Obituary of Charles H. Meisenzahl

Charles H. Meisenzahl "Coach" of Honeoye Falls, died suddenly, Sunday, August 5, 2012. He was 86. He was born May 25, 1926 in Rochester, NY the son of Casimir and Bertha Murray Meisenzahl. Chuck was predeceased by his parents, his brother, John F. Meisenzahl, his sister, Helene Plant and son in law Ben Rowlinson, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sally Shipton Meisenzahl; daughter, Muffy Meisenzahl; nephews, Cass (Judy) Choppy, John Meisenzahl, Thomas (Elaine) Meisenzahl, Richard (JoAnn) Meisenzahl, David (Sharon) Meisenzahl and Glenn (Karen) Greibus; several grand nieces and nephews, great grand nephews and many cousins. Sisters in law, Mary Lou Greibus and Jody Shipton. Chuck was a graduate of Cortland where he received his BS; he received his Masters from Brockport University and his Administration Certificate from the University of Rochester. Chuck began his teaching career in the fall of 1949 at Honeoye Falls Central School. His career spanned 32 years and found him in the K-12 gymnasium as "Physical Educator," in the classroom as "Health Educator," on the field and the court as "Coach," on other secondary school and college fields as "Official," in the District Office of Athletic Director, and in the high school office as an Administrator. He retired in 1981 from the now Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District. He was "Coach" to thousands of students and athletes, many second-generation and some third generation. He was an Alumni Hall of Fame recipient in the first group of alumni to receive this honor in October of 1995. He served as a past committee member of the Alumni Hall of Fame for Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School Coach was a member of the Honeoye Falls-Mendon Rotary Club for over 53 years. He was recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International; whose motto is "Service Above Self," something Chuck practiced everyday. He served as Club President in 1977, was past Secretary and was a committee member for Citizen of the Year. Coach led the leadership team for many Rotary-sponsored local community projects, including tree planting, Senior Citizen housing projects vegetable garden, the Antique Car Show to name a few. 25 years ago he organized what is now known as the "Honeoye Falls-Mendon & Lima Community Golf Tournament." Chuck was a member of the LPGA, Rochester International Golf Tournament, which is now known as the Wegmans LPGA Championship. He had over 34 years of volunteer service with this local tournament. He served in many capacities, Security, Operations Special Events and Logistics. For his years of volunteer service, he was honored as the first recipient of the Bob Clinger Award. He served on the PGA-Monroe County/Rochester District Golf Association as a team member that rated local golf courses. Coach had several holes in one, with one of them coming in Ireland a few years ago. In the 1950's Chuck organized a 6 week recreation program for K-8 students, which thrives as a mainstay of today's Town Recreation Program. In later years, as a volunteer, he organized and began a summer youth Soccer Program that ultimately developed into league-structured play. Chuck served on the Mendon Town Board, was former Chairman of the Mendon planning Board and past member of the Purchase of Development Rights Task Force. Chuck was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Church in Honeoye Falls and was past president of the men's "Holy Name Society," before he helped organize a Parish Council and served an elected term on the first Council. In 1965 he became a member of the Lima Golf and Country Club, he was recognized by the owners for his years of service to the club, from attracting new members to tournament sponsors and in 1995 he was honored with a Lifetime Membership. Chucks family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at the Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, Inc. 59 Monroe Street, Honeoye Falls from 3-8 pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10:30 am at St. Paul of the Cross Church, 37 Monroe Street, Honeoye Falls, with his very close friend and golfing companion, Rev. Larry Gross celebrant. Burial, St. Paul of the Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Paul of the Cross Church Parish, 31 Monroe Street or to Honeoye Falls Mendon Rotary Club, P.O Box 415, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472.