David John Meunier, 61, of Egg Harbor Twp, died suddenly on January 25th due to complications from a short but courageous battle with lung cancer.
David was born and grew up in Worcester MA. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force and honorably served as K-9 Military Police, spending most of his tour in Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Upon leaving the Air Force, he moved to Kansas, spending almost 7 years with the Leawood KS Police Department, and then moving to New Jersey and joining the Hamilton Township Police Department in 1988. He served with pride for 21 years and left an indelible mark on all he served with. Following his service, he worked Security for the Atlantic City Race Course, and then as a housing coordinator with Boardwalk Sober Living/ Park Bench.
David is survived by his loving wife Marcia, his mother Patricia Russell, Mays Landing, brother Robert Meunier, Mays Landing, sister Christine Sykes, Egg Harbor Township, step-sister Deborah Cosenza (Bruce) of Worcester MA, cousin Jeffrey Gaucher, Worcester MA, daughter Angela Meunier and son Anthony Meunier, both of Missouri, many loved nieces and nephews, and his best friend and always companion, Sheba.
David had a personality as big as his heart and smile. He loved life and enthusiastically embraced his work, his fun, and his family. He loved to tell stories, and although he promised, he never once “made a long story short”. Most know of his stories of the “Mecca”, his more colorful pursuits, and of course, “The Deer Story”! He had “a need for speed” and demonstrated it often. He loved NASCAR in the Dale Earnhardt Sr days, and going to the NHRA races in Englishtown with Jeffrey and the Worcester boys, but he most enjoyed his time on the water. Although he bled blue, he knew how to do retirement right. His pure joy when he was out on his beloved “Sea Tweaker” was evident to all. It was cruising the back bays and waterways that he found his true peace and serenity, but not too many fish! He was the best hayride driver in the fall at R and J Farm, and so many kids were blessed to meet the best Santa Claus ever.
A graveside committal service with military and police Honors will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd, 12 Noon at the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery, Route 50, Estell Manor, NJ.
If you are so inclined, in lieu of flowers, please honor David’s love of dogs by making a donation in David’s name to the Humane Society of Ocean City.