Former publisher of the Erie Times-News Michael Mead passed away Monday at his Florida home at the age of 85, according to his obituary.

Mead joined the family business in Erie as the newspaper began expanding after graduating from Harvard Business School.

He also served as the chairman of the Times Publishing Company, which owned the Erie Times-News until its sale to GateHouse Media in 2015.

Mead's family plans to hold a private memorial service in Florida.