SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gerald M. Meehan, 93, of Saratoga Springs passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 24, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at the Home of the Good Shepherd. He was born on November 22, 1930, the son of the late Philip Meehan and Veronica Stefanik Meehan.
Jerry grew up in South Hadley, MA where he was an altar boy and pharmacy tech. He graduated in 1949 from South Hadley High School playing an important part of its basketball and baseball teams. He went on to serve in the Air Force, stationed in Keflavik, Iceland as a pharmacist. After his time in the service, Jerry attended Lowell Technical Institution where he earned his degree in its first graduating class majoring in Plastic Engineering. He subsequently moved to Chicago and the Midwest, where he met his wife and started his family. Eventually, Jerry would return to the Capital District. There he worked at many positions, including the NYS Commerce Department, where he helped develop the “I Love NY” marketing program, and eventually retiring as a dedicated manager for the NYS Health Department.
Beyond his professional life, Jerry was an avid golfer and a long-standing member of the Ballston Spa Country Club. He was also proud of belonging to the “Hole in One Club” which he earned on a Par 3 at the Van Patten Golf Course. He was a Miss America Softball coach and Clifton Park soccer coach. He and his wife shared a passion for travel, exploring many parts of the world with a special passion for River and Ocean cruising. He was also a history enthusiast and had an avid appetite for reading. Education was especially important to him, and even in his later years he continued to learn, taking classes at Skidmore College. He was always happiest at night listening to his Big Band albums, especially Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey. Jerry was a big sports fan and spent many hours cheering for his favorite teams, the Green Bay Packers and Boston Red Sox. In his later years, he wanted to stay busy, so he volunteered to deliver food for Meals on Wheels.
But his favorite time was spent with family. He enjoyed his time with his wife, children and grandchildren, whether camping, cross-country skiing, cooking pancakes Saturday morning, taking trips and cruises, intense Trivial Pursuit competitions at the kitchen table, or playing Santa for friends and family.
Jerry is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Barbara Wadas Meehan, and his brother, Francis Meehan.
He is survived by his daughter, Melanie Meehan Nelson, his son, Michael (Shari) Meehan, as well as his grandchildren; Samantha Nelson, Kyle Nelson, Madeline Nelson, Nicklaus Meehan, Grace Meehan, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends who will deeply miss his humble spirit and twinkling blue eyes.
While Jerry cherished his family, his profound love for his dogs was especially precious to him as well. Many neighbors recall seeing him enjoying the day, riding his bike with his dogs in the front basket.
The family would especially like to thank the staff at Home of Good Shepherd, for all the love and care they gave him in his last years.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date, where Jerry will be laid to rest alongside his wife at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.
Arrangements for his final farewell are under the compassionate guidance of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., located at 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his name to World Central Kitchen for their feeding of children worldwide.
You are welcome to share your condolences and memories at compassionatefuneralcare.com
