John prepared at Phillips Andover Academy. At Princeton he majored in economics, belonged to Cap and Gown, and roomed with Win Allegaert, James Mead, and George Shaver.
He earned a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School and practiced in Chicago, northern Illinois, and Florida.
John had deep family ties to Martha’s Vineyard and was a lifelong summer resident, moving there permanently in 1994 when he retired. His father had family roots on the island going back several generations. His mother was a noted painter and a founder of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association. His marriages to Patricia Reeve Mead and Jacqueline Mead ended in divorce.
As a young man, John was an accomplished sailor in Edgartown, Mass., and Chicago, where he regularly participated in the Chicago to Mackinac race. He also relished fishing and hunting.
John was predeceased by brothers Sumner and Peter Mead. He died Feb. 3, 2017, in Martha’s Vineyard. John is survived by daughters Amy Mead and Emily Mead-Santos and two granddaughters.