Fred R. Read, 81, of Pittsfield, died Friday, March 3 at Berkshire Medical Center.
Born in Pittsfield on July 18, 1940, the son of Fred A. and Viola Baronas Read, he was a 1958 graduate of Lenox High School. Fred made his home in Lenox Dale for most of his life.
Fred, or Freddy as he was known to most, was known for his vibrant, social personality and humor. He was a hard-working husband and father who kept busy gardening, heating the family home with wood, and taking care of his loved ones. He was an avid golfer who was a member of Cranwell Golf Course in the 1970s and was a Club Champion. He also enjoyed poker, scratch tickets, and cheap cigars.
Fred worked at a variety of places, starting out at GE which he soon left to pursue his passion for the outdoors, working as a heavy equipment operator. He also was employed at Lenox Machine Shop/Beloit Lenox as a machinist and as head groundskeeper at Eastover. After retirement, Fred continued to perform groundskeeping at Tanglewood and could often be found mowing his neighbors’ lawns.
Fred married Evelyn A. Twing Read on October 20, 1962. She predeceased him on September 11, 1992.
Mr. Read is survived by his children: Martha L. Read of Pittsfield, James R. Read (Allison) of Glen Allen, Virginia, and Sarah H. Read of Pittsfield; five grandchildren: Rebecca Read Li (Patrick), Julia, Kristin, Dylan, and Ellie Read; four great-grandchildren: Leah, Jayden, Elianna, and Evelyn; and siblings Judith Decker (Bob) of Pittsfield, and John Read of Pennsylvania.
There will be a celebration of Fred’s life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240. To share memories and stories, please visit Roche Funeral Home website.
