Daniel J. Meade of Pittston died Wednesday. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Joan Burns Meade, in October 2013. Born May 27, 1929, in Pittston, son of late Gordon and Kathryn Gaffney Meade, he was a 1947 graduate of St. John the Evangelist High School, Pittston. He was a three-year veteran of the Army, serving during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Police for 37 years, retiring as a sergeant in 1989. During his career, he served in various capacities at stations throughout the state including Reading, Somerset, Bedford, Plymouth Meeting, Poconos, Bethlehem, Doylestown, Trevose, Easton and Hazleton. He was promoted to corporal in 1965 and sergeant in 1971. In addition to being a certified firearms instructor, Sgt. Meade was also a former criminal law and vehicle code instructor in Troop M, Bethlehem and Troop N, Hazleton. Sgt. Meade was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, and a member of the Retired State Police Association of Pennsylvania. He spent many of his youthful summers at the Fisherman's Rest Cabin on the Susquehanna River in Mehoopany, and later used his excellent craftsman skills to maintain the structure and grounds for his extended family to enjoy for many decades. Fishing, swimming, safe firearm use and a strong work ethic were some of the skills and qualities that were passed on from the many special trips north to the cabin. His billiard skills were legendary, often challenged, but rarely surpassed by opponents. Although reserved and humble about his own life and many significant events, he was most proud of his children and would beam over their accomplishments. He was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Anne Meade; and a brother John Meade. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William St., Pittston. Those attending are asked to go directly to church Saturday morning. Interment, Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Friends may call Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., at Peter J. Adonizio Funeral Home, 251 William St., Pittston.

Published in Scranton Times on Nov. 14, 2013.