Joseph E. Meister

DELMAR- Joseph (Joe) Ernest Meister, 99, passed away on February 17, 2026 at St Peter's Hospital. Joe was born on May 5, 1926, in Albany N.Y. He was the son of the late Emil and Theresa Decker Meister. Joe graduated from Vincentian Institute early, class of 1944, to join the draft for WWII. He served in the US Army from August 1944 to July 1946. He was stationed in Germany for a portion of the time and received numerous medals and accommodations. After being Honorably discharged, he returned home to work at his father's store, Emil Meister's Meat Market, on Ontario Street in Albany. Joe worked behind the counter, always with a welcoming smile, selling the German hot dogs, bologna, and sausages that were made on site. He enjoyed talking to the customers and helping them. He retired at the age of 72 when the store was sold. Joe was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (Betty) Dorvee Meister who predeceased him on November 13, 2002. Father to Jo-Ann Meister of Delmar, Patricia Mounce (and the late William) of Southport, North Carolina, Kathleen Piacquadio (Dan) of San Diego, CA, Betty Gaunay (David) of Dinwiddie, VA, and Michele Harris (Jim) of Mystic, CT. He was a brother to Rosemary McCarthy, Emil Meister Jr, Edward Meister, Albert Meister, and Robert Meister. All of his siblings predeceased him. In addition to his 5 daughters, Joe leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Julie, Bill, Jon, Megan, Ben, Andy, Nick, Joey, Kevin, and Connor. He was also blessed with 9 great grandchildren: Landric, Paxson, Alex, Lincoln, Teddy, Addie, Campbell, Athanasia, and Giannis. In his retirement, Joe enjoyed traveling to see family, taking care of his garden and yard, and watching his favorite football team - the Buffalo Bills. He was a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar. Over the course of his life he belonged to various bowling leagues, the Elks Lodge, The German American Club, the American Legion, and most recently the VFW.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 27, at 8:30 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church 35 Adams Place, Delmar. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Calling hours will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Daniel Keenan Funeral Home 490 Delaware Ave., Albany from 5 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to The Elizabeth Meister Scholarship Fund at St. Thomas School 42 Adams PL Delmar, NY 12054. The family would like to thank Dr. Baselice and the numerous doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Peter's Hospital and St. Peter's Rehab who cared for Joe over the past few months. Also, thank you to Juana and Angelica, who watched over Joe and cared for him - He loved and appreciated all that you did for him. Online condolences may be offered at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com