Obituary of Robert A. Meilinger

Meilinger, Robert VOORHEESVILLE Robert A. "Bobby" Meilinger, 72, of Voorheesville, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2015, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. A lifelong resident of Voorheesville, he was the son of the late Edward and Portia Meilinger. Bob is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anne Dedrick Meilinger. After graduating from Voorheesville High School, Bob joined the United States Air Force, where he held the position of parachute rigger. As an adult, Bob spent many years roofing and completing sheet metal work before joining the New York State Department of Health. He completed some special projects including working on Martin VanBuren's house and the dome on Schenectady City Hall. He belonged to the Voorheesville Fire Department and the American Legion. Bob enjoyed history, vintage country music, camping, making decorative slates and spending time at his grandchildren's events, including ball games and dance recitals. He will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and his forthright manner. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Petherbridge and her husband, William, and Alison Brennan and her husband, Michael; grandchildren, Nicholas and Catelynn Brennan and Nathan Petherbridge. He is also survived by his brothers, Edward (Wendy), Ronald (Barbara), and Richard (Paula) Meilinger; sister Carol (Bill) Tashjian; in-laws, Mark (Dolly), Karl (Audrey) and Erik (Deana) Dedrick, Mimi (Peter) Kazukenus and Kris (Jeff) Goodman, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, John; his sisters, Audrey Meilinger, Diane Church and Nancy Mosher, as well as his in-laws, John and Joan Dedrick. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and will be missed by his many friends. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in his honor to the Voorheesville American Legion.