Peter L. Meadows

April 24th, 1944 - June 20th 2026

Peter L. Meadows, of Westford, Massachusetts, passed away on June 20, 2026, at the age of 82.

He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Joyce Meadows (Parker), with whom he shared over five decades of marriage since 1971. Together they built a life centered on family, love, and steadfast commitment.

Peter was the loving father of Brandon Meadows of Townsend, MA; Blair Meadows of Arlington, MA; and Kyle Meadows and his wife, Ryan, of Auburn, MA. He was a proud grandfather to Sydney and Andi Meadows and found much happiness in watching them grow. Peter is also survived by Paul McCarthy and his wife, Tracy, of Smithfield, RI, and their children, Brayden and Abigail, who lovingly knew him as Grandpa.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jesse Meadows and Lillian Meadows of Lexington, MA, and his siblings, Marilyn Peterson, Eleanor Ricard, Joanne Dailey, Kenneth Meadows, Gerald Meadows, Paul Meadows, and Jesse Meadows. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

Peter was a proud United States Marine who served with honor in the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat in December 1965 and was the first resident of Lexington, Massachusetts, to receive the award during the Vietnam War. His service to his country was a source of quiet pride throughout his life, something he carried with him every day as he proudly wore his signature red Vietnam Veterans of 2nd Battalion/1st Marines hat wherever he went. His life was a reflection of the Marine Corps values he carried with him always—faithful, steady, and true. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

In the years after his military service, Peter remained closely connected to his fellow veterans of the Vietnam War. He was an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of 2nd Battalion/1st Marines, a nationwide organization of fellow Marines who bravely served in the war. For many years, Peter served as the group's treasurer and as a trustee, where he played a key role in organizing yearly reunions around the country. He cherished the opportunity to attend these annual events and always looked forward to the next time he could reconnect with his 2/1 brothers.

Although Peter left high school during his senior year to enlist in the Marine Corps, he resumed his education upon returning home from service and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Accounting and a master's degree in Finance from Bentley University. He spent his professional career as a cost accountant for several large manufacturing companies, where he was respected for his diligence, precision, and integrity. In addition, he ran his own tax accounting business for more than 35 years, assisting a wide range of clients with the preparation of their personal and business tax returns each year.

One of his greatest passions in life was reading, and the art of the written word. Whether poetry or prose, Peter consumed literature with great enthusiasm. He spent countless hours each day reading and amassed an incredible collection of literary works that brought him great joy. An extremely quiet and humble man by nature, he often expressed complex thoughts and emotions through his own eloquent writing. Peter will be remembered by those who knew him for his quiet strength, humility, intellect, and unwavering devotion to his family and his country.

Family and friends are invited to attend a burial with military honors at Westview Cemetery in Lexington, MA, on Friday, July 10, at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter's memory to the Purple Heart Foundation, which aims to enhance the quality of life for Purple Heart veterans and their families.

Semper Fi.