Robert Mead, 96, of Bedford, died on March 31, 2021.

Born in Arlington, MA on November 27, 1924 to James L. Mead and Mary E. (Smiley) Mead.

Devoted husband and father. Friend to all.

Bob passed away peacefully in the home he proudly built and raised his nine children in with his late bride, H. Marjorie (O'Keefe) of Quincy whom married on September 19, 1948.

Bob will be missed by his children; Bob and his wife Gail, Ken and his wife Pam, Ron, Jerry, Judy and her husband Carl Wilson, Rich and his wife Robin, Jan and her husband Steve Surrette, Susan and her husband David Hawkins and Dan Mead; along with his 29 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. Bob is survived by his brother Don, cousin/friend Barbara (Desmond) Binkelman, sisters-in-law Kay and Doris O'Keefe, and many, many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his siblings, Esther, James, William, Thomas, Marion DeWitt O'Neal, Ruth Larsen, Pauline Keenan and Patty Corbett.

After growing up in Arlington and working on the family farm, he served in the Navy (Seabees) in World War II. With the unwavering love, support, intelligence and patience of his beloved wife, they built and established the Mead buildings, the goal being to provide young business entrepreneurs the opportunity to flourish.

A simple handshake was the beginning of many relationships. However, his true passion was his own business, Mead Brothers Tree Service, which was established in 1946 and is still family-owned and -operated. For many years, he hired men from the Veterans Administration Hospital and deep relationships were formed. His support of these veterans gave them confidence in themselves and a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Over the years, Bob was a founding member of the Massachusetts Arborists Association (president 1984-1987), Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Foresters, and founding member of Massachusetts Horticultural Congress. He was well known and much admired by many in the tree business.

A proud citizen of Bedford, Bob contributed to the town in many generous and diverse ways. He was involved in the planning and building of the Bedford American Legion Hall. He was chairman of the Building Committee in 1956, 1957 and 1958, founding member of the Bedford Rotary Club since 1956 and served as the club's president from 1962-1963. He received merit awards for "Devoted and Unselfish Service Above Self to the Club and the Community" and was twice named Rotarian of the Year. A devoted Rotarian, Bob never missed a meeting or a meal! Bob and John Bowen were Co-Chairmen of the VA Hospital Surplus Land Advisory Committee in the late 1960s and instrumental in the development of the beloved Springs Brook Park.

Always striving to make a difference in someone's life, Bob was a driver for the Bedford Santa program for 14 years and also served as an umpire for Bedford's young baseball players. Bob was instrumental in pulling community members together to build a memorial at Springs Brook Park to commemorate the victims of 9/11. Bob had a way of motivating people to roll up their sleeves and get to work. It was quite an honor for him when he was named Bedford's 2006 Citizen of the Year – age did not stop his philanthropic ways.

Bob had a social life that many envied. However, COVID put a stop to his weekly Tuesday Rotary meetings, Thursday cribbage game with his brother Don and Friday bridge game that he hosted at his house with his longtime friends Holly, Charlie and Cecile. Needless to say, he was none too pleased.

Yes, his dedication and commitment to serving others was important to him, but his number one priority always was his family. He was constantly present in everyone's lives, a fixture at every milestone, both big and small. Bob provided unconditional love and support. A kid at heart, with an amazing sense of humor and fun, he brought out the best in all of us. Known as the baby whisperer, he could calm any crying child and found pure joy when a little one found their way on to his lap. Up until his last breath, he was focused on how he could be helping others. If you asked Bob if he needed anything, he would say tabs for the Shriners. He will be missed but his legacy will live on.

In lieu of flowers, Bob requested that donations be made to support organizations that make positive and lasting impacts on others: his or yours; Rotary Club of Bedford Massachusetts- P.O. Box 414, Bedford, MA 01730, Massachusetts Arborists Association (MAA) 67 West Street, Medfield MA 02052, Shriners- Aleppo Center, 99 Fordham Rd, Wilmington, MA 01887

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no public service. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.