Harold Frederick Read, Jr.

Harold Frederick “Fred” Read, Jr., 86, of Glen Mills, PA, passed away August 27, 2023.

Born January 12, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late Harold Frederick, Sr., and Anna E. (nee Clark) Read. Fred served honorably in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Stuttgart Germany as Military Police.

Fred was a first-class boilermaker welder for Gulf Oil for 25 years.  Upon retirement he opened his own contracting and welding business and he also specialized in Radon Mitigation for many years.  He ended his career working for Thornbury Township as Public Works director.

Fred loved the Villas NJ, where he could be found sitting on the deck most nights with Beach Family watching the Sunset.   He was a lifetime member of the Villas Fishing Club, loved his boat and deep-sea fishing. He was a member of the Greater Cape May Elks Lodge, American Legion Post #524 Ocean City, and Western Delaware Valley Lions Club.  Fred was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church for 50 years and served as a Trustee.  He served as Committee Man for the Delaware County Republican Party and was involved in local politics for many years.

Fred was the beloved husband of Helen (nee Willis) Read for 65 years; loving father of Renee Lam (Paul Marioni), H. Fred Read, III (Christy), and Kimberly Bryan (Robert); adoring Pop of Jennifer Ann Read, Tachia Read (Nathen Mitchell), Paul Marioni, III, and Emma Bryan; proud Great Grandpop of Read Cameron Mitchell and dear brother of John Read (Jane) and Eileen Matthews (Dale). He was predeceased by his grandson, Steven Lam; his son-in-law James Lam; and his sisters: Anna Filson and Ellen Gould.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church,  4 Westtown Rd, Thornton, PA 19373, followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Burial in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bethlehem United Methodist Church Benevolent Fund in honor of Fred Read, 4 Westtown Rd, Thornton, PA 19373.