Eugene Meale

Eugene Francis Meale (Gene), July 7, 1938 – November 9, 2022, has passed away. He was born in Fairmont, WV, to Amalio and Rosa Meale, and lived in Manassas, VA at the time of his passing. He and his wife, Mary Lou (Mae), had 6 children – Mary, Debra, David, Michele, Valerie and Roseann (who precedes him in death). He has 9 living grandchildren – Adam, Ashley, Alex, Michael, Daniel, Matteo, Ryder, Abbey, Eliza, Talia and Ethan, and two who precede him in death, Elizabeth and baby David. All of his children remember an important lesson he taught since our youth: “be sure to get both sides of a story before forming an opinion”.
Gene grew up in Fairmont, WV. He was the youngest of 8 children, and has many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews. He was a basketball athlete in high school, then later got involved in softball and golf. He graduated from Fairmont State College with an education degree. In 1962, with 3 young children and one on the way, he moved his young family to Northern Virginia to begin his teaching career. He was only the second male elementary school teacher in Fairfax County back then. Based on that success, he began working for a private school called Leary School, established for students with learning disabilities. He made significant, positive impact on the faculty members and student population in this environment due to his calm demeanor and his kind and patient nature.
In the meantime, Gene took up golf, which he continued all the way up to earlier in the year. He’d go whenever possible. He loved the sport, and more importantly, he loved the wonderful life-long friends that he met along the way. All of Gene’s friends and family knew that he loved a good corny joke!
Gene frequently told us that he felt he had a rich and blessed life. He was always well thought of, and he cared deeply for everyone he met. At his passing, he was surrounded by his wife and children.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Legacy Hospice – Serving Virginia (donate here). They were a wonderful source of support for Gene and his family during this time.