John C. Meader

SCARBOROUGH, ME - It is with heavy hearts, that the family of John Charles Meader, announce his passing, which took place on Monday, February 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' (nicknames he was fond of) was the consummate storyteller, remembering things from over 80 years ago, with inconceivable details! Now, it is our turn to put forth our best effort to tell his story, here. Born on November 5, 1926 to John H. and Helen (MacDonald) Meader of Portland ME, 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 WW II as a Seaman 1st Class (Radioman) on the USS Catskill. Stationed in San Diego, the landing ship and crew sailed on missions all over the Southern Pacific, including Pearl Harbor. During these voyages, John contracted rheumatic fever, causing him to be bedridden, and leaving him with a heart murmur. He recovered in time to enjoy picking up army troops from the Philippines to Guam, bringing them home, once the war was over. Meader earned the WW II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, American Area Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal. Upon returning home, he attended Portland Jr. College, (PJC) then in 1952, earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from American International College (AIC) in Springfield, MA. 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, MA. After graduation, John landed a job at Sears, Roebuck & Co. At the time, Sears was the largest retailer in the U.S., through the 1980's. He quickly earned his way to a managerial position, and while his heart longed to become a teacher and coach, he retired from Sears, forty-one years later. As a young boy, he would be up before dawn, shovel coal into the furnace during the winter, to warm up the house for his family. Next, he walked several miles every morning, delivering over 100 newspapers, no matter what Maine weather challenges were presented. He was always a hard worker, in life and in sports. Growing up on Payson St. he and a handful of friends for life, had the luxury of playing on Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs, whenever it wasn't being used. (Thanks to a secret hole in the outfield fence!) At PHS, 'Johnny' was a three-sport team manager, before lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a team captain in football and baseball. He also played on and captained the baseball and basketball teams at PJC. Meader earned a scholarship to play both sports at AIC, as well. He developed lasting friendships with coaches and players from high school and both colleges. Additional sports-related achievements include playing with the Portland Pilots, a minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies. He claimed that his proverbial "fifteen minutes of fame" came in 1997, when he was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. After hanging up his own glove and cleats, John was one of the founders and a coach in the first ever girls' softball league in West Springfield. Many of the organizational meetings were held at his kitchen table on Van Horn Street. He also volunteered to coach many of his sons' teams over the years. He was the automatic quarterback of the neighborhood football games, and he spent countless hours coaching and teaching the sports that he loved to his children, as well as any youngster who wanted to improve. His game of "two-bits" taught many of us how to catch any pop-up or fly ball. Papa rarely missed any of his children's or grand children's games. He remained a fan, especially of softball, into his 90's, attending many of Scarborough High School's games. Meader established several life-long special relationships while working for Sears. Upon retirement in 1989, John and Margaret spent close to 30 winters in Treasure Island, FL. There they fostered more lifelong friendships, with special people from all over North America. Papa also began to keep a daily diary on the first trip south. His accounts in his 2021 book, are remarkable; you would never guess that a 94-year-old could have written them! He also was a wonderful letter writer, so many of us have his words of wisdom and inspiration saved. In the summer of 1993, the Meader's spent their last of 41 vacations at Higgins Beach in Scarborough. As luck would have it, they found a new home in the quaint coastal community. Before year's end, they would move to be close to their first grandchild. Nana and Papa (Nanny and Manny) happily spent uncountable days taking care of their granddaughters. And the neighborhood at Higgins Creek became as important as the 30-year-old one established on Van Horn Street in West Springfield. John was the president of the Higgins Creek Condo Association for over 10 years, and worked tirelessly to make everything there better. He was especially proud of taking care of the lilies that he and Margaret had planted all over the grounds. John belonged to many clubs and affiliations over the years. He was a high school basketball official and ASA softball umpire, both in MA. John was a charter member of the Alpha Phalanx Fraternity in Portland, for several years he performed community service as a volunteer at the Portland YMCA, was a member of the Odd Fellows Club in Springfield, and was a life-long member of the American Legion. Meader became a very good bridge player, regularly recording masters' points, along the way. He played in Springfield, Treasure Island, FL, St. Petersburg, FL and in Scarborough. John loved all sports, he was an avid New England sports' fan, it saddened him that he would not be here to see Tom Brady play in another Super Bowl. He loved to play golf, especially with his sons, and he was annually a top gun at the Sears' Golf Tournament. He and the Sears' boys were even part owners of a race horse named Band Hat. Meader was a card shark; he loved playing poker and cribbage. He surprised many with his athletic prowess, despite his slender build and quiet demeanor. Even playing table tennis and pool, he hustled his way around, when there was a table present. 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 insisted on caring for her alone, 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) and his sister and brother-in-law, June and Nick Madamas, all went before him. Our only solace is that he has been reunited with them, once again. Papa is survived by his daughter, Cathy of West Springfield, MA; and son, William (fiancee Jean Gould) of Gorham, ME. He also leaves behind his devoted granddaughters, Erica (fiance Steven Cole) and Jessica (Adam Dutille); and his 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 in getting John home, after his brief, yet detrimental stay at Maine Medical Center. Due to unexpected circumstances, the services will be rescheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Higgins Beach Association, C/o Barbara O'Brien, 28 Morning Street, Scarborough, ME 04074.