RUSSELL – It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Carl Meissner on December 20th, 2024 at the age of 96. Carl was born on July 21st, 1928 in Atlanta, GA to Carl E. and Miriam (Tyler) Meissner.
He was predeceased by his wife Ruth E. (Thayer) Meissner on June 23rd, 1999, his brothers Bill, Frank, Jim and Tom, and sister Norma.
He is survived by his sister Dottie Clawson of Canton, CT along with several brother and sisters-in-law. He leaves four sons, Carl 4th with wife Nancy of Canaan, NY, Dwight of Pittsfield, James and Raymond of Russell, and daughter Heidi with husband Tom Witkop of Springfield, six grandchildren, Amy, Carl, Adam, Eric, Kendra and Linzi. Five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Carl grew up in Springfield and moved to Russell in 1953 where along with his loving wife of 46 years, Ruth, raised their family in a home that he mostly built himself. He was a member of the Russell Community Church where he served on several boards. A Mason for over 65 years and a Shriner for over 25. Carl was a lifelong truck driver, starting his career driving large Euclids and Bellydumps in the construction of the Mass Turnpike and Route 91, then on the road for 20 years for Westfield River Paper and 14 years for Contrans Division of Erving Paper. Two highlights of his career he was proud of were when he won Ryder leasing northeast district driver of the year, and the fact he drove 2 million safe miles before retiring in 1993. Carl did some traveling, but his favorite vacation was always his yearly trip to the family reunion in Maine, hosted by his brother Frank. In his retirement Carl was active in the American Truck Historical Society, and owned a 1966 Brockway, which he enjoyed driving, and bringing to antique truck shows.
The family would like to thank Armbrook Village in Westfield and the Atrium in Agawam, along with Baystate Hospice for their expert and compassionate care in the past year. There will be a small graveside service at a later date. Any donations can be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Springfield. www.firtionadams.com
