BANGOR – George M. Read, 67, died peacefully Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at home with family at his side after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 24, 1946, in Old Town, son of the late Walter and Marjorie (Maxim) Read.
George grew up in Orono and graduated from Orono High School in 1964 where he made a name for himself as a stellar running back for the football team much to the delight of his father and other fans. He also lettered in golf and competed in Junior Nationals in Virginia. George enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served on the USS Mauna Kea, an ammunition boat stationed off the coast of Vietnam. He received a number of medals, including four bronze stars. George returned to Maine and became an apprentice in the Bricklayer’s Union. He eventually started his own successful masonry business with his late wife and business partner, Joyce (Higgins) Read. George was always proud of his work and the fact that his buildings would stand long after he was gone. He worked all throughout Maine from Machias Savings Bank, Machias, to Miles Memorial Hospital, Damariscotta, to the border patrol station in Jackman. Outside of work and family, George had two other loves; golf and fishing. His love of golf started as a caddie at Penobscot Valley Golf Club, Orono, and continued until he died. He could always be counted on to play in any tournament in the area and could be found driving balls at the range after work just to relax. George interrupted his golf for a period to concentrate on fishing. He outfitted his boat with a fish finder and other gear determined to catch the biggest fish ever caught at Moosehead Lake. While he didn’t break a record, he did land a 17-pound lake trout. At the end of the day, however, George enjoyed the companionship of friends, a rousing discussion of politics and current events, a game of cards and a good joke. Those who knew him well will miss his quick smile and infectious laugh.
George is survived by his daughter, Tiffany Read; two grandsons, Dakota Maxim and Orion Read Cook, all of Philadelphia, N.Y.; sister, Judith Sullivan and partner, Brad Baughman, of Orono; brother, David Read and wife, Gloria, of Alton; and two nephews, John P. Sullivan of Wasilla, Alaska, and David A. Read of Arlington, Va.
A memorial service will be later in the summer. Contributions may be made in George’s name to Maine Veterans Home, Unit C, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401.
George Maxim Read
