Alfred R "Zip" Meschinelli

July 11, 1920 - April 4, 2014 PLATTSBURGH - Alfred R. "Zip" Meschinelli, 93, of Pine Harbour, and formerly of South Acres Road, passed away Friday, April 4, 2014. He was born in Plattsburgh on July 11, 1920, the eldest child of the late Guerino and Antoinette (Pavone) Meschinelli. In 1934 he began an early apprenticeship as a craftsman at his father's shoe repair business, Plattsburgh Shoe Hospital. He continued to operate the business until his retirement in 2011. A 1938 graduate of St. John's Academy, and communicant of St. John's Church, Alfred was a devout Catholic and lived his life in accordance with the Catholic principles. He married Martha Jean Finnegan, of Keeseville, on Oct. 17, 1941, a romance which lasted until her passing in May of 1991. Together they raised three sons and a daughter. His lengthy career was interrupted by World War II and 3 years service to his country in the U.S. Army. His tour of duty took him to England, Normandy (Utah Beach) France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. During the Battle of the Bulge, he and members of his unit were called upon to retrieve as many tanks as possible in order to keep them from being captured by the enemy. He was the recipient of four battle stars and was honorably discharged in 1945. Alfred was a lifetime member of the BPOE Elks Lodge 621, VFW, American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his children: Thom and Judith (Holmes) Meschinelli of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; Tim and Chris (Cantin) Meschinelli of Plattsburgh; Mary Beth and Robert Crawford of Thomasville, Georgia; and Mark Meschinelli, and his partner, Leslie McCarthy of Peru. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Marla and Gregory Hoyt of Reading, Mass.; Lisa and Martin Soanes of Houston, Texas; Jeffrey and Jennifer (Coffey) Meschinelli of Plattsburgh; and Kimberly and Kevin Moore of Clifton Park. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren. At his request there will be no calling hours. A mass of Christian burial will take place at St John's Church Monday, April 7, 2014 at 11:00 am. Interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 following a 10:00 am Mass at St. John's Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Johns Church, Pine Harbour or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518) 561-3980 Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.