Leon "Bud" Meader Jr., 84, Passes Away at Home in Rochester, NH

Leon "Bud" Meader Jr., aged 84, passed away peacefully at his Rochester, NH, home on Friday, August 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

 

Born on March 6, 1941, in Charleston, Maine, Bud was the eldest son of the late Leon and Mary Meader Sr.

 

After attending Wentworth Institute in Boston, MA, he returned to the family farm on Meaderboro Road and married his beloved wife, Ruth Lee Gray.

 

Bud's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish several successful ventures, including Budel Construction Corp, Meader Supply Corp, and Meader's Heritage Farm, renowned for their Granite State Belgians.

 

His commitment to the community was evident through his service on numerous boards, such as the North American Horse Council, Rochester Economic Development Commission, Rochester Fair Association, NH State Foresters Licensing Board, NH State Agricultural Advisory Board, Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Maine Wilderness Watershed Trust, and a remarkable 35-year tenure with Profile Bank in Rochester.

 

Recognized for his extensive knowledge of New Hampshire antiques and history, Bud was a respected figure in the community.

 

He cherished time spent in the woods and on the farm with his family.

 

Bud is survived by his brothers, David (Mary Jo) Meader and Neil (Barbara) Meader, both of Maine; his son, Robert (Polly) Meader of Rochester, NH; daughters, Linda Beachy of Ohio, and Lorraine (Dana) Rines of Rochester, NH.

 

His legacy continues through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Christine (Jonathan) Langley and their children William, Thomas, and Theodore; Kimberly (Christopher) Garcia; Elizabeth Meader (Matt Giordano); Heather Meader (Aaron Ciotti); Robert (Virginia) Beachy; Benjamin Beachy; David (Esther) Beachy; Samuel (Cati) Rines and their children Eleanor and Oliver; and Daniel (Paige) Rines.

 

He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Lee Meader; son-in-law, Dean Beachy; and grandson, Steven Beachy.

 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main Street, Rochester, NH.

 

A memorial service will follow at 4:00 PM in the funeral home's chapel.

 

Interment will take place at the Meader Family Burying Ground in Rochester, NH.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bud's memory may be made to the Maine Wilderness Watershed Trust, PO Box 5660, Augusta, ME 04332-5660.

 

Bud's passing is a significant loss for Rochester, but his contributions and the love he shared will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.