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Frank Meeuwisse - Teacher

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 15/Oct/2022
71.223.145.225

    Frank Cornelius Meeuwisse, aged 76, son of the late Cornelius and Mary Meeuwisse of Chester, NY, was born August 10, 1946. He was a long time resident of Beacon, NY, Fishkill, NY, Boynton Beach, FL and Greensboro, NC. Frank returned to The Lord on September 30, 2022.

He emigrated to The United States from The Netherlands with his family in 1951, at the age of 4 1/2. After living in Hoboken, NJ until the age of 10, his family moved to Chester, NY. After 2 years of Community College, he enlisted in The Marines where he flourished. He graduated top of his class, Private First Class, at Paris Island. He served in Vietnam and completed 3 years of Embassy Duty in Brussels, Belgium. As a Marine, Frank was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Upon Honorable Discharge, he returned to college, utilizing the GI Bill, and obtained a Masters of Elementary Education. He later obtained a New York State High School Mathematics Certification and a Superintendent of Schools license.

Frank's diverse career included 31 years in the NYS Department of Corrections. Starting as a Corrections Officer, he became a Math Teacher in both Men's and Women's correctional facilities. He ended his career as Principal at the Green Haven Maximum Security Correctional Facility. During these years, Frank was also an adjunct professor at the Newburgh Free Academy, Marist College, Mercy College, he also taught for 25 years at Dutchess Community College.

Frank's first marriage to Judith Sumski gifted him with 2 sons: Christopher Meeuwisse and Case Meeuwisse. Christopher's longtime partner is Michael Diviak. Case and his wife Jill, have 2 daughters: Meagan and Taylor.

His second marriage was to Ruth Lubin. He is survived by her children Stacey Lubin Simmons and Eric Lubin. Stacey and her husband Thomas have 2 children, Michael and Ryan. Eric and his wife, Sharon have 3 children: Emily, Alec and Ethan.

Frank later resided with his companion, Judy Young, in Greensboro, NC. In retirement they enjoyed travel and touring together.

Frank was the eldest of 4 children, he is survived by his brothers and sister: Jack Meeuwisse, Mary Kincaid, and Casey Meeuwisse. He is also remembered by his nieces, nephews, and family abroad.

Frank enjoyed extensive travel throughout his life. He took great pleasure in golfing, fishing, and volunteering in his community. For more than 40 years, he enjoyed celebrating the holidays by playing "Santa" for neighborhood children. He always sought to make people smile. When asked to participate in his community, his response was always a cheerful, "why not?"

Frank always lead by example. He told his children and grandchildren to "make me proud" and they did. Frank's glass was always half-full, and he throughly enjoyed sharing what he had!

In Lieu of Flowers, gifts in Frank's memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support Michael Diviak's 2023 Boston Marathon run dedicated in Frank's memory. Please donate at dana-farber.org/gift noting "Diviak/2023 Boston Marathon" or to the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Posted online on October 12, 2022