Keith James Mead

A naturally funny man, Keith “Tuffy” Mead was the king of silly snapchats, adored his family while being a tough as nails hard-working ironworker and veteran. Tuffy had a strong work ethic being an Ironworker for many years for Springfield Steel and Cronan Steel, a logger in New York and was a Farm Property Manager in Connecticut. As a two-time bronze star recipient, he was proud to serve his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he served an extended tour of 14 ½ months as Chief of section of Battery C in the 5th battalion 42d artillery. He grew up in Deposit and Hancock, New York where he was one of fourteen children. He enjoyed life through hunting, animal and vet shows, watching NASCAR, the Patriots, and of course, his girlfriend Judge Judy; but most of all the time spent with his cherished family. “See ya in the movies” was the expression Tuffy would say to convey his unconditional love and that they would meet again.
Tuffy was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, who sadly passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019 at the age of 71 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 49 years, Sheila R. Mead; their three daughters: Lori Mead Harriman and her husband Rick of Southwick, Amy Mead Phalen and her husband Rob of Avon CT, and Tracy Mead Thompson and her husband Rick of Southwick; thirteen grandchildren (Cassie, Morgan, Bailey, Sam, Josh, Noah, Skylar, Breanna, Brett, Kyle, Alyssa, River and Alex); one great-grandchild (Parker) a great-grandchild on the way. He was born June 1, 1948 to LeRoy Mead and Thelma Decker Mead at home in Deposit, New York nine brothers (Bentley, Raymond, Leo, Norman, Joseph, Larry, Tony, Ted, Fred) and four sisters Rachel Hunt, Roseleen Whitmore, Judy and Debbie Mead).
To share appreciation of Tuffy’s life, friends and family may gather for visiting hours on Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 5:00-7:00pm at Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation. Services will continue on Friday at 12:00pm at the funeral home, and committal prayers and military honors will take place at 2:00pm at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. Because of Tuffy’s service in the military and to help those who suffer from PTSD, donations may be made in Keith Mead’s honor to One Call Away Foundation, 207 Mort Vining Rd, Southwick MA 01077.
As Tuffy would say, ‘thanks, and diddity-diddity bye-bye”.