Skip to content
Keith R. Meissner Sr., image courtesy of De Graaf-Bryce Funeral Home.

In Memoriam: Auctioneer Keith R. Meissner Sr., 60

Keith R. Meissner Sr., image courtesy of De Graaf-Bryce Funeral Home.
Keith R. Meissner Sr., image courtesy of De Graaf-Bryce Funeral Home.

AVERILL PARK, N.Y. – (ACNI) Keith R. Meissner Sr., a veteran auctioneer and owner of Meissner’s Auction Service in New Lebanon, N.Y., died on Friday while attempting to rescue his horses during a barn fire. He was 60 years old.

Because of his valiant efforts, six horses were saved. However, according to a Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office press release, four other horses perished, and the barn was destroyed.

Ten neighboring fire departments were called to Meissner’s rural property on Thais Road in Averill Park after the blaze broke out around 7:50 p.m. on Friday. Firefighters’ efforts were hampered by a long driveway that restricted access to water. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Born in Albany, Keith was the son of the late Francis A. Meissner and Mary Phillips Meissner and beloved husband of 40 years to Dolores Doin Meissner. He was a lifelong resident of Averill Park.

Keith worked in the auction and antique business for more than 30 years and was the auctioneer and proprietor of Meissner’s Auction Service for more than 25 years.

He was a member of the New York State and National Auctioneers Associations and of the Grafton Trail Riders. He was passionate about his horses and enjoyed caring for them and riding them.

In addition to his wife Dolores, Keith’s survivors include his sons, Keith (Jennifer) Meissner Jr. and Robert Meissner, both of Averill Park; his grandchildren, Sophia and Aiden; his siblings Frank (Jane) Meissner, East Nassau, Judy (Michael) Coomes, Baldwinsville, Diane (Michael) Caldwell, Averill Park, Bruce Meissner and Eric Meissner, both of Averill Park, Gary (Wendy) Meissner, Schodack, Terry (Deborah) Meissner, East Nassau, and Timmy (Riann) Meissner, Averill Park; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Francis Meissner.

Relatives and friends may call at the DeGraaf-Bryce Funeral Home, Inc., 4392 NY Highway 150, West Sand Lake today (Tuesday) from 4 to 8 p.m.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 4363 NY Highway 150, West Sand Lake, N.Y., with Rev. James A. Hulihan, Pastor, officiating.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Keith R. Meissner Sr. to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 125 Humane Society Road, Hudson, NY 12534.

# # #


ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE


Keith R. Meissner Sr., image courtesy of De Graaf-Bryce Funeral Home.
Keith R. Meissner Sr., image courtesy of De Graaf-Bryce Funeral Home.