Obituary of Austin Meacham

Austin D. Meacham, Sr. 84, of Cheshire, died June 12, 2008. He was the husband of Frances Meacham. Besides his wife of almost 62 years, Mr. Meacham is survived by his son and wife, A. David and Donna Meacham of Meriden and two daughters, Mary Catherine Meacham of Cheshire and AnnMarie Meacham Duffy and husband Russell of Cheshire, two brothers, Louis Meacham of Wisconsin and Gerald Meacham of Nebraska, a daughter-in-law Jackie Meacham of Southington, 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, John Francis Meacham of Southington and a brother Warren Meacham of Dover, Delaware. He was born January 29, 1924 in Kingston, Pa, second son of Charles W. and Adele (Grimes) Meacham. He and his brothers grew up in the post depression era in Trucksville, Pa. He enlisted in the Army Air Force upon graduating from high school. A superb marksman, he was assigned to train B-52 gunners. He moved with his bride to Connecticut in 1947to begin his own automotive repair service. He served various positions in the Connecticut Association of Gasoline Dealers during the 1960s and 1970sand was the first AAA operator in Cheshire. Austin retired and closed Meachams Service Station in 1981. He is remembered fondly by some customers and local businessmen for his sense of fun, pranks and commitment to doing the job right. After catching up on his things to do around the house list, rearranging and hand crafting the kitchen cabinets, Austin began working part time as a repair mechanic for a local business. Willingness to learn new things, he practiced what he said If you dont know, dont be afraid to ask. Always involved in home improvement projects, his latter hobbies included cabinet making, stained glass, wood scrolling and crabbing at the DEP in Old Saybrook. He enjoyed annual trips to Maine in the summer and spent time with his grandchildren. Austin attended both daily Mass and the after Mass coffee club at Peters Restaurant until his hearing became too impaired. He attended daily Mass as his health permitted and was committed to reciting to Rosary every morning. He was a Communicant of St. Bridget Roman Catholic Church and regularly attended morning Mass at St. Aloysius in Plantsville and St. Thomas Beckett in Cheshire. Funeral Services for Mr. Meacham will be held Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. from the Slater Funeral Home 242 South Main Street, Cheshire to St. Bridget Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to EWTN Global Catholic Network 5817 Old Leeds Road Irondale, Alabama 35210-2164. For information or to send condolences please visit www.slaterfh.com.