Ralph S. Meisse Jr., 75, of Sciota, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 25th, 2020 surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Born March 7th, 1945,he was the son of the late Ralph and Helen Saalfield Meisse. While he was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he moved to Sciota, PA at a young age and considered this his home. Though this was a sudden and unexpected departure, Pop Pop, as he was proudly and affectionately known, was with us for 75 years. Christmas was his favorite time of year, where friends were family, the doorbell was ringing, people were laughing and all his children with their families were home together. Family was the most important piece of his life. And if on Christmas, a snowflake fell, it was even better.
Ralph was so many things to so many people that it is difficult to list them all. He graduated from Stroudsburg High School, which is where he met his other half, his soulmate, his partner for life, Sandi Leap Meisse. They were lovingly married for 53 years. Proudly, he served as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard while raising his family. During his lifetime, he took on many occupations. From working at Altemose's Hardware, to owning and operating Video Systems, Inc., to establishing Mark of Excellence Construction along with his son, Ralph, and finally, to owning and operating Whispers In Time Antiques. He enjoyed telling stories of his life and teaching people about his passions. All that knew Pop Pop, knew that second
only to his family was his love for his flowers. Others would call him the flower guy and honk their horn as they drove past, as he was watering them. He didn't always know who they were but always raised his hand to say hello. And for those who would stop and chat, he inevitably offered seeds and bulbs to spread his love for them. Ralph lived a full and wonderful life and had hobbies few were aware of. He trained his pup, Bo, to be a Therapy Dog so the two of them could visit the "old folks" in hospitals and retirement centers. Mind you this was very recent, and some may have considered him to be "old folk." Ralph was a Mason and honored to be a member of the Pocono Lodge 780 F and A.M. Lately he enjoyed a new group of friends, The Garage Rats Black Powder Club, that he met while shooting his black powder muzzle loader. He didn't slow down and lived his life to the fullest.
Above all, Ralph was an educator. Not in the formal sense, but in life. He would tell stories of history and antiques to children at the schools even after his grandchildren had passed those classes. He would teach anyone who had a question. One of his greatest joys was passing on fishing and hunting tools and tips that he himself learned from his father. He was very proud of where he came from, even more proud of growing up in Sciota, and always seemed to have a wonderful anecdote to pass along.
Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Sandra Leap Meisse, three children, Ralph S. Meisse III, and wife Lynn of Sciota; Heather Meisse Miller and husband Matt of Camp Hill; Danielle Meisse Bandy of Sciota; six grandchildren Lexi Meisse, Becca Meisse, Logan Miller, Abbie Miller, Ethan Bandy, and Mitchell Bandy; and two siblings, Richard Meisse and Mary Ann Petrovich.
Through thick and thin, ups and downs he was there for all who knew him and never turned anyone away. He will always be loved and never forgotten. A private service will be held at the convenience of the immediate family.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life gathering in 2021 in better weather when we can all come together to honor Ralph as the loving husband, proud father, grandfather and eternal friend that he was to so many.
The Kresge Funeral Home, 1763 Route 209 Brodheadsville, is in charge of arrangements.
www.kresgefuneralhome.com