Harold Richard Mead, 78, a resident of Carriage Court of Washington Court House, Ohio, and formerly of Kenton, Ohio, and Haines City, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe following a brief illness. Born July 23, 1947, he was the youngest of seven children of David and Edna (Fleming) Mead. He and his siblings were raised in in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
Harold is survived by his sons and their families: Richard Harold and Janelle (Teeters) Mead and their children, Jack and Jordan, of Washington Court House; and Brian and Jessica (Pocs) Mead and their children, Evan Harold and Addison, of Johnstown, Ohio. He is also survived by his sisters Clara Santora (Frank) of Stamford, Connecticut, and Ruth Mead (Dorothy) of The Villages, Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Jane (Mauer) Mead, and by his siblings Edna Mae Mead; David Mead, Jr. (Audrey); Robert Mead (Helen); and Arthur Mead (Joan).
Harold graduated from Indiana State University, where he met Jane, the love of his life. He proudly served four years in the United States Navy and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, Harold and Jane settled in Kenton, Ohio, where they began their family and where Harold embarked on a teaching career that spanned almost 30 years at Kenton Middle School, specializing in Math and Science. He was a dedicated educator who mentored countless students and remained a steady, positive influence in their lives.
A devoted Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns fan, Harold also poured his energy into his community. He and his family were active members of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Kenton, Troop 122 of the Boy Scouts of America, Kenton FFA, and Hardin County 4-H.
After retiring from teaching, Harold and Jane moved to Florida, where they spent more than two decades as part of the Sweetwater community in Haines City, forming deep friendships and enjoying their years together. Following Jane’s passing in 2021, Harold returned to Ohio to be closer to his sons and grandchildren, who brought him great joy. Harold made friends wherever he lived. He will be remembered for his kindness, steady presence, and the many lives he touched as a teacher, mentor, neighbor, and friend. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him. Services for Harold will be private.