Robert A. Meister

1956 - 2023

Robert A. Meister, 66, President of Southwick & Meister, Incorporated, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 14, 2023. He was born in Meriden on February 25, 1956 and was the son of the late Ernest and Barbara (Bohack) Meister. He attended Meriden schools and graduated from Maloney High School in 1974. In 1979, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Villanova University.

Following his graduation from Villanova, he joined Southwick & Meister, a manufacturing company in Meriden, which was founded by his father in 1952. He enjoyed a lifelong career with the business, succeeding his father as President in 2008, and continued in that role until his death.

Bob was a parishioner of Saint Bridget of Sweden Church in Cheshire. He also attended services at Saint Thomas Becket Church, where he regularly enjoyed participating in the music program, playing the congas. Like his father, Bob was a lifelong passionate and avid drummer, playing in several bands throughout his life.

For almost 30 years, Bob was an active and devoted member of the Kiwanis Club of Meriden. He was the only member ever to serve two terms as President. He was always actively involved in Kiwanis Kapers, the Daffodil Festival and Peanut Day. He also helped to support the Maloney Key Club on behalf of Kiwanis.

Bob leaves four cherished children, Lauren, Erica, Alan and Matthew Meister. He is also survived by his sister, Lynn Papale (John) and their children Sarah, Michael and David Papale, his aunt, Dawn Meister, and several cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 24th from 4pm to 7pm at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden. Friends and relatives are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Saturday, February 25th at 12 noon at Saint Bridget of Sweden Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Meriden. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Meriden and mailed to Kiwanis Foundation, PO Box 733, Meriden, CT 06450. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.