EAST GREENBUSH — Edward “Ed” Mead, who served in the Navy and later ran a successful pool business, died on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Evergreen Commons nursing home in East Greenbush.

He was born on July 26, 1941 and grew up in Voorheesville, the son of Harold “Coach” Mead and Norma (née Weidman) Mead.

After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, and Naval Station Argentia, Newfoundland.

“As air crew, he traveled frequently to Europe and the South Pacific — he was particularly fond of New Zealand,” his family wrote in a tribute. “When he returned, he worked for Master Pools in Voorheesville, eventually starting his own business selling and installing redwood hot tubs (The Cooperage) before moving to Florida where the pool business was better.

“There he established a very successful company (The Pool People) building custom residential and commercial pools. On retirement, Ed returned to Voorheesville and enjoyed driving his tractor and being a gentleman farmer.”

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Edward Mead is survived by his daughter, Debra, and his “favorite” cousin Lynn Crounse; as well as by three ex-wives: Nola York, Joni (Murray) Molyneaux, and Elizabeth “Betti” (Carpenter) Mead.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, which is dedicated to funding research into preventing, slowing or reversing Alzheimer’s disease.