“Rob” (Robert R.) Read of Piper City, IL, and Naples, FL, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2022, near Marathon, FL from a medical emergency while participating in one of his favorite activities, flying his own private plane.
Rob was born October 10, 1953, to Bob and Bonnie (Lange) Read in Pittsburg, PA while his father was in the service. In 1976 while in the hospital after surgery, he met the love of his life, nurse Sue Berry. They were married on January 14,1978. Together they raised their three sons on the family farm.
Rob and his brother Gary have farmed together for several years. Rob enjoyed farming, flying, boating, fishing, bowling, and spending time with his three grandsons. Rob is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sue, his two sons, Jeff (Julie) Read of Onarga, IL, and Craig Read of Fort Collins, CO. He leaves behind three beloved grandsons, Tyler, Trenton, and Teagan Read.
He is also survived by his brother, Gary (Lynn) Read of Roberts, IL, his mother-in-law Betty Berry, brothers-in-law Doug (Kelly) Berry and Bill (Sue) Berry all of Piper City, IL, several nieces and nephews, several cousins and many friends, since he was a friend to anyone he met. He was very generous and kind. Rob was preceded in death by his parents Bob (2012) and Bonnie (2020) and beloved son Andy (1994).
Rob was a member of the EAA, Sons of American Legion, Pella Township board and Piper City United Methodist Church. He was also a former Pella Township Republican Precinct Committeeman. He enjoyed camping in Shelbyville with best friends, wintering in Naples with the Lange families and friends going to Oshkosh and being on the Read farm. Rob was also a member of the NRA and enjoyed collecting guns. Sue would like to thank all family, friends and neighbors for their support, love and compassion during this difficult time.
Memorial visitation will be held on Monday, September 5, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Piper City Community Center at 64 W. Peoria St., Piper City, IL. The family requests casual attire be worn to the memorial visitation.
Memorials may be made to a scholarship set up through Parkland College in Rob’s name for aspiring pilots, Family’s Wishes or the Donor’s Choice.
Arrangements will be by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, IL.
Please share a memory of Rob at knappfuneralhomes.com.
