of Kingswood. Very fond memories of Coach. You are all in my prayers
Judy Couch Daigneault
Alicia
July 27, 2010
I was very sorry to hear about your loss. When someone dies it greatly pains our heart. The Bible tells us that one day God is going to wipe out all sorrow, tears, and death. We all look forward to the time when we will see our loved ones again. My deepest sympathy.
July 27, 2010
Coach Meisel is one of my very happy memories from my years at Bishop Moore High School. Always a gentleman and friendly! Sister Kathleen Power, SSJ
Jeff Wright
July 27, 2010
When I hear the term "Greatest Generation" I immediately think of Coach, he loved and honored his God, his family, his country and community and served them all unselfishly. Harry Meisel did not only coach sports, he coached us all on living...
July 27, 2010
Jeannette,
I have the fondest memories of you and Harry. And the stories I heard from Don Murphy and my Dad of those days and nights in the early fifties are filled with fun and love. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Steven Kirchof, Orlando
Mary Gardner
July 27, 2010
Coach Meisel tried to recruit me when I was 12. I always regretted not getting to swim under him every day but he watched my career and always cheered me on through high school on the Blue Dolfins. He was so supportive and such a good man and so good to all of the kids. He will be missed but we've all benefited from knowing him!
Alison McCall Gregory
July 27, 2010
Coach Meisel will be missed. He was a swimming inspiration. All those years we were on the team in Kingswood and he was always there. I know that there is a giant pool and team in heaven waiting for him to coach!
Diane Manhire
July 27, 2010
Mrs. Meisel, Kevin and family, Please accept my sincere sympathy for Harry's passing. I have fond memories of him when I was working at BMHS. My prayers are with you & the family.
July 27, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the Meisel family. May your fond memories sustain you in the days to come.
Herb Cohen class 52 OHS
Delorse Keefer Cohen class 55 Boone High
Shirley Burke
July 27, 2010
Dear Jeanette and family,
Our sympathy go out to you all as you are filled with sorrow. Please know how much Coach Meisel meant to our family as they were growing up in Kingswood Manor. Our love and deep respect to a man that left lasting lessons to all the family.
We will always remember you as a great teacher and friend Harry and Jeanette.
With lasting friendship,
Shirley Burke
Judi Porter Risser
July 27, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
July 27, 2010
Dear Jeanette, Kevin and all the Meisel Family,
How blessed we were to be a part of Coach's life and your lives. Gary in high school at Bishop Moore, and Tiffany and Addison as part of the Blue Dolfin Swimming Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness as well as this time of reflection on what a wonderful man Coach was and all the lives he touched, including ours. He will be dearly missed!
Much love and hugs,
Gary & Michele Preisser
Tiffany and Addison Reed
Donna Glenn
July 27, 2010
I will always remember you Coach Meisel at the Kingswood Swimming Pool! You were always so nice to all us kids! I can still see you walking around the pool watching all of us and teaching us to be good swimmers!
My prayers are with your family. I know you will be missed.
Judy Hackett Bryant
July 27, 2010
I will never, ever forget Coach and your mom visiting when my mother got ill and then when my father was so sick and the comfort it brought to them...Your parents never forgot how much my father loved Congo Bars and made sure he always had plenty! ... I wish you comfort and strength during this difficult time... May your WONDERFUL memories help to ease your pain...
July 27, 2010
Coach Meisel taught by example.....husband, father, instructor, friend..our thoughts and prayers are with you each and everyone. Thank you for sharing this man with all of us....Weightman Family
July 27, 2010
"Coach" was a wonderful teacher, coach and friend. A long time ago, he taught me principles and values that have helped shape my life. What a great man. I'm sure that he's already enjoying a well deserved reward in heaven. Ed Soistman Bishop Moore Class of '61
Kevin Meisel
July 27, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,
I/we would like to thank you for your love, support, kinds words, and fond memories of "Coach", "Uncle Harry", "PopPop", Harry, Dad, our father, and my mom's love of 60 plus years. Although we will miss him dearly, a part of him will live on in the lives of many across the USA and across the Atlantic to his "forever friends" from the Battle of the Bulge in Luxembourg. Dad was truely "proud to be an American", a patriot!
Take Care & God Bless You Always...Love,
Kevin & the Meisel Family
Ron Caponi
July 27, 2010
The entire Meisel family,
Coach Meisel was more of a mentor, leader, father figure, and a very caring human being. He will be long remembered for many years by the many people who today are better for having known him. God has him in his care and now he can still watch over all of us. May God bless and keep all of you,
Ron Caponi
BMHS class of 1964
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