On August 18, in the midst of a “best day ever”, Walter Herbert Read Sr., 88, of Epsom, NH, passed peacefully during his late afternoon nap, to join his beloved wife, Gail, who had loaned him to us for an extra four years.
With heavy but full hearts we say goodbye to a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, mentor, visionary, and dear friend.
Walter was born in Hempstead, Long Island, NY, September 10, 1933, beloved son of Ernest William Read and Edith Phyllis Swain Read. After his 14th birthday, the family relocated to Pine Bush, where Walt soon met the love of his life, Janet “Gail” Marl.
During his high school years in Pine Bush, Walt was an active member of Future Farmers of America. He played varsity football and basketball for the Pine Bush Bushmen and shared the glory of league championships with both. After graduation from high school, he and Gail married and became 40 plus year residents of the community. They raised their five children Walter Herbert Jr., David “Mark”, Peter “Craig”, Rory Patrick and Heather Kerry in Walker Valley. Walter was an active member of the Walker Valley Volunteer Fire Department as assistant chief. He was also a Freemason with the Wallkill Masonic Lodge.
In 1951 he joined IBM. During his almost four-decade career at IBM, Walt was a dedicated employee, mentor and visionary. Walt believed strongly in people and the importance of all employees’ contributions to the success of a business. He was the Worldwide Executive of Compensation at IBM headquarters Armonk, NY. In his role, he was the creator of the merit-based pay programs and flexible work schedules across IBM. He was a contributing author to the book, Pay for Performance. He published numerous articles on related topics such as, “Productivity, Motivation and the Individual”. Walt was an alumnus of Stanford University where he graduated from their executive leadership program. He was a trusted adviser and mentor at work and home. His thoughtful business and personal advice was often sought and will be well missed.
After his retirement from IBM in 1989 Walt joined Blue Cross Blue Shield where he served as senior Vice President and chief HR officer. In 1995 Walt retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield.
He and Gail spent their time enjoying their homes in Epsom, NH and Citrus Hills in Ocala, FL, always surrounded by family and friends.
Walt leaves behind his five loving children and their spouses, thirteen beloved grandchildren and thirteen cherished great grandchildren. Walter Jr. and Diana of Pine Bush, NY along with their family; Bronwyn Paveglio and her children, Nolan and Gwen; Walter III and his wife Melissa; Collin and his wife Yasmim and their son Lucas. Mark and Patricia Tanner of Bow, NH and their son, Ryan and his wife Ali. Craig and Marianne of Thompson Ridge, NY and their son, Shaun, his wife Alexandra and their three children Aidan, Abigail and Benjamin. Rory and Mary of Miami, FL, along with their children; Jonathan and his wife Hannah; Alexander, wife Paige and their sons Ryder and Asher; Kevin, wife Maggie and their children Hadley and Wyatt; Sarah Kate and her fiancé Joshua Fuchs. Heather and Louis Barker of Epsom, NH and their family; Ian, wife Londa and their children, Aisleigh, Cameron and Weylin; Kaeleigh and her husband Christopher Van Valkenburgh; Torin Barker; ‘birthday twin’ Kennis Barker. Walter also leaves behind his sister Phyllis Youngblood and her husband Alfred of Pine Bush, NY. Walt also leaves behind his brother Paul Read of Norwich, NY, along with many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, numerous friends and extended family members. Besides his parents, Walt was predeceased by his granddaughter, Jessica Virginia, daughter of Craig and Marianne Read and his loving wife of 60 plus years, Gail.
Walt was fortunate to have his son, Mark and his daughter, Heather, living in NH along with their children and families, as well as the children and families of his oldest son, Walt and his son Craig. He was an important part of all their lives. His doting daughter, Heather, was a great source of aid and comfort to both of her parents. Walt was blessed with the gift of gab. He cherished conversations with his sister, Phyllis, who was a source of friendship, comfort and laughter. He enjoyed daily talks with his son, Walter. He also had frequent conversations with his brother Paul. His son, Craig, kept up with his dad as well, over phone chats and dropping by when visiting his son, Shaun and his family in NH. All the grandkids enjoyed their phone chats and visits with ‘Gramps’. His son, Rory, will dearly miss his frequent conversations with his dad, who was a personal and professional role model for him all of his life. Walt wished to return “home to Walker Valley”.
In true IBM HR executive fashion, he made many of the arrangements himself. Gail’s cousin, Richard (Greer) was an invaluable help to Walt in these preparations. His kindness, time and friendship are very much appreciated by the entire family.
Walt’s funeral will be held on Saturday October 22 at 9:15 a.m with a service at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Thompson Ridge,. Burial will follow at the Walker Valley Cemetery 3648 NY-52, Walker Valley, NY. The family is extending an invitation to all those who would like to join them for the services as well as a luncheon held at The Table located at 73 Clinton Street, Montgomery, NY.
For those who would like, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Walker Valley Volunteer Fire Department “New Truck Fund” at WVFC PO Box 370, Walker Valley, NY 12588.
Messages of condolences may be left at DeWittFH.com.