Obituary of William C Mead Sr.

William C. Mead, Sr. died unexpectedly on Monday, February 17, after a traumatic fall. Born in East Orange, NJ on December 14,1932, son of Carmen (Dorticos) and Arthur F. Mead, Sr., Bill was a graduate of Bloomfield HS, University of Vermont and Seton Hall Law school and served honorably in the US Army, 82nd Air Born, during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954.

Bill practiced Workers’ Compensation Law for many years at Gurry, McHugh and Mead, eventually becoming Of Counsel at Leitner, Tort, DeFazio and Brause where he continued to work with joy until the day he died. Respected by his colleagues, Bill was considered a mentor to the many young attorneys who gravitated to “comp law”. Bill met Marie Russoniello at school becoming fast friends and from the beginning theirs became a deepening love story that will never end. Married in October 1961, they built a legacy of love shared with family and their many friends. Bill’s greatest joy was always spending time with family whether on Chebeague Island, Maine, in Avalon, NJ and the numerous family parties and reunions. An accomplished athlete, he participated for many years in track, skiing, basketball, tennis, golf, outings in their boat, walking on the beach, his travels with Marie and a firm commitment to parish ministry.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Barbara Ahlers and brother Arthur F. Mead, Jr,. He is survived by his best friend, Marie, their daughter, Andrea Mead Harbison, sons William C. Mead Jr., (Rebecca), John Mead, (Elizabeth), David (Jennifer), nine grandchildren and two great grand kids whom he adored, many nieces and nephews, dear friends and treasured colleagues. Known for his integrity and mighty work ethic, Bill advocated always for a good humor and a “positive mental attitude.”

A wake is scheduled at Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park Street, Montclair, NJ on Friday, February 21, 4-8 PM. Funeral Mass to cerebrate Bill’s life will be at noon on Saturday, February 22, at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church, 465 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ. The family requests in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the parish church in Bill’s memory.