Of Newton and Tuftonboro, NH, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Wednesday evening, August 20, 2014 at his home in Newton. He was 71.

Born and raised in Newton, son of the late George E. Mead, Sr. and Lillian (Bemis) Mead, he was a lifelong resident of Newton. He was a 1961 graduate of Newton High School.

Mr. Mead served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Alaska, Vietnam, and Italy.

John was an active member with the West Newton Knights of Columbus Council # 167, and served as the president of the Home Association.
He worked as an engineer for Kollsman Inc. in Merrimack, NH for many years until his retirement in 2008.

In his spare time, John enjoyed boating, riding snow mobiles, hunting, fishing, skiing, antiquing, and going to yard sales with his wife. John loved the outdoors and had a log cabin on Mirror Lake in Tuftonboro, NH, and went camping in Wolfeboro, NH on Lake Wentworth. He loved dogs, especially his late dog Trixie. Above all things, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife Martha J. (Holmes) Mead of Newton, his loving daughters, Diana Phelan and her husband Donald of Newton and Elizabeth Battista and her husband Franco of Newton, his sister Maureen Kendall of Waltham, and his cherished grandchildren Vanessa, Alyssa, and Liliana. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late George E. Mead, Jr.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral services from the Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody St., WALTHAM, Monday, August 25, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of John's life at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington St., Newton, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waltham. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, August 24, 2014 from 4- 8 p.m. Parking attendants will be on duty.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in John's memory to the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club, 675 Watertown, St., Newton, MA 02460.