Darlene M. (Dancico) Meeh
August 20, 1946 – October 19, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene M. (Dancico) Meeh, age 79, of Long Valley, NJ, who passed away after a courageous and hard-fought battle with pancreatic
cancer. Darlene’s grace, strength, and determination in the face of illness were a testament to the kind of person she was throughout her life—always strong, determined, loving, and thoughtful.

Born on August 20, 1946, in Newark, NJ, to the late William and Hilda (Gibbs) Dancico, Darlene’s early years were marked by her intelligence and ambition. She graduated from West
Essex High School (Class of 1964) and went on to attend the Girls Vocational School (Class of 1965) in Newark, NJ, where she excelled. She graduated at the top of her class and had the
honor of delivering the commencement speech. There, she honed her skills in dressmaking, pattern creation and design–talents she carried with her throughout her life. She was especially
proud of an “A” line coat and suit she designed and made herself, showcasing her keen eye for both fashion and detail.

In 1968, Darlene married the love of her life, Richard “Richie” Meeh, beginning a 52-year marriage filled with mutual respect, love, and shared dreams. Together, they founded Mako
Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. in 1976, where they worked side by side, building a reputation for excellence, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Darlene’s attention to detail and
commitment to quality were evident in everything she did, from the business to her home. Darlene is survived by her daughter, Yvonne Perry, and her husband Carl, as well as her son
Darren Meeh and his children, Morgan, Meghan, and Mattie. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her beloved husband, Richie, her sister Donna Verrico, and son-in-law John
Sabourin.

In addition to her dedication to family and work, Darlene was a woman of many talents. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and quilting, with a particular love for making a wide variety of
Christmas cookies that she would gift to family and friends every holiday season. The holidays were a time when Darlene truly shone, as she loved hosting gatherings filled with laughter, good
food, and cherished memories. Her company’s Christmas parties were legendary—carefully planned and executed, ensuring that every employee felt appreciated and valued. Darlene was also a life-long tap dancer, a hobby she carried with joy from her youth into her later years. She delighted in dancing, sharing her talent with others, and teaching the next generation to appreciate the art form.

Above all, Darlene cherished her family—particularly her grandchildren. She made every effort to bring the family together for celebrations, creating lasting memories filled with warmth, love,
and laughter. She will be remembered not only for her unwavering commitment to her family and work, but also for the kindness, generosity, and love she gave to all those around her.

The visitation and funeral services will be held at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. The visitation hours will be on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 2:00 –
5:00 PM with a funeral service starting at 5:00.  A reception will be held immediately following.

Darlene Meeh Celebration of Life

Thursday, October 23 · 5:00 – 5:45pm

Time zone: America/New_York

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vcz-oyyz-hsv

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 216-839-0391 PIN: ‪179 338 205#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/vcz-oyyz-hsv?pin=1913137097246

For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com.