Mealey Funeral Homes

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The professional staff under the pictures of Chick and Lori's ancestors. Their father, Charles F., Sr. is pictured in the center, with great grandfather and founder, Michael A. ealey on the left and grandfather John on the right. At the turn of the century, the nation was being ravaged by a viral illness, felling thousands. Michael Mealey was a furniture upholsterer as a young adult. Among his duties, he furnished casket linings for the cabinet makers who were overwhelmed with the tragic results of the virus. Many Irish were impoverished and socially scorned, with little ability to provide dignified burial for their departed. From a desire to help ease their grief, Michael opened a funeral home in 1912 at the corner of 3rd and Jackson Streets. His compassion and service to his clients is the foundation upon which Mealey Funeral Homes were established and continue to grow today. Michael was a fiddler, known and liked in many social circles. His honest approach to business quickly earned him a reputation for integrity and fairness among families of all income levels. Michael married a local lass, Susan E. Mulhern, and fathered five children. In 1935, Michael sold the Jackson Street building and purchased a home on he corner of 7th and Broom Streets. He converted the lower floors to funeral facilities, and used the other two floors for his home. In acquiring the new facility, Michael incorporated the business, naming the company Michael A. Mealey & Sons, Incorporated His sons, Jack and Daniel were then active in the company and community. Jack married an Elkton, Maryland woman, Ann Romanek, and had seven children, Jack Jr., Michael II, Charles, Joseph, Susan, Patricia and Robert. The boys helped around the funeral home from the time they were youths. They graduated from Salesianum High School and mortuary college, and received their funeral licenses. Daniel married Mary Donohue and had two children, Daniel Jr. and Susan. Like his cousins, Dan Jr.'s education was geared towards the funeral industry. However, he declined to join his family's business. In 1958, Daniel Sr. died, leaving the company to his brother and nephews. The company prospered under the leadership of Jack and his four oldest sons. In 1957, Jack, Jr. was offered a career in the Army and left the family business. By the mid-1960's, Jack Sr.'s health was beginning to deteriorate. He retired, leaving his second son, Michael as the president of the company, and Charles and Joseph as officers. Jack Sr. died from heart disease in 1970. In the 1970's, the Wilmington suburbs expanded dramatically. Pike Creek Valley, once mostly farmland, burst with new developments and townhouses. Michael and his brothers saw in this area an excellent opportunity to serve their clients who relocated from the city. Construction for a new funeral home began on the corner of Limestone and Milltown Roads. In December 1972, the first funeral was held. The Mealey family was welcomed into the community. Joseph and youngest son, Robert, left the family business to pursue other interests.

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