Barry Gerard Mead

Barry G. Mead, 76, of Mashpee, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, from complications related to ALS, a service-connected condition linked to Agent Orange exposure during his military service in Vietnam. He was the devoted husband of Janice M. (Polvinen) Mead and son of the late Joan B. (Rubel) and Raymond G. Mead. Barry was raised in Stoughton and later lived in Raynham for many years, where he and Janice raised their family. The couple were high school sweethearts and best friends, inseparable since meeting in algebra class their freshman year. They celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Barry is survived by his daughter Jennifer and her wife Melanie of Fairhaven, sons Todd and his wife Jenny of Longmont, CO, and Jesse and his fiancée Rebecca of Portland, Maine. He was the devoted grandfather of Adam and Jolie Misiaszek, and Oden, Owen, Ziggy, and Ella Mead. He is also survived by his sister Lee Rivers of Portsmouth, RI; sisters-in-law Karen, Julie, and Laura Polvinen, and Lisa Perry; brothers-in-law Richard and Eino Polvinen, and Craig Perry; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless close friends, including many he had known since childhood. Others, like his deeply valued aide Nathaniel, became dear to him even in just a few months. He was predeceased by his sister, Kim Mead, whom he adored.

A 1967 graduate of Stoughton High School, Barry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971, including a tour in Vietnam in 1969. As a Sergeant in the 553rd Military Police Company of the 101st Airborne Division, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his distinguished service. His additional honors include the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

Following his military service, Barry built a successful career in sales at New England Transit, where he sold school buses and truly loved his work, retiring in 2020. He shared a passion for automobiles with his son Todd and held lifelong loves for live music, dancing, and playing the drums. Barry found great joy in golfing, boating, and spending time with his grandchildren, especially cheering them on at their games and activities. He also loved working side by side with Janice in their yard, taking pride in the beautiful space, they created together. He and Janice treasured their winters in Naples, FL, among dear friends in the Royal Wood community. A loyal friend to many, he always made time to connect and celebrate life with an infectious smile, warmth, humor, and a joyful spirit. Like Lou Gehrig, who also faced ALS, Barry would never hesitate to tell anyone that he felt certain he was the luckiest man on earth.

Funeral Services will be held at Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rte. 27), Stoughton on Thursday, July 3 at 9:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, Stoughton. Visiting Hours will be Wednesday, July 2 from 4:00–7:00 PM.

Interment will take place at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne on Wednesday, July 23 at 11:15 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574, or online at www.ccals.org

• The ALS Association, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 37022, Boone, IA 50037, or online at www.als.org