William J Meade Jr.

William J. Meade Jr., 77, of Bradenton, FL formerly of Sudbury, Martha's Vineyard, and Waltham, MA, passed away following a long illness. He is survived by his loving wife, of 53 years, Janice M. Hanna Meade.

Born Jan. 10, 1938, in Waltham, MA; he was the son of the late William John Meade, Sr. and Nina Marcella Meade. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Carol Meade.

William, or Bill, was a devoted educator who began his career in Special Education on Martha's Vineyard working with learning disabled students. He then went on to continue in Special Education at Lexington High School, in Lexington, MA where he taught for over 30 years until his retirement in 2000. During his tenure he was active in the teachers union and was well respected by his colleagues for his leadership. Bill was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, was blessed by a strong faith, and loved to travel, read, and visit the White Mountains. He was full of love for his friends and family and his sense of humor will be so greatly missed by all.

In addition to his loving wife, survivors include his sister, Rosemary Stone and husband Johhnie of Punta Gorda, FL; his son, Peter Matthew Meade and wife Linda, of Richmond, VA; his daughters, Cynthia Ann Meade of Ellenton, FL; and Nicki Meade Draves and husband Chris, of Brockton, MA. Bill is also survived by his grandchildren, Matthew Meade and wife Nellie of Hong Kong, Erin Meade, currently serving in the Peace Corps in West China, Michael Meade of Richmond, VA, and Hannah Grace Draves, of Brockton, MA - each of whom was devoted to their loving "Bumpa".

Donations in his memory may be sent to The Bill Meade Memorial Fund for Special Education at Lexington Education Foundation, 594 Marrett Road, #7, Lexington, MA 02421.

William will be cremated during a private ceremony in Bradenton and a public memorial mass will be held in Massachusetts at a later date.

Manasota Funeral Home is assisting the family.