Meshel is noted for his legislative efforts on behalf of the disabled, economic development, and solid and hazardous waste disposal.

[1] He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on June 13, 1924, to Greek-American parents, Rubena (Markakis) and Angelo Michelakis, whose surname was Americanized to Meshel.

[1] In 1980, Meshel ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives but lost to Republican incumbent Lyle Williams.

[1] During his five terms in the Ohio Senate, Meshel was credited with helping to secure almost $150 million in capital improvements for Youngstown State University.

[4] In 1986, YSU named its new technology center Meshel Hall in his honor, as he helped secure funding for the project.

In May 2007, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland named Meshel to a nine-year term as a trustee of Youngstown State University.

He was honored for spearheading the creation of the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in September 2007.