WALTER E. MESHAKA's Obituary
Walter E. Meshaka Of Miramar, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 31, 2017. Walter was born in Sidon, Lebanon, on February 21, 1928 to Emile and Jamal (nee Mattar) Meshaka. In 1950, he migrated to the United States. He joined the Air Force shortly thereafter and became a disabled veteran honoring his adopted country. Walter earned his Electrical Engineering degree from Northeastern University and furthered his education in obtaining his Professional Engineering license. Later, he met his wife, Rose A. Meshaka (nee Tawa) in West Roxbury, MA. They married in 1954 and settled down in Dedham, MA to start a family. They had two children, Donna A. Meshaka and Walter E. Meshaka, Jr. Walter and Rose were active parishioners of Our Lady of the Annunciation on VFW Parkway in West Roxbury, MA. where he donated hours upon hours of his time and talent to help build the new church which is now the Cathedral for the Eparchy of Newton. In 1969, Walter and Rose moved their family to Miami and once again, Walter served his church selflessly helping to found and establish St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church on Brickell Avenue. He was relentless in his passion for the church and was the right-hand person to the pastors who served the Melkite community. He was honored with the Cross of Jerusalem and a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. He served many years on the Parish Council and was always there when his church needed him. He continued to serve even in his retirement. Walter always welcomed anyone who came to this country and needed help getting started. He opened his home and his heart to help those who wanted a new life in this great county. Besides his wife of 63 years, Walter leaves behind a brother, Brahim (Dolly Chami), son, Walter E. Meshaka, Jr. (Betty Ferster), and daughter, Donna A. Meshaka (Emil Meshaka), seven grandchildren (Russell, Greg, Michael, Elizabeth, Brahim, Maxwell and Molly), and one great-grandchild (Adrian Xavier) and many nieces and nephews who well remember his generosity and love. His presence on this earth will be greatly missed but his memory is everlasting. As Walter would always say: “Thank you God for another day”. Now his days will be without pain or suffering and his memory will be eternal.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 3rd, 2017 at St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church at 126 SE 15th Road, Miami, FL 33129. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery at 11411 N.W 25th Street, Doral, FL 33172. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
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