Norman (Norm) V. Meintel Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on August 11, 2026.

Norm was born March 5, 1924, in Rochester, New York, to Norman V. Meintel Sr. and Harriet (Brower) Meintel. He graduated from Aquinas High School before entering the Army Air Corps. He completed basic flight training in 1944 and was assigned to fly the P-40 Warhawk as World War II drew to a close. After his discharge, he earned a degree in accounting from Niagara University.

In 1946, Norm married his longtime sweetheart, Eugenia (Jeanne) Kirchhoff. True to their vow of “’til death do us part,” they shared 80 years of marriage; Norm passed just ten days after Jeanne. Following graduation, he began a distinguished 40-year career in finance with General Motors’ Delco Products Division. During tax season, he rented an office and at nights and on Saturdays he ran a tax preparation business. In 1966 he transferred to the Delco Products plant in Kettering, where he and the family settled.

In 1976, Norm renewed his pilot’s license and became a certified flight instructor, teaching hundreds of students the joy of flight. He later served as president of the Dayton Pilots’ Club and continued flying well into his 80s. Beyond his family and lifelong passion for aviation, Norm found deep enjoyment in bowling and especially golf. He was a longtime member of Sugar Valley Country Club, where he also enjoyed calling Bingo, and he played at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace well into his 90s—recording two holes-in-one there.

Norm was preceded in death by Jeanne, his beloved wife of 80 years. He is survived by his brother Dick Meintel. Norm is also survived by his nine children and their spouses: Mary Jean Johnson (Larry), Peggy Gagner (David), Tom (Donna), Joe (Sue), Chuck (Sandy), Matt (Rayna), Jim (Laura), Norman (Elizabeth), and Ed (Maria); his 28 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A joint Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on August 14 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church on Ackerman Boulevard. Visitation will precede the liturgy beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Miami Valley Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Suncrest Hospice or the Air Force Museum Foundation in Norm’s memory.

WESTBROCK FUNERAL HOME-BIGGER RD is serving the family.