Obituary of Virginia F. Meikleham

Virginia was born August 25, 1922, in Derry PA, the fourth child of Mary and Salvatore Felice. When she was five years old the family moved to New Rochelle NY, where she completed her education. She graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn NY with a Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition.

While working as a dietitian at Fordham University she met and married Lt. James F. Meikleham, the love of her life. He was stationed there on temporary assignment during 1944. While he was stationed in Macon GA as an Infantry Training Replacement Officer, Virginia opened a students’ high school cafeteria and worked there until he was transferred.

They moved to Syracuse NY when he was discharged from the Army, and both graduated from Syracuse University. Virginia earned her Master of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition while working in the Biochemistry Research Department at Syracuse Medical College.

She raised four children while working in the Solid State Research Department of General Electric Semiconductor Section at Electronics Park. She worked on silicon solar cells and other solid state devices for space application until her retirement n 1988.

She was a member of Bellevue Country Club, and a former member of both the women’s nine- and eighteen-hole golf leagues. She also was an avid bowler.

Virginia was predeceased by her husband James, after 72 years of marriage; a son, John David; a son-in-law Paul Janas; two brothers, Alfred and Frank; a sister, Marian Lorusso; and her parents. She is survived by a brother, Charles; three children – Mary Granger, James Kevin Meikleham, and Joan Janas; five grandchildren – Jessica, Sarah, Jamie, Erin, and Devin; and four great-grandchildren – Brynn, Evan, Sean, and Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 12pm at St. Charles- St. Ann’s Parish, 417 S Orchard Road. Calling hours will be held Monday April 22, 2024 from 4-7pm at the Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. Burial will be in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Donations may be made in her memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Judes Childrens Hospital and Disabled American Veterans.