Oct. 11, 2006-The following tribute to Paul Meckley was presented at the General Faculty Meeting on Oct. 9, 2006, by William W. Saylor, professor of animal and food sciences:

Paul E. Meckley passed away on May 14, 2006, at his home following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Paul Meckley was born in York, Pa., on Aug. 2, 1943. He received his bachelor of science degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1965, and his degree in veterinary medicine in 1968 from the University of Pennsylvania. He then attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison where he received his master's degree and doctorate in reproductive physiology. He joined the University of Delaware following his graduate work as assistant professor, with a teaching-research appointment in the then-Department of Animal Science and Agricultural Biochemistry. Paul taught courses in reproductive physiology, laboratory animal care, small animal surgical techniques, and he was our long-time coordinator for the senior seminar. Students loved and respected Paul for his wealth of knowledge in the subject matter, his fairness and his wonderful sense of humor. Paul also served as director of Laboratory Animal Care for the University during most of his 27-year tenure. He carried out these responsibilities with resolve, while maintaining an open and sensitive relationship with research and teaching faculty responsible for daily care and use of the animals. He was able to balance collegiality with his professional responsibilities. Paul retired from the University in 2000.

Paul was active in his community, his church and Lutheran Campus Ministry for many years. He was a devoted family man, and greatly enjoyed spending time with his wife Adrienne, his children and grandchildren. He particularly loved to retreat with them to their Rehoboth Beach home, finding solitude and rest there. He enjoyed attending estate auctions, and was a collector of carnival glass and veterinary artifacts and memorabilia.

Paul was beloved by his colleagues and friends for his intellect, his creative thinking, his service to family and friends, and perhaps as much as anything for his sense of humor and wit. It was a dry humor that often crept up on you. I remember the occasion that Paul was recounting his days as a high school football player. He recalled that in one very important game, he personally was assessed 30 yards in penalty for a single play. When asked how that was possible, he replied, “The first 15 yards were for clipping; the additional 15 yards were for taking exception to the referee's heritage.”

Paul left us at the early age of 62 years. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Adrienne Hoke Meckley, and two children, Michele Gorham and Kevin Meckley. Also surviving are his mother, Lottie Meckley, a brother, a sister and four grandchildren.

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Oct. 11, 2006--Paul E. Meckley, 62, of Newark and Rehoboth Beach, died May 14, at his home after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in York, Pa., in 1943, he was a 1961 graduate of Spring Grove Area, Pa., High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Penn State University in 1965 and his degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968. Dr. Meckley also earned a master's degree and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin.

He became the director of laboratory animal care at the University of Delaware. During his 27-year career at UD, Dr. Meckley was a professor and leading researcher in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. He retired from teaching in 2000.

A devoted family man, Dr. Meckley greatly enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, especially during trips to their vacation home in Rehoboth Beach. He also enjoyed attending estate auctions and collecting both carnival glass and antique veterinary memorabilia.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Adrienne E. Hoke Meckley; their two children, Michele Gorham and husband, Tom, of Havre de Grace, Md., and Kevin Meckley and wife, Michelle, of Middletown; his mother, Lottie Hersh Meckley of Shrewsbury, Pa.; brother, Carl Meckley and wife, Beth, of Schuykill Haven, Pa.; sister, Gloria Krebs and husband, Jim, of Spring Grove, Pa.; and four grandchildren, Kyle Gorham, Connor Gorham, Carly Meckley and Mitch Meckley.

A memorial service was held May 23. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 701 South College Ave., Newark.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 261 Chapman Rd., Stockton Bldg., Ste. 100, Newark, DE 19702.