Ted was my art instructor for many many years in Edgartown and was an incredible educator, saw the world so fully and beautifully, and taught me so much about the visual perception and artistic creation. I am sure he was that important to many students and friends, and I offer my condolences to his loved ones. He has always been in my thoughts and will continue so, as his spirit walks those heavenly meadows he saw me to see.

Mr. Meinelt, art teacher for many decades in Vineyard schools, known as Teddy to friends and neighbors, was a special, free spirit who brought enlightenment to scores of Vineyard youngsters.We were all lucky to have him here on the island.

Mr. Meinelt was my art teacher....I must have frustrated him with my lack of talent...have spent all of my adult years supporting and encouraging the arts...perhaps Teddy was part of the inspiration...

I learned this morning that the stand-out teacher in my life had passed away at 97 years of age. His name was Ted Meinelt, my first art teacher. I met him for the first time when he walked into my fourth grade classroom, in Edgartown, as WWII had ended and he, like so many men, cast aside their uniforms and returned to civilian life. He was my model as to how one could live their life, the promise that artistic talent presented and what to do with it. We got to meet, off and on, later in life, through my art exhibits on Martha's Vineyard, etc. He took pleasure in my achievements. He was the same good guy I met those many years ago, and so remained for the rest of his life. I last communicated with him a few years ago through a letter I mailed him in long hand, telling him, once again, of the immeasurable impact he had on my life. May you rest in peace, Ted, alongside your dear Polly. Thank you.

My school art teacher also. A wonderful teacher and a wonderful man. When I was in the 5th grade our family attended the Agricultural Fair in West Tisbury as we had always done. While viewing the entries in the hall, there before my very eyes appeared a picture that I had drawn that year in school with a blue ribbon attached to it. What a shock! We learned that, without my knowledge, Mr Meinelt had saved it and entered it in the fair. Such a wonderful surprise for me and for my whole family.

Ted was a great guy, dear friend and fantastic teacher---as is his son Terry! I had the distinct pleasure of working with both over the years as a fellow Department Chair at Masconomet Regional Jr/Sr High School in Topsfield , MA. Ted heartily welcomed me as a fledging colleague and helped to make my professional --and personal life so much better! A very classy and caring guy! GOD BLESS!

Ted was Art Director at Masconomet Regional School in Boxford, Ma. where I was an administrator from 1964-1969--he was there for much longer than that--and a highly respected and beloved teacher. In the true tradition of those who enter the teaching profession for all the right reasons-he was a teacher of the young, not only in the field of art, but as fellow human beings on the way to becoming happy and productive members of society as he was as an exemplar of same. Ted gave, without reservation, all that he had, to his many students over many years. He also left two fine young children who bore the indelible stamp of his own personality and character who were our students at Masconomet, one of whom, Terry just retired from the same position his father had held. My deepest condolences go to you, Terry and Kelly, on the loss of your father. I am only one of hundreds of others who worked with him and who appreciated so much working beside a kindred spirit who loved young people without reserve as we did. Best wishes to both of you in carrying on the spirit that your father brought to every aspect of your lives George vlahos

Mr Ted Meinelt was my art teacher at Tisbury School in the 40's and 50s. A very talented man who set a fine example. His practice of doing a sketch during art class and awarding it to the student who produced the best work of the class that day was a great incentive. I wish I still had the one I was awarded. My condolences to his family.