Stephen Joseph Mead

Stephen Joseph Mead passed away on July 1, 2019. Steve, as he liked to be called, was born on November 17, 1954 in Jacksonville to Joseph William and Eleanor King Mead, Jr. He was a life long resident of Jacksonville, graduating from Bishop Kenny High School in 1973. Steve went on to attend Florida Junior College at Jacksonville and University of North Florida. He began working for Prudential Insurance in the mailroom, eventually rising to Manager of Computer Operations. He remained in this position throughout the transition with Aetna for an approximate total of 25 years since his start in the mailroom. After leaving Aetna he worked for CSX Technology as the Director of the Disaster Recovery department where he dubbed himself “The Master of Disaster." He retired in 2014 at the age of 60.

He lived an active life, scuba diving, sailing, running, completing many races including the Gate River Run, swimming, and always being the DIY handyman. He was adamant about living a healthy life and loved going to the gym for his daily workouts that continued to be part of his routine after his retirement. His home cooked specialty dishes and desserts he would bring to family gatherings were always delicious and will certainly be missed! Steve shared a love for animals with his wife, Jennifer, in caring for their many house cats through the years, as well as, the feral cats, and all of the birds, ducks, and geese that visit their home twice daily to be fed.

Steve leaves behind his loving wife, Jennifer, after being together 30 wonderful years, and married for 24 of those; their beloved cats, Dani, (daddy’s girl), and Angel; his sons, Joey Mead (Laura) and Cory Mead (Jessica); granddaughters, Kolbie Mead and Zoe’ Puig; and grandson, Nickolas Mead. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Mead (Susie); his sisters, Diane Pollum (Bob), Martha Ira, Janie Knudsen (Randy), Sheila Carter (Michael), all of Jacksonville, and Kathy Cox (Drew), of Houston, TX; nieces, Eva Pollum, Christine Stahl (Alex), and Stephanie Ira; nephews, Robbie Pollum (Dorothy) and Curtiss Young. In addition, he is survived by his mother and father-in-law, Patricia Schneck and Al Young; brothers-in-law, Mike Young and Curt Young, all of Jacksonville; 5 great nieces and 2 great nephews, and many extended family members.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2019 with visitation from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. Father John Reynolds will officiate.

In lieu in flowers, donations may be made in Steve’s honor to the Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216 and/or B.E.A.K.S, Inc., Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary, 12084 Houston Ave., Big Talbot Island, FL 32226.