Cover photo for Thomas Merrill Read's Obituary
Thomas Merrill Read Profile Photo

Thomas Merrill Read

October 18, 1956 — October 15, 2022

Thomas Merrill Read

Thomas Merrill Read, 66, died suddenly on October 15, 2022 of an undetected congenital heart defect. He was born on October 18, 1956, son to Verne Ross Read and Marion Chester Read in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is survived by his adoring wife and best friend of 35 years, Lisa Read. He was beloved by his children and their partners, Andrew Read (Madeline), Alexander Read (Tenner), and Merrill Read (boyfriend Tom), and his best-buddy, grandchild, James Read. He is the youngest sibling of four and is survived by Verne Ross Read III (Mary), Alice Read, and Alexander Read (Cynthia). Also survived by his mother-in-law and brother-in-law, Constance and Loryn Posluszny, and many other loving family and friends.

Tom was a gentle man who was caring, compassionate, and curious about everyone he met. Teasing and jokes were said from the heart and he enjoyed learning about all kinds of people. He was a graduate of Gettysburg College and was a championship diver. Even at the age of 60, he attempted a 1 and 1/2 off the high drive, landing a perfect belly-flop. In his professional life, he was a commercial airline pilot for American Airlines for 32 years and flew DC-10s to Europe and the Caribbean and DC9 MD80s domestically. He was passionate about flying and loved to fly his pontoon plane, often surprising friends in the lake country. He was a dedicated volunteer, including sharing his love of flying with the Young Eagles Organization, with whom he flew on 15 flights within the last two weeks. He loved University School of Milwaukee, which he and his children attended, and he especially loved cheering on his three children in every one of their sporting events. He and Lisa filled their years in Naples, Florida with sunshine and activities with their many friends. He was also active in the Conservancy of Southwest Florida as a dock master and through this experience he became an avid bird watcher. He was already a lifelong bat lover inspired by his parents and as he served for years on the board of Bat Conservation International.

We will all miss Tom’s infectious joy, the twinkle in his eye, and as one uncle said, “the Lake will never be the same without his constant cheerfulness”. To know Tom was to love him.

The service will be held on Thursday, October 20th, at 11:00 am at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church at 914 E Knapp St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to some of his favorite causes: University School of Milwaukee, Young Eagles, and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Merrill Read, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Memorial Service

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

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