John Charles Meader

SCARBOROUGH – It is with heavy hearts, that the family of John Charles Meader, announce his passing, which took place on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. Despite being in the middle of a pandemic, his family was able to grant his wish to come home. He spent his last days with his loved ones and music by his side to comfort him. ‘Meader’ or ‘Papa’ was the consummate storyteller, remembering things from almost 90 years ago, with inconceivable details! Now, it is our turn to put forth our best effort to tell his story, here.

Born on Nov. 5, 1926 to John H. and Helen (MacDonald) Meader of Portland, John grew up during the Great Depression and the second World War. He was educated in Portland schools, and graduated from Portland High School, class of 1944. After graduation, John enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in WWII as a Seaman 1st Class (radioman) on the USS Catskill. Meader earned the WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, American Area Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal. Upon returning home, he attended Portland Jr. College, and in 1952, earned his bachelor’s degree from American International College in Springfield, Mass.

While attending AIC, he met the love of his life, Margaret Rose Angelides. The couple married two years later, and settled in her hometown of West Springfield, Mass. After graduation, John landed a job at Sears, Roebuck and Co. He quickly earned his way to a managerial position, and while his heart longed to become a teacher and coach, he retired from Sears, 41 years later. Meader established several life-long special relationships while working for Sears.

In West Springfield, John was a founder/coach for the first ever girls’ softball league. John also volunteered to coach many of his sons’ teams over the years. He spent countless hours coaching and teaching the sports that he loved to his children and others. He continued to play shortstop in softball well into his 50s. As a fan, he rarely missed any of his children’s or grandchildren’s games.

Upon retirement in 1989, John and Margaret spent close to 30 winters in Treasure Island, Fla. There they fostered more lifelong friendships, with special people. In the summer of 1993, they found a new home in the quaint coastal community of Higgins Beach. Before year’s end, they would move close to their first grandchild. Nana and Papa happily spent many days taking care of their granddaughters. The neighborhood at Higgins Creek became as important as the 30-year-old one established on Van Horn Street in West Springfield. Meader was the president of the Higgins Creek Condo Association for over 10 years.

As a young boy, he was up before dawn, shoveled coal into the furnace during the winter. Next, he walked several miles every morning, delivering over 100 newspapers, no matter what the weather. He was always a hard worker, in life and in sports. Growing up on Payson Street he and a handful of friends for life, had the luxury of playing on Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs. At PHS, ‘Johnny’ lettered in football (Capt) basketball, and baseball (Capt.) He played on and captained the baseball and basketball teams at PJC, and earned a scholarship to play both sports at AIC. Johnny was the point guard and tourney MVP for the Aceto Atoms, a semi-pro basketball team in Maine. He a shortstop and MVP of the Twilight League, and played short for the Portland Pilots, a minor league baseball team. Meader proclaimed that his proverbial “15 minutes of fame” came in 1997, when he was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame.

John belonged to many clubs and affiliations over the years. In Massachusetts, he officiated basketball, umpired softball, and was a member of the Order of Odd Fellows. He was a charter member of the Alpha Phalanx Fraternity did community service as a volunteer at the YMCA, and was a life-long member of the American Legion.

Meader became a very good bridge player, regularly recording masters’ points, playing in all three states he lived. John loved all sports, and was an avid New England sports’ fan, especially the Red Sox and the Patriots. He enjoyed the competitive elements of playing poker, cribbage, table tennis, billiards, you name it, and he was proficient at most games. He and the Sears’ boys were even part owners of a racehorse named Band Hat. Wherever his adventures took him, he established important and long lasting friendships with his easy-going, compassionate, and friendly nature.

John was predeceased by his best friend and spouse, Margaret, in 2016. As a loving and dedicated husband, he cared for her on his own, in her later years. He still claimed that “she was the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen!” (His pick-up line, in 1950.) He also lost his oldest son, John C. “Chuck” Meader Jr., in 2008. No matter what their age, a child’s death changes everything. John was devastated by these two grave losses, but was a wonderful example of resilience in action. In addition, his sisters and brothers-in-laws, Dorothy Swift (Herbert Swift), Kathleen Nadeau, and Arlene Lano (Andrew Lano) all went before him. Our only solace is that he has been reunited with them all, again.

Meader is survived by his daughter, Cathy, of West Springfield, Mass. and son, William (fiancee’ Jean Gould) of Gorham. He also leaves behind his devoted granddaughters, Erica (fiancé Steven Cole) and Jessica (Adam Dutille) and grandson, John “Jack” Meader. He is additionally survived by several nieces and nephews, and is often referred to as the G.O.A.T. of uncles! Also, he leaves some special close relations and friends, Heidi Meader, Karen Meader, Jodi Yarkey, Artie Smith, Sue Griffin, Rolanda Hurtubise; and fur friend, Millie Meader.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the Hospice of Southern Maine, for assisting them after his brief stay at Maine Medical Center.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the services will be rescheduled for a later date.  Burial will be private, and a Celebration of Life will take place in the future, hopefully, this summer.

The services will all follow proper Maine COVID-19 protocol. A limited number of guests may attend the funeral. For more information, please visit: http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com or contact the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the

Higgins Beach Association,

C/o Barbara O’Brien

28 Morning St.

Scarborough, ME 04074.

John Charles Meader


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