Francis Joseph Mead

Francis Joseph "Frank" Mead Francis Joseph "Frank" Mead, 82, of Waynesboro, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at his residence. He was born April 20, 1931 in Queens, New York, a son of the late William Francis Mead and Harriet Agnes Walsh Mead. He attended Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of New York, and then attended Manhattan Prep High School. Frank served in the United States Army during the Korean War, specializing in communications. After his honorable discharge, he enrolled in the RCA Institute for Radio and TV communications. He had a successful career working as a computer repair technician for companies like IBM, Sorbus (New York) and Verizon (at World Bank, D.C.). Prior to his retirement, Frank began his career as a professional artist. Then he retired to Waynesboro, Virginia, and worked as a security officer at American Safety Razor and Hershey. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his many friends, who will all miss him. He also loved painting with oils, cooking, gardening, and watching British mysteries. Frank had a talent for telling stories and making people laugh. He even wrote a book of memoirs of his life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncles, Richard and Vincent Walsh; his aunt, Madeline Pretch; and his cousin, Bonnie Wendelken. Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 36 years, Judith Ann Mead; his children, Deborah Franzoy and husband, Alan, of New Mexico, Marilyn Slentz Mead of New York, Patriceann Mead of California, and Frank Mead and wife Sallyann of New Jersey; his 13 grandchildren, Caleb Franzoy and wife, Heather, Annie Smith and husband, Rob, Jessica Slentz, Ian Slentz, Sullivan Slentz and wife, Val, Omahr Mead, Kayla Mead, Jennifer Mead, Andrew Mead, Julianna Mead, Angela Frutchey and husband, Clint, Ariel Janko and husband, TJ, and Adam Rothman; his three great-grandchildren, Cadence Franzoy, Reagan Franzoy, and Liam Smith. A memorial service will be conducted 12 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2013, in the chapel of McDow Funeral Home, Waynesboro, Virginia, by the Reverend Kim Webster. Family and friends are welcome to gather at Sherando Lake's, William's Branch Picnic Shelter, immediately after the service. Bring a dish to pass! Those wishing to share their memories online with the family may do so at www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, VA 22939.



This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.