Joseph A. Meier, Ph.D., 82, formerly of Millersville, died Sunday, April 7, 2013, at St. Anne's Retirement Community. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Wagner Meier. Dr. Meier was married to Anita Rickert Meier for 49 years before her death in 2007.

A graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, he holds a BA in Mathematics from Franklin and Marshall College, an MS in Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon and a PhD in Mathematics from Michigan State University. Dr. Meier worked at Armstrong World Industries as section head of the Applied Mathematics and Computer Science Department from 1957 to 1963. He joined Millersville University in 1963, where he was a Professor of Mathematics until his retirement in 1992. At various times in his career he served as chair of the mathematics department, performed research at Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, and taught statistics at RCA.

He was a member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. He played clarinet in the Lancaster Liederkranz band and his passion was model railroading.

Surviving are five children: Kathleen Meier-Hellstern of Cranbury, NJ, Lisa McShane of Vienna, VA, Kristen Meier of Silver Spring, MD, Andrea Chamberlain of Crofton, MD, and Joseph Meier of Bainbridge, PA; and 13 grandchildren. Dr. Meier was preceded in death by his wife Anita, young son Thomas and his brother Albert J. Meier.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 2 PM Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Anne's Retirement Community, 3952 Columbia Ave., Columbia, PA 17512, with Msgr. Richard Onwuanibe as Celebrant. A Viewing will take place1-2 PM at St. Anne's. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to "Millersville University Foundation", Development Office, Alumni House, Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551. Please specify that the contribution should be directed to "The Joseph and Anita Meier Mathematics Scholarship". To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-872-5041