Obituary of Ronald K. Meilinger

Voorheesville - Ronnie Meilinger (79) passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024.  Ronnie lived his entire life in Voorheesville, N.Y. and graduated from the Clayton A. Bouton High School there.  He was raised by his parents, Ed and Portia Meilinger, who predeceased him.  He is survived by his wife, Barbara A. Meilinger; two brothers, Richard (Paula) of Pine Plains, N.Y. and Edward (Wendy) of Portland, Oregon.  He was predeceased by siblings Diane (Larry), Nancy, Robert (Anne), and Carol (Bill).

He married Barbara Armer in 1967 and they have five children and grandchildren:  Peter Meilinger (Melissa), Gretchen Wendy Noland (Ed), Michael Noland (Kimberleigh), Elizabeth Noland and Grayson Noland.

 Ronnie worked 32 years as a letter carrier in the Albany, N.Y. Post Office and 19 years as a school bus driver in Voorheesville.  He was a veteran of the Air National Guard in Schenectady, N.Y. from 1965-1971.  Ronnie loved sports, as a player, coach and spectator.  He coached many school sports teams for his children and grandchildren.  He was a die-hard supporter of the Cleveland Browns, the Boston Celtics, and the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers.  He rooted for any baseball team that was not the Yankees.  Earlier this year he was at a party when a long-time friend came up to him and once again recounted the time when Ronnie had miraculously caught the winning touchdown pass in a high school playoff game in the early 1960’s.  Ronnie was thrilled to hear the story again.

Ronnie had a well-deserved reputation as the life of any party.  He was the creator of the innovative dance step known as “The Turtle”.  He was exceedingly generous with anyone who needed his help, especially if they were kids.  Many of the kids’ friends would come back year after year after leaving school, to visit him.  And he loved to see them.

Friends may visit with Ronnie’s family from 4 - 7 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Voorheesville.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.  For those who wish, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.