John Valentine Meade

John was born on July 4, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the beloved son of the late Alan Meade and Mary King, both formerly of Newfoundland. He is survived by his sister, Agnes Doherty of Flagstaff, Arizona; his brother, Michael Meade of Largo, Florida; and his loving children: John (“Jack”) Meade and his wife Tina, along with their sons TJ (Thomas Joseph) and Ryan; Joe Meade and his wife Colleen, along with their son Bryan and daughter Lauryn; and his daughter Allison (“Ally”) Hayduk and her husband Brian, along with their children Nicole and Matt. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. John and his beloved wife, Janice Ann Meade, began their life together after marrying and moving from Dorchester, Massachusetts, where John was raised, and Medford, Massachusetts, where Janice was raised, to South Weymouth, Massachusetts. Together, they eventually built their family home in Hanover, Massachusetts, where they lovingly raised their children and created a lifetime of memories.

John proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Paratroopers. He was a devoted Catholic and a dedicated family man who found his greatest joy in the people he loved most — his family. He especially cherished spending time with his sons, Jack and Joe, through their athletic pursuits and fishing trips, while also encouraging his daughter Allison in her equestrian endeavors. One of John’s greatest joys later in life was watching his grandchildren grow and thrive. Whether attending softball, hockey, basketball, and baseball games, supporting equestrian competitions, or even learning about their virtual reality games, whatever made the kids happy made him happy. Above all else, he treasured time spent together as a family, especially the years shared with his beloved wife Janice before her passing.

John was known for his strong work ethic, craftsmanship, love of the outdoors, and unmistakable stubbornness — a quality his family came to know and love over the years. One of his proudest accomplishments was building a cottage in New Hampshire by hand, reflecting both his determination and his desire to create something meaningful for future generations to enjoy. He will also be remembered for his sense of humor and ingenuity, including building what the family proudly says is “the only cement boat that actually floats,” which remains in the family home to this day as a treasured reminder of his creativity and spirit. Services will be held privately for immediate family at Sullivan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the MSPCA-Angell, honoring his lifelong love of animals.