Francis J. Mejstrick 95 of Vero Beach peacefully took his last breath on Wednesday September 10 at high noon surrounded by his family.
Frank was born in New York City on September 24, 1918 to parents Francis and Philomena. His family moved to northern New Jersey. He attended high school in Paterson New Jersey followed by 2 years of night school at Pace Institute in New York.
In March 1942 he enlisted in the Navy. He attended Midshipman School at Northwestern University in Chicago in 1944. As fate would have it, he met this lovely young lady Edla from Rockford Illinois. They had a wartime romance, but marriage waited because immediately after Ensign Mejstrick finished Midshipman school he received orders to the South Pacific.
Frank was released from the service in 1946. He and Edla married and settled in East Orange New Jersey. Frank attended college at Seton Hall University at night and earned his B.S. in Accounting followed by an MBA. While he was busy working during the day and attending college at night Edla was busy with two children Peter and Carol. The family moved to Morris County New Jersey and Frank was employed by Suburban Propane Corporation in Whippany New Jersey. After more than 35 years, he retired as Vice President.
Edla and Frank moved to Vero Beach in 1991 residing in Forest Park where they enjoyed life. Edla passed away in 2002 and Frank moved to The Lakes at Pointe West 2005 now known as the Brennity. Frank served many years as a hospital volunteer, he was active in the Vero Beach Exchange Club where he served as Treasurer for a time, and he was active in the residents council at the Lakes.
Frank is survived by his two children Peter Mejstrick of Missoula Montana and Carol Lewis of Chipley Florida. Peter's family includes his wife Loraine, a daughter Indigo, and two sons Soren and Anders. Carol's family includes husband Michael, sons Morgan and Trevor, and daughters Caila and Abigail.
Arrangements include a Memorial Service at the Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home on Tuesday September 16 at 2:30 pm followed by a reception at the Brennity at Pointe West at 4:00 pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a charitable contribution be made to the American Heart Association.
A guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com