Theodore E. Mead, 83, of Walton passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, following a long illness.

Ted was born on May 26, 1929 in Middletown, NY the son of the late Charles L. and Mary (Barber) Mead. On June 14, 1952 he married the former Jean Kellogg in Middletown. Ted was a 1947 graduate of Middletown High School, he first attended Michigan State University then went on to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis where he majored in naval aviation engineering. While at the Academy he taught sailing to the midshipmen. He had his flight training in Pensacola, FLA. He finished in Corpus Chrisit where he received his wings He then went on to Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, California in 1959. In 1965 he completed test pilot school at the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent, Maryland. His operational flying record in heavy attack aircraft included deployment aboard the USS Randolph, USS Intrepid, USS Ticonderoga, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, USS Forrestal. USS Kittyhawk and USS America with a total of 538 carrier landings. In 1972 he was stationed at the Naval Air Development Center, Warminster, PA as deputy director, vehicle technology department. Upon retirement he was awarded the Presidential Meritorius Medal, citation and certificate for outstanding service.

Upon retirement he, Jean and his family moved to Walton where he worked as a part time mail carrier for the USPS. He was a faithful member of the Christ Episcopal Church where he was warden and treasurer for many years. In his spare time he enjoyed skiing, playing golf, and working on his home.

Ted is survived by his loving family, his wife, Jean Mead, his children, Linda and Bob Renna of Florida; Barbara and Paul White of Walton; Sharon and Theodore Magill of Florida; and Kathryn Mead of Florida; his grandchildren, Robert, Alicia, Brian and Meghann, Matthew and Jessica, Megan and Matthew, Ryan, Derek, Eric, and Tristann, his great grandchildren, Clare, Charles, Avelyn, Henry, James, Elanor and several cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Susan at birth.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 2 PM at Christ Episcopal Church, 41 Gardiner Place, Walton with the Rev. Mother Sue Cole, officiating. Memorial contributions in Ted's memory may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 41 Gardiner Place, Walton.