Richard H Meinhold

MEINHOLD - Richard H. January 9, 2016, age 78, of Pendleton, NY, beloved husband of Barbara; loving father of Mary (Arthur) Converse, Richard (Lori), Roger (Kathleen) and Colleen (Stephen) Tyler; cherished grandfather of 11 (predeceased by loving grandson Jacob), six step-grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; survived by multiple nieces, nephews and numerous family and friends. Dick has donated his body to the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program-School of Medicine & Biochemical Sciences. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at 12 noon at St. Mary's RC Church, Swormsville. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials can be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, 14094. www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com

Richard H. Meinhold, a retired telephone company manager, died Saturday in his home in Pendleton. He was 78.

Born in Buffalo, the son of German immigrants, he attended School 80 and was a 1955 graduate of Buffalo Technical High School. From 1954 to 1962, he served in the New York Air National Guard, the Air Forces and the Air Force Reserve.

Mr. Meinhold worked for New York Telephone Co. and NYNEX for 35 years, retiring in 1990 as the area operations manager. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers.

He also served as a part-time police officer, a U.S. marshal and as a member of the Erie County Sheriff’s Department’s scientific staff. He also owned and operated a bicycle and moped sales and service business in East Aurora for many years.

He served as chairman of the Town of Pendleton Planning Board from 1996 to 2005.

He also was an officer in numerous organizations, including the Colden Fire Company, the East Aurora Fire Company, the Kiwanis Club of Buffalo, the Lions Club of Pendleton, Troopers Toys for Tots, the Erie County Deputy Sheriffs Badge and Shield Club and the Volkswagen Association of Western New York.

He enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling, RV camping and accordion and piano music. As a young man, he played accordion with several bands and was a member of Local 366, American Federation of Musicians, and the Schuhplattlers German dance group.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, the former Barbara Brick; two sons, Richard and Roger; two daughters, Mary Converse and Colleen Tyler; 11 grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be offered at noon Saturday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 6919 Transit Road, Swormville.