Eduardas “Edward” Meilus, Sr., 94, died peacefully at St. Camillus Health Center on July 7, 2011. His wife of 36 years, Brita P. (Peters) Meilus died in 1989. He is survived by his only son, Deacon Eduardas V. Meilus, Jr, his wife Terese I. Meilus and three grandchildren Antanas E. Meilus, Jurate T. Meilus and Sigute A. Meilus and many relatives in Lithuania, Germany and Sweden. He was born in Tallinn, Estonia on November 1, 1916, the youngest of Antanas-Augustinas and Maria (Tervydis) Meilus’ ten children. All his siblings predeceased him.

Mr. Meilus completed his education in Lithuania at the Rokiskis Gymnazium and the War College and was a non-commissioned officer and a decorated veteran of the Lithuanian Army. During WWII as he was defending his homeland from foreign occupation, he was taken prisoner and sent to a forced labor camp in Norway to build runways at a military airport. Mr. Meilus established contact with the Norwegian Resistance and with their help planned and executed a major escape from the forced labor camp leading many men to their freedom in Sweden. He was recognized by the Norwegian and Swedish governments for his ingenuity, resourcefulness and heroism. Mr. Meilus emigrated to the United States and the Worcester area with his wife Brita from Sweden in 1953.

Mr. Meilus was a photographer by profession having been a photo-correspondent for the Swedish newspaper Folket, and had established his own studio in Worcester. Later he worked in the Security Department of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette on Franklin St. in Worcester for many years retiring in 1981. In the prime of his life he was very active in community affairs. He is a Corporator of WICN-FM Public Radio and a former member of its Board of Directors. He was a volunteer for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind. He was very active in the Lithuanian Community and the former St. Casimir Parish in Worcester. He was a member of the parish mixed choir and its men’s choir. He was a member of and served in various positions of leadership in the Lithuanian Naturalization and Social Club, the Lithuanian National Guard “Sauliai” and the Lithuanian Community” Bendruomene”. He was the archivist of the Worcester Area Council of Lithuanian Organizations. He was a contributor of both photographs and articles to many Lithuanian language publications. Mr Meilus was a member of the Knights of Lithuania Council 26, The Lithuanian Arts Circle “Ratelis”, the Lithuanian Charitable Maironis Park Society and the Lithuanian Scouts parents’ advisory committee.

The Meilus family would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation for the care and compassion provided by the staff of St. Camillus Health Center during the last five years of his earthly journey. In one of his last completely lucid moments Mr. Meilus said “I have had a wonderful life. I am ready to go home to God whenever He calls me”. He touched many people during his life and will always be fondly remembered.

Henry-Dirsa Funeral Service is assisting the family with final arrangements. Visitation/Calling Hours will be at the Henry-Dirsa Funeral Home, 33 Ward Street, Worcester, MA 01610 on Thursday, July 14, 2011 from 5:00-7:00 PM. The Funeral Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Friday, July 15, 2011 in St. Patrick Church, 1 Cross St., Whitinsville, MA. 01588. Principal Celebrant will be Rev. Michael Broderick, pastor. Those planning on participating in the Mass are respectfully requested to travel directly to the church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Please omit flowers.