Ilion Herbert Spencer Mead, 93, a lifelong resident of Ilion, NY, and a career firefighter, answered his final alarm on Tuesday March 10, 2015 at Mohawk Valley Health Care Center in Ilion. Herb was born on February 9, 1922 in Ilion; he was the son of the late Howard and Ruby (Geary) Mead. He was a graduate of Ilion Schools and worked briefly for Remington Arms prior to enlisting in the US Navy during World War II. He served with U.S. Fleet Hospital #111 as a Pharmacist's Mate, and was a Heavy Equipment Operator while stationed on the island of Guam, in the Pacific Theatre from 1942-1946. On July 22, 1950 he married the former Mary Elizabeth Garlock in Ilion. Mary pre-deceased him on November 25, 2013. Herbert was a career firefighter with the Ilion Fire Dept., serving as a deputy Chief and retiring as Acting Chief after 28 years of service. When not on duty at the firehouse, Herb drove bus for Guido Bus Service and CNY Coach Line. Prior to entering the fire service Herb worked for the Ilion DPW. His love for the brotherhood of firefighters was second only to his family, yet in retirement he was able to pursue his other passion, cars. For several years he owned and operated Mohawk Motors and served as the Dock Master at the Ilion Marina for many summers. Herb was a member of the Ilion Methodist Church, the Ilion Lodge 1444 BPOE, a former member of the Ilion Moose Lodge 1010, and served on the Village of Ilion's Zoning Board of Appeals. Over the years he enjoyed camping in the RV, the family camp at Piseco Lake, motorcycling and snowmobiling with his family. Herb is survived by his sons Gary Mead of Ilion, NY; and Joseph (Becky) Mead of Mohawk, NY; and his daughter Terri (Michael) Haley of Shortsville, NY; and two granddaughters, Mariah Haley and Sarah Haley and a sister Shirley Jones of Ilion. Herb was pre-deceased by his brothers, Howard Jr., Stanley, Ralph, and his sister, Frances. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Herbert on Monday March 16, 2015 at 1:30pm at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego St. in Ilion, with Rev. Robert Wollaber officiating. Friends may call on from 12:30 until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider memorial donations to: The Ilion Ambulance Fund 1 Central Ave. Ilion, NY 13357 or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. To send an on line condolence please got to www.whiter-hendrix.com.