ORONO – Harold “Peachy” Read was born March 3, 1926, in Orono, and died March 3, 2006, at a Bangor hospital. He was well known in Orono for his lively, humorous personality. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle. He spent several years of his life in Arizona and California, where he loved to hunt for Indian ruins and artifacts. He worked for various municipalities as a road maintenance worker and was the foreman for the Orono highway department. He built a trailer park in Orono called Havasu Pines, named for Lake Havasu which is on the California and Arizona border where he enjoyed spending time. He also helped to create a rock quarry near this park and much of the ledge extracted from there was used in the construction of Interstate 95. He spent the last years of his life living by this quarry with his son, Harold Read II. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He loved to laugh, had a zeal for life and lived on his own terms. He is survived by five children, Harold Read II, Miranda Read, Calista Harrison, Cathryn Wilson and Loreli Bennett; a sister, Joyce R. Brooks; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous friends. There will be a conversational gathering 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Pat’s Pizza in Orono, for those who wish to pay their respects and remember Harold. Coffee and donuts will be provided.
HAROLD ‘PEACHY’ READ
