David Norton Read

GUILDERLAND - David “Dave” Norton Read, 80, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, November 14th, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY. He was born on July 26th, 1945 in Utica, NY to the late Edgar and Jane (Norton) Read. David graduated from Herkimer Senior High School in 1963 and Union College in 1967. Following his graduation, he chose to join the U.S. Peace Corps where he volunteered from 1967 to 1969 in Sarawak, East Malaysia (Borneo). Upon his return, he began his career as a 9th and 10th grade Global Studies teacher at Shaker High School. In pursuing his passion as a teacher, he met the love of his life and married Josephine “JoAnn” (Scaduto) Read. During his 35-year tenure he enjoyed building sets for the high school plays and musicals and served as the NYSUT representative. Following his retirement in 2005, he continued his career as an educator preparing and correcting Regents Exams in Global History. His passion for history and travel took him and his wife JoAnn, along with many family and friends, around the world - from Italy to Egypt, the Danube, Scotland and many other beautiful beaches and places. While he enjoyed traveling, he was just as happy being at Piseco Lake - an important part of his family’s legacy. He looked forward to each year’s “Cuz Weekend” and building memories with the growing next generation of the Read family. Dave was at heart a selfless and generous man whose greatest pleasure was in helping other people. He expressed his love through creative acts of kindness, especially his photo collages. A rare blend of quiet strength and genuine humility, he was the adhesive between the Read family of today and our past, teaching us the value and importance of staying connected and caring for one another. His presence, guidance, and thoughtfulness will echo in our lives forever.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 49 years, JoAnn Read; children Michael Read (Alyssa) of Saratoga Springs, NY; and Elizabeth Hennessey (Jared) of Vienna, VA; grandchildren Hailey and Henry Read and Ethan and Natalie Hennessey. Siblings Jane Drake (Donald), Doug Read (Connie) and Susan Read, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and close friends. Dave is predeceased by his parents Edgar and Jane Read, his brother John Read and Carolyn Moyer Read.

Dave has been privately cremated. Memorial calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 20th, from 4 to 7pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 5216 Western Tpke, Guilderland. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 21st, at 10am at the funeral home, followed by Interment in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. In honor of Dave’s wishes, and his love of sports, donations in his memory can be made to The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.