Nelson Read, Robert

Robert Nelson Read, age 86, of 10 Academy St., Trumansburg, passed away on Friday, January 21, 2005, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Rochester, New York on May 5, 1918, Bob was the son of Nelson B. and Elizabeth Beisheim Read. Following graduation from Monroe High School in Rochester in 1938, Bob entered the New York State Merchant Marine Academy in Schuyler, NY. He graduated from the Academy in 1940 and enlisted in the US Navy on February 27, 1941.

Bob was a patriot who was not boastful, but very proud to have served his country. Spanning three wars, Bob began his career with the navy as part of the crew who commissioned the cargo ship, USS Castor. He was transferred to the mine sweeper/mine layer, USS Kingfisher which was anchored in Pearl Harbor during the attack on December 7, 1941. Bob also served under Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. His last tours of duty were aboard high speed tanker fueling ships, the USS Wabash and the USS Halawa. During the Korean Conflict Bob was recalled to active duty and he served as a recruiter during the Vietnam Conflict.

Following 37 years of service, Bob retired from the Navy on May 19, 1978 with the rank of Chief Quarter Master.

Bob was a member of the Church of the Epiphany in Trumansburg and the Arthur E. Bouton American Legion Post #770 in Trumansburg.

Surviving Bob are his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary Kathryn Read of Trumansburg; one son, Thomas Sears Read (Lynn) of Davis, CA; one daughter, Ann Elizabeth Viana (Peter) of Rochester; six grandchildren, Robert G. and Michael T. Read, Tracy L. and Gregory R. Corey and Alexis M. and Peter J. Viana; one great-grandson, Ryan D. Lane; two nieces, Barbara Buss and Linda Clark and one nephew, David Bascom. Bob was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Bascom.

The family will be present to receive their friends at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St. Trumansburg on Monday, January 24, 2005 from 7-9 PM.

Services will be held at the Church of the Epiphany, 23 Elm St. Trumansburg on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at 1:00 PM with the Rev. Gurdon Brewster officiating.

Contributions in Bob's memory may be directed to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, Church of the Epiphany, P.O. Box 459, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or to the Ulysses Philomathic Library, P.O. Box 705, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

For additional information please contact the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director