Donald E. Meisner age 70 of Salem, NH, died Wednesday at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA after a short illness.
He was born in Lawrence, MA, where he grew up and attended schools, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1949. After graduating he worked for Sweeney hardware, was a salesman at Arlington Motors, a credit manager then manager for Sherwin Williams Paint Co. all in Lawrence, MA. He then went on to found his own company, Stylerite Homes, Inc. and built over 200 houses in Salem, NH, and several apartment buildings. After retirement he worked part time for Meisner Brem Engineering of Salem, NH and Harvard, MA.
He was an avid lover of waterfowl and at one time had an aviary which consisted of over 40 pens of waterfowl, pheasants, and ornamental birds. He was inducted into the Avicultural Hall of Fame and received many awards for Outstanding Service. He was often called the “Bird Man of Salem” and children would love to visit his aviary. He was also a devoted follower of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston red Sox.
Mr. Meisner was a founding member and first president of the Salem Contractors Association; a member of the Lawrence Lodge AF & AM; Consistory, Valley of Boston; the Northeastern Avicultural Society; American Pheasant & Waterfowl Association’ International Wild Waterfowl Association, and a member and director of the A.G.B.B.F. He enjoyed being with his family and especially loved to be with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years:Mary (Rappazo-Hampel) Meisner of Salem, NH
2 Sons: Kurt & his wife Gretchen Meisner of Salem, NHKyle Meisner of Salem, NH
2 Daughters: Kim & her husband Ron Gallant of Salem, NH Karen & her husband Mark Mooshian of Salem, NH
1 Brother: Robert Meisner of Wildwood, FL
3 Sisters: Sybil Walker of Jamestown, RI Katherine Chism of Derry, NH Barbara & her husband Richard Coker of Oklahoma City, OK
1 Sister In Law: Christine Meisner of Methuen, MA
8 Grandchildren: Adam & Amanda Mooshian; Michael, Jonathan, and Joshua Gallant; Nathan, Zachary, & Matthew Meisner
Several Nieces, Nephews & Cousins
He was predeceased by brothers Karl R., and Ted “Doggy Daddy” Meisner
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 PM at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street, Salem, NH. Cremation will follow.
Calling hours will be held Friday form 3-7 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 10 Ferry Street, Suite B. Concord, NH 03301