Anthony Meoli, businessman, philanthropist
Anthony "Tony" Meoli, 86, of Bel Air, Md., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, peacefully passed away Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. Born in Revere, Mass., in 1938, Tony was the fifth of seven children born to Italian immigrants Antonio and Giovanina (Censale) Meoli.
A very talented athlete in his youth, Tony excelled in football, and displayed prowess in basketball and track. Despite an ear injury preventing military service, he pursued higher education, graduating from Suffolk University in Boston, Mass. Tony went on to become a dedicated teacher, instructing physics and chemistry at Georgetown High School in Georgetown, Mass.
In 1962, Tony met Virginia "Ginny" Lou Dresher, and the two were united in marriage in 1964. They welcomed three children into their lives: Michael in 1964, Jeannie in 1966, and Melanie in 1972. Tragically, they lost their beloved daughter, Jeannie, to illness in 1970.
The Meoli family relocated to Baltimore, Md., in 1966, where Tony worked as a salesman for an auto parts store. In 1972, he seized a life-changing opportunity, becoming a McDonald's owner/operator alongside his brother-in-law, Jim Dresher Jr. Tony absolutely loved being a McDonald’s owner/operator. He had an illustrious career, serving in many local and national leadership capacities, which earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Golden Arch Award, reserved for the top 1% of owner/operators worldwide.
In 1991, Tony and Jim sold their Maryland McDonald's restaurants, but Tony's McDonald's legacy continued as he partnered with his son, Michael, to own McDonald's restaurants in Sussex County. An entrepreneur at heart, Tony engaged in various ventures, including ownership of the Red Brick Station Brew Pub in White Marsh, Md., and the Clipper City, a 158-foot schooner in Baltimore Harbor. He also ventured into real estate development, contributing to projects like Glenangus Homes in Bel Air, Md., and Concord Cove Apartments in Havre de Grace, Md.
Committed to community service, Tony actively participated in organizations such as the Edgewood, Md. Lions Club, John Carroll High School board of directors, and The Dresher Foundation board of directors.
Tony had a deep connection with the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Healthcare. Serving on the Upper Chesapeake Foundation board of directors and as honorary campaign co-chair, he contributed significantly to the construction of the original Medical Center in Bel Air, Md.
In addition to his professional achievements, Tony enjoyed tennis, golf, and skiing. He particularly enjoyed ski trips to Beaver Creek, Colo., and golf excursions to Southwest Florida. He loved to travel, especially back to Massachusetts to see family and Italy to enjoy a glass of vino rosso with his cousins.
Tony absolutely adored his grandchildren and was heavily involved in each of their lives, attending as many of their activities, hobbies, and school events as possible.
A member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, Md., since 1983, Tony was abundantly grateful to God for all his blessings. He will be remembered for his love, kindness, joy, and generosity. His big smile and dynamic personality had a way of lighting up a room and encouraging your life. His enduring impact will leave an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ginny; son, Michael and his wife Kelli; daughter, Melanie Robinson and her husband David; grandchildren Rachel, Lauren and Dylan Meoli, and Daniel, Joshua, and Elise Robinson, along with his sister, Jeanie Courtois.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11, at McComas Family Funeral Home, Abingdon, Md. Services will take place at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 12, at Community Christian Church, Nottingham, Md. Interment will be at Bel Air Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore, or The Meoli Family Scholarship at Revere High School in Revere, Mass.
