Carl Ernest Meixner

Carl Ernest Meixner, 87, of Chincoteague, VA, formerly of Bridgewater, NJ, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024.

Mr. Meixner was born in Plainfield, NJ, on August 31, 1936, the son of the late Carl Friedrick and Ida Marie Meixner. Much of his childhood years were spent on his family’s farm in Bridgewater, NJ, tending to livestock and forage crops when he was not attending grade school in his hometown of Westfield, NJ.  He had an interest in Architectural drawing, so he attended Somerset County Votech in Somerville, NJ.  He then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy in 1954. Shortly after his tour of service was over, he met and married the love of his life, Arlene in 1957. He then reenlisted in the United States Coast Guard and received the Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge as a 3rd Class Engineman Carl used his skillset gained in Engineman School to become a Journeyman Electrician while working for Young Electric Co. in Linden, NJ. During this time, he and his wife settled into the house they built for their family on the family farm in Bridgewater, NJ, where they raised their family of five.

Throughout his career, he worked in various leadership roles in the construction and electrical fields and, in 1974, opened his own business called C&M Contractors and MEFCO (Marine Electrical Fabricators Co.).  Years later, in 1984, he and his wife and two of their children relocated to Chincoteague Island, VA, so he could pursue his lifelong love for the ocean and dream of becoming a commercial fisherman. Carl and partner opened a business called Old Dominion Lobster Co, and purchased a 100-foot offshore supply and crew vessel and converted it to a commercial lobster/long line vessel and named it Gannet, fishing 400 miles offshore which allowed him to obtain his USCG Masters License, 100 ton in 1992.  After spending some time retired, he couldn’t sit still so he earned his Virginia State Master Electrician License and landed a job with FKW and Computer Sciences Corporation Applied Technology Division on Wallops Island, VA, as an Engineering Technician for several years before he became fully retired.  During his retirement, he became a Free Mason. He, also, took his love of the bay and farmed clams and oysters for commercial sale, rebuilt and rode a 1969 BSA motorcycle, fabricated a 21 1/2-foot aluminum workboat, and rewired (amongst many other projects) his 100-year-old home sitting on the Chincoteague Channel that afforded many beautiful sunsets for he and his family to admire together for years.

Carl's dedication to his work was matched only by his love for his family and close friends. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 60 years, a loving father to his children, and a proud Pop Pop to his grandchildren and great-grandchild. He cherished spending quality time with his family and friends, and being a well-read individual, he was passionate about teaching them all that he could while creating lasting memories to be cherished forever. 

Carl will be remembered for his remarkable ability to build and invent, often transforming his ideas into tangible creations. His innovative spirit and hands-on approach which led to numerous projects that showcased his exceptional skills and problem-solving abilities as well as his kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, and he brought joy and laughter and great stories of life experiences to people he knew.

He was predeceased by his parents, beloved wife Arlene Meixner, sister Barbara Flynn and her husband James Flynn, and his two children Laura and Robert.

Surviving are his loving daughters Margaret and husband Stanley Waitikowich, Karen and husband James Vogt, Carlene Schiavo and boyfriend Elio Spadafora, his cherished grandchildren Kevin and fiancé Tabitha, Marc and wife Lisa, Randy and girlfriend Sean, and Kris and fiancé Rachel, as well as his great-grandson, Christopher, and several nieces, and nephews.  Carl's legacy will continue through the countless memories and the joy he brought to those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Farewell, Carl. Your love for the water, your passion for building and creating, your teachings, and your unwavering spirit will forever be remembered and cherished. May you find eternal peace and happiness beyond the horizon.

A burial service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 4:00 pm at the Greenwood Cemetery, Chincoteague Island, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. Chincoteague Island, VA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl Ernest Meixner, please visit our floral store.