Herbert J. Meire, 62

MAGNOLIA - Herbert J. Meire of Magnolia died Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 62.

He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late Hilaire and Josephine Meire.

While growing up, Mr. Meire had lived with his mother's family, Angelo and Felice Montemorano, and at the age of 10 moved to Lyndhurst, N.J.

He had graduated from the Queen of Peace High School in 1961 and Seaton Hall College in 1965.

Mr. Meire enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965 and was awarded the National Defense Medal. While stationed in Friedberg, Germany, he was awarded title of Honorary Lifetime Spearheader. After his discharge from the service, he moved to Lyndhurst, and in September 1972 he met and married Katherine Hannwacker.

He received his masters of arts degree in manpower management in 1977, and in 1979 he moved to Florence, N.J.

After 37 years with the New Jersey Department of Labor, Mr. Meire retired in 2002 and settled in Delaware in 2003.

He was a member of Holy Cross Church in Dover and the American Legion, and was a participant with his wife in the Secular Franciscans Society.

In his quieter moments, he was an avid outdoorsman and was fond of airplanes.

A lover of music, he was especially fond of Nat King Cole, old country music and the Ink Spots.

A dedicated husband and father, Mr. Meire will be greatly missed by family and friends who were familiar with his wonderful laugh.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Joseph Meire of Burlington, N.J.; his daughter, Theresa Meire and her husband, John Viragh of Ocean Township, N.J.; and a brother, Leo Meire of Richmond, Va.

Friends may call Saturday, starting at 9:45 a.m., at the Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St., Dover.

A mass will be offered Saturday at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, S. State St., Dover.

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover.

The family suggests donations made to Bayhealth Medical Center-Intensive Care Unit, 640 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901.