Obituaries

Well, here I am, writing my own obituary. Life rarely turns out as you picture it. But after 77 years, I can honestly say I had a wonderful life, was blessed in many ways, and left with no regrets. I was born on September 18, 1949, in San Francisco to Kathleen (Malone) and William F. Meade. I passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026 - my 77th birthday - after living with ALS for more than three years. ALS gave me plenty to complain about, but it also showed me how much strength and a will to live can come from the people around you. My family rallied around me in ways I could never adequately repay. They helped me, supported me, encouraged me, and, most importantly, laughed with me every day.

There is one person I need to thank above everyone else: Mary Ellen. My partner in life. My wife. My travel companion. My angel. And, when ALS changed everything, my caregiver. Mary Ellen became the best caregiver I could ever have asked for. She took on a role neither of us expected, and she did it with love, patience, strength, and more devotion than I could ever put into words. She stood beside me through every stage of the disease and saved my life on many occasions. She was there for the difficult days, the frustrating days, the funny days, and all the ordinary days in between. Hon, thank you for 53 years of marriage, for building a life with me, for raising our children together, and for staying by my side when life became something neither of us had planned.

I graduated from Irvington High School in 1967 and attended Ohlone Community College, where I was named MVP of the 1968-1969 baseball team. I planned to continue my education at San Jose State University, but life had other plans. In August 1969, I was drafted into the U.S. Army. After basic training, I became a combat medic and served for 10 1/2 months in Vietnam. I was proud to serve my country and honored to receive a Purple Heart. My military service remained an important part of my life, and I always carried tremendous pride in having served. When I returned home, I became a respiratory therapist and worked at Vallejo General Hospital, Levine Hospital, and Washington Hospital. After 10 years in health care, I decided it was time for a change and followed my brother, William ‘Bill’ Meade, into the insurance business. I spent 17 years as an Allstate Insurance agent and later worked for 10 years as a financial inspector with Bay Cities Auto Auction.

Mary Ellen and I raised four children: Shawn, Bobby, Michelle, and Colleen. To my kids and my daughter-in-law, Michelle: Thank you. Thank you for taking time off work, helping Mom, arranging 15 pillows to make me comfortable, binge-watching TV with me, and being there at all hours of the day and night. I am proud of every one of you. Everything I did came from wanting the best for you four. To my grandchildren: Ryan (30), Trinity (19), Christopher (18), Janessa (17): You made me ‘Papa Reno’, and I could not have been prouder of that title. You four were among the greatest joys of my life. Being part of your upbringing, watching you all grow, thrive and succeed has meant more to me than you may ever fully know. I hope you remember me as someone who loved you completely.

I loved watching and playing sports, I loved animals, especially our family pets, and I loved traveling with our best friends. I enjoyed coffee ice cream and never saw the need to spend much money on sunglasses when a perfectly good pair could be found at the dollar store.

I played fast-pitch softball for many years before taking up golf. Somehow, I managed to get three holes-in-one. Three! I am not saying I was a great golfer, but I think the evidence speaks for itself. Mary Ellen and I also had the opportunity to travel the world. We loved cruising and all the adventures that came with it.

I was a proud member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and United States Volunteers. For more than 20 years, I performed military honors for fellow veterans through the USV. It was one of the greatest privileges of my life. There is something deeply meaningful about standing in uniform and honoring someone who gave part of their life in service to our country. I was also proud to represent the USV at Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day ceremonies and parades throughout the greater Bay Area.

I had the best sisters, Mo and Patty, along with many relatives, friends, and countless others who touched my life.

To everyone who helped care for me, visited me, called me, encouraged me, made me laugh, fed me, sat with me, worried about me, or prayed for me: Thank you. You gave me dignity. You gave me hope. You gave me reasons to keep fighting. Most of all, you gave me the greatest gifts one person can give to another: your time and your love. Please take care of Mary Ellen. Take care of one another. Keep family close. Tell the stories. And when you think of me, I hope you smile more often than you cry. Remember the good stuff. Remember the laughs. Remember the adventures. Remember the cheap sunglasses. Mary Ellen, my children, my grandchildren, my family, and my friends: You were the best parts of my life. Thank you for everything. I love you all. Now go have a hot dog, find a good deal, and enjoy the ride. I've already got a tee time. – Bob

The Meade family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Bob’s team of amazing doctors and ALS Clinic Team at the VA in Palo Alto, CA.

Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fremont, CA on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 10:30am. His final resting place will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.