Robert E. Meade

Robert E. Meade, 80, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at Crouse Hospital on Monday, January 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Syracuse to the late Raymond and Bernadette (McCarthy) Meade. He retired after 42 years at the American Arbitration Association (AAA) where he was known as “The Road Warrior”. His work for the AAA brought him coast to coast weekly; his schedule was demanding, but his talent for building AAA arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution spanning across industries was impressive and recognized in his field. He began at AAA in 1967 in Syracuse as a case manager and his journey lasted 42 years ending as senior vice president. Along the way there were countless television network appearances, speaking engagements, prestigious awards, friendships established, and impressions made. Bob was considered an all-around great guy by all he helped, and an “institutional treasure” at the AAA. Upon his retirement he was asked to share a piece of career advice and he responded with, “Treat every day that you go to work as a brand-new day. Take every opportunity that presents itself and run with it. Before you know it, 42 years have gone by.” Bob was a pillar in his community of North Plainfield, Somerset County, NJ. He was elected as the president of the North Plainfield council, a Somerset County Mental Health Association board member, a softball coach, a soccer coach, and the friend in the neighborhood with a chainsaw when trees needed to be removed after a storm. He was the first to show up and help anyone who needed it. Bob was an incredible son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and dad to his kids’ friends. Everyone loved Mr. Meade, Bob, Uncle Bob, Pop Pop and his passing will leave a massive void for so many. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings, Raymond, Timothy, Thomas, and James, and his in-laws, Paula, Kathy, Noni, Connie, and Irene. Bob is survived by his wife, MaryBeth (Recuparo) Meade; his children, Stephanie Meade Zumbuhl, Robert Meade, Jr., and Edward Meade (Linda Cho Meade); his grandchildren, Abigail, Amelia, and Audrey Zumbuhl, Isabella and Edward Meade Jr.; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will take place from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. on Friday, January 12, 2024 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse. A funeral mass in celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 13, 2024 in Our Lady of Pompei/ St. Peter Church, 301 Ash St. Syracuse. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Robert E. Meade

July 27, 1943 - January 8, 2024