Thomas Francis Meade

Meade, Thomas Francis. Age 80 on March 14. Passed peacefully on March 14 surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born on September 17, 1934 and raised in Bellerose, NY. He was the youngest of six children born to Kathryn and James Meade. Tom was a long time resident of Brookville, NY, having served as President of the Brookville Taxpayers Association, as a volunteer firefighter in the Jericho Fire Department and as a lector for 40 years at St. Paul the Apostle Church – a parish he loved and helped to build. Tom attended Manhattan College, graduating in 1956 with a BS. He began his career at Bankers Trust Company while earning an MBA from New York University. After working on the Municipal Bond desk at Smith Barney, Tom joined Bear Stearns as a talented and spirited fixed income salesman. He loved the bond business and was a passionate mentor to many young professionals heading to Wall Street. Ultimately retiring from Bear Stearns as a Senior Managing Director, Tom earned the respect and, most importantly, the friendship of customers, colleagues and competitors. Tom loved, and was beloved by, his family and his friends. He would often regale them with stories of his shenanigans in school and stickball in the street. All who knew him were touched by his kindness, his generous spirit and his enormous heart. Tom was always an optimist and quick with an encouraging word whenever one was needed. Tom shared his time, talent and treasure with many charitable organizations. Over the years, he served as a Trustee of St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY, and was a fundraiser for The Ronald McDonald House, The Boy Scouts of America, The Archbishop’s Council for the Laity and many others. He sold thousands of boxes of Girl Scout Cookies and was the long-time “official Santa” at Bear Stearns. Tom’s true love was his family. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. He and his loving wife Joan were married for 58 years. His three children, Paul (Bernadette), Charlie (Julie) and Regina (Anthony) and the loves of his life, his eight grandchildren, Lauren, Gregory, Courtney, Marielle, Perry, Gracie, Tommy and Xavier were adored by him. An avid reader of US History, Tom enjoyed being surrounded by books and maps. He enjoyed classic WWII movies with his favorite treat, Junior Mints. He loved golf, always commiserating about his game with his buddies. When not on the golf course, he was often spotted with his leaf-blower, making sure the driveway was pristine. A summer barbecue, a dip in the pool, a Macanudo cigar in his hand while pushing a grandchild on a swing made a perfect day for Tom and that is how his family will always remember him. Tom was surrounded with love and laughter throughout his life and in his final days. His brilliant light will live on in our hearts forever. Please keep him in your prayers. Donations may be made in his honor to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis or to the charity of your choice. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 12:30pm, Saturday, March 21 at St. Paul the Apostle RC Church, Brookville, NY. He will be interred at the Locust Valley Cemetery in Locust Valley, NY.