John Patrick (Pat) Meaney, 92 years old, died peacefully in his apartment at Highland Springs, in Dallas, Texas on Sunday, January 20, 2019. His parents emigrated from Newfoundland and he was the youngest in his family of five brothers. As soon as he was able, he enlisted in the US Navy and served during WWII as a Radar man. He served on several ships that included the USS Missouri when it transported troops across the Atlantic Ocean. While on the USS Obberender, Pat was seriously injured when the explosion of a nearby munitions transport threw him over and off his ship. After the war, he enlisted in the US Army, working in various missile programs and honorably retired after 20 years of service with the rank of Master Sergeant.
Mr. Meaney enrolled in courses at the University of Texas at El Paso as a middle-aged man and received his BS in Education. He continued his education part time from that point to his ultimate goal when he received a PhD in Education from Boston University. He retired from Fitchburg State University as an Associate Professor. He was born to be a teacher and always provided guidance and mentoring skills to those around him, whether teaching missile program procedures to NATO students while serving in the Army or to his students and co-workers at Fitchburg State University.
Pat traveled extensively for not only the Navy and Army, but after retirement with his wife of 67 years. They traveled to China, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Europe and were always planning their next adventure together or with friends. When not traveling or working, he invested his time in various activities including local Optimist Clubs, his church athletic council or more recently the chorus in his retirement community.
Dr. Meaney met the love of his life at a dance and swept her off her feet with his dancing. Even into their late 80’s they were almost inseparable and getting into trouble one way or the other. They might be found “racing” to lunch with their walkers.
Pat is survived by his wife, Anona Mary Stewart and only daughter, Anona Marie Andrews, her husband William N. Andrews; their children David N. Andrews with his wife Elizabeth (Liz); and Steven P. Andrews and his wife Chelsea and their children Asher M. and Lincoln D. His oldest grandson, Michael W., pre-deceased him in 2013.
While his family is in the midst of grieving over the loss of a kind and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, we are joyous that he is at peace and sits in the Kingdom with his savior Jesus Christ. Without a doubt, his grandson, Michael, met him at the gates of Heaven and began introducing him to each and every one of their relatives.
A National Cemetery Interment Service for John will be held Friday, February 01, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, Texas 75211.
A Memorial Service will occur Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Springs Retirement Home 7910 Frankford Road Dallas, Texas 75252.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Meaney family.
