Richard Norman Meier

Richard "Dick" Norman Meier, 85, passed away peacefully Dec. 11, 2021, at home at his farm in Macungie.

He was a lifetime partner, companion and spouse of Richard Yeakel Jr., celebrating 45 years together in May 2021.

Dick was born to Heinrich William Meier and Anna Meisch Meier, in Pittsburgh.

Dick attended Pottsville High School, Pottsville, where he participated in cappella choir, sketch club and Allied Youth. He was also co-editor of the school newspaper, president of the student council, and member of the national honor society. After winning a scholarship to attend University of Delaware, he earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering in 1958. During his time at University of Delaware, he was active in student government and was a member of Tau Beta Pi, national honorary engineering society, and Sigma Phi Epsilon, social fraternity. Dick also served as class president and dormitory president.

Dick was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps and was designated as a distinguished military student.

Dick was awarded a one year scholarship for study in Germany and began graduate work at Heidelberg, Germany. Dick was previously employed at Engineering Design Division of E.I. DuPont de Nemours Co., Wilmington, Delaware. Upon returning to Pennsylvania, Dick taught thermodynamics and chemical kinetics at Lafayette College in Easton, while completing his master of science degree in chemical engineering at Lehigh University. Dick had a long and distinguished career in engineering and management at Air Products in Trexlertown. Retiring in 1986, he turned to a second career in real estate development in Macungie. Additionally, Dick served as a member of Longswamp Township Planning Commission in Berks County for 25 years, including time as chair.

A lover of travel, restoration, animals (horses and dogs) and genealogy, Dick will be remembered for his jovial spirit, charisma, generous heart and the enthusiasm and love of life he shared with his wide circle of family, friends and colleagues.

Dick and Richard, together, took great joy in renovating their beautiful historic farmhouse, and caring for their gardens, often hosting picnics, dinner parties and, on rare occasions, weddings for those closest to them. Dick traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, Japan and Africa. In particular, he loved to visit extended family in Germany, and explore their heritage.

He is predeceased by his brothers, Ralph W. Meier and Henry C. Meier.

In addition to Richard, Dick is survived by nine nieces, nephews and their spouses; great-nieces and -nephews; great-great-nieces and -nephews; first and second cousins from Germany. He is also survived by Richard's family.

A Celebration of Life is planned for spring of 2022. Arrangements made by Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home, Allentown. Gifts in Dick's memory can be made to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, Allentown, at www.goodshepherdrehab.org.