Lawrence "Joe" Read

We sadly announce the loss of our dear brother and uncle, Joe, who passed away April 19, 2024 due to complications from his cancer treatment.

Joe was born in Seattle on March 23, 1935. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Helen (McGee) Read and by his seven older brothers, David, John Paul, Edwin Jr., Richard, William (Rev. Denis Read OCD), Thomas, Daniel (Rev. Ignatio Read) and Gerald. He is survived by his sister, Carol, and a large, extended family who simply adored him.

Educated in Seattle at St. Joseph School, Seattle Prep (1953), and Seattle University (1957), he subsequently attended the Army Air Defense School at Fort Bliss TX, attaining the rank of Captain. From 1960 to 1970 Joe taught grade school in the Lake Washington School District and served as vice president of its Education Association during his final year.

Joe was a builder - of homes, community projects, and family relationships. He enjoyed working on multiple family construction projects with his brothers, including his own retirement home on Whidbey Island. From 1979 to 1993 he worked for the Pike Place Preservation and Development Authority, helping to house the elderly, disabled and retired, as well as market workers at the Stewart House and other market projects. He later managed the historically restored Larned Apartments for the Capitol Hill Housing Improvement Project.

But his greatest gift to us was how he built lasting and loving relationships with our family. He was our beloved Uncle Joe. He never missed a gathering, always the kindest person in the room to all he encountered, and the most enthusiastic voice at the annual family Christmas Caroling party.

In retirement Joe and his sister Carol shared an apartment across the street from Volunteer Park before moving together to the Norse Home. He felt lucky to be able to travel extensively, most often with family members.

Besides his extended family he leaves behind his dear friends Grant and Austra Gauger, the Moshier family, Joe Martin of the Pike Market Clinic, and Joan Paulson, a co-worker on many projects from the Downtown Human Services Council to the Seattle Neighborhood coalition and Pike Market Constituency.

Kind people are the best kind of people, and Joe made a difference in everything he did, with everyone he touched - his family, his friends, and the Seattle community. Godspeed, Joe, we will miss you.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 11th at the St. Ignatius Chapel on the Seattle University campus, 901 12th Avenue, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, kindly direct memorial donations to Solanus Casey Center, Pike Market Medical Clinic, Pike Place Market Constituency, Catholic Community Services