Stephen Vincent Meschler, 80, of Charleston, SC, passed away on Sunday, April 26th, 2026, leaving behind his wife, two daughters, four grandchildren and a large extended family who loved him dearly and will miss him forever.

Born on September 18, 1945, in Philadelphia, PA, Steve was the third of four children born to Phillip Leo and Honora Joan (O’Hara) Meschler. A consummate little brother, he relished making mischief and pulling pranks on siblings and classmates. As a child, Steve a.k.a “Beaver,” loved baseball, riding his bike (which boasted foxtails on the handlebars) and hanging out with his friends in the Tacony neighborhood.

In 1963, Steve graduated from Father Judge High School in Philadelphia. He attended LaSalle College, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1967. In January of 1968, he enlisted in the army, completed Officer Candidate School, and proudly served during the Vietnam War, stationed in Korea.

What started as a post-military job became a fulfilling 45-year career in property and casualty insurance underwriting when he took a job with Safeco. He later transitioned to Reliance Insurance, where he became Branch Manager of the Louisville, KY office, and then later he made the decision to go back to his underwriting roots, taking a job with Kentucky Employers Mutual Insurance. Ultimately, Steve retired from Kentucky Employer's Mutual Insurance in 2015. During his career, he was an active member of the CPCU Society, and later in his retirement he was both an active member and held the position of President of the Kentucky Public Retirees.

Although he was a relatively private person, Steve valued time with family and friends, including date nights with his wife, Susan, numerous trips “to the Shore” with his family, and regular holiday celebrations with the friends who became family in Louisville, KY.

The joy of Steve’s life was his family. He is survived by his wife Susan (Rosemiller) Meschler, his daughters Lauren Meschler [Michael Podawiltz] and Kristin (Meschler) Arnold [Shandon Arnold], and his grandchildren, Lennon Arnold, Declan Arnold, Beatrice Podawiltz and Milo Podawiltz, all of whom brought him great pride. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters, Tamara Ann (Meschler) Connell and Mary Katherine Meschler, along with ten nephews and nieces and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother, John Philip Meschler and his wife Mary Harrington Meschler, and his brother in law Joseph Connell, whom we have no doubt he is already regaling with stories and jokes.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, with visitation at 4 p.m., and service immediately to follow at 5 p.m. The service will be held at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, West Ashley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Wounded Warriers Project in Steve’s honor. Donations can be made online or by mail by using this form.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.