TEWKSBURY: Richard J. Mede, Sr., age 66, a resident of Tewksbury for over 36 years and a retired Everett firefighter, died Saturday, July 3, 2004, at home, following a long battle with cancer.
He was the husband of Nancy A. (Hill) Mede with whom he celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on April 26th.
Born in Boston on January 17, 1938, he was the son of the late Louis and Alice (Botto) Mede.
Mr. Mede was raised in Everett.
He attended Everett schools and graduated from Everett Vocational High School in 1956. While in his senior year, he was selected from 40,000 applicants across North America as the 1956 Ford Industrial Arts Award winner in woodworking.
Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 10 years.
Prior to his retirement in 1997, he served as a firefighter for the Everett Fire Department for over 30 years. During his career he received 7 citations for valor and was the most decorated firefighter in Everett. In addition, Mr. Mede founded and operated Mede Custom Kitchen’s and Bath’s since 1962.
He enjoyed restoring vintage automobiles including his 1959 Buick Electra 225 convertible.
Mr. Mede was a member of the Buick Club of America and the Everett Fireman’s Veterans Association.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 2 sons; Richard J. Mede, Jr. and his wife Ann Marie (Florent) of Haverhill and David S. Mede and his wife Pamela (McDermott) of Wilmington; 1 brother; James Mede and his wife Maryann (Fusco) of Hampton, NH; his aunt; Dorothy (Botto) Brewster of Woburn; 4 grandchildren; Laura, Amanda, Alex and Nicole Mede; also many cousins, nieces and nephews.
At his request there are No Calling Hours. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass on Friday, July 9th at 11 a.m. at St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St., Rte. 38, Wilmington. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Autism Research Institute, 4182 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116 are suggested.