Joseph “Joe” Rafael Read, Jr Obituary (1960 - 2020)

Joseph "Joe" Rafael Read, Jr. passed away peacefully on October 4, 2020 with his wife by his side, at his beloved farm in Archer, Florida, after a long, hard, incredibly brave fight with cancer. He was 60 years old. Born on April 21, 1960 in Beverly, Massachusetts, he was the firstborn son of Joseph Rafael Read and Lea Ann (VonFlatern) Read. Joe graduated from Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, MA, where he excelled in football. Later he attended the University of Florida and forever identified as a Florida Gator. Guided by his independent and entrepreneurial spirit, Joe managed his own business for many years as a plumber and contractor, before ending his career as a highly respected superintendent with Robins & Morton. Joe will forever be remembered as a man with a determined personality, a love of classic rock, an unbelievable work ethic, a love of the outdoors with a passion for hunting and fishing, and someone who always lived life on his terms, his way. Joe felt his greatest accomplishment in life were his two daughters, Jana and Hanna, to whom he felt the utmost dedication and adoration. They have always been, and will forever be, "his girls." Joe was predeceased by his father in 2018 and by his beloved grandmother, Aida "Gooma" Read, in May of this year. The reunion as these two welcome Joe home must be a sight to see. Also awaiting Joe are his maternal grandparents, Leonard VonFlatern and Margaret "Peg" VonFlatern, as well as many close friends. Left to cherish his life and memories are: his devoted wife Nancy Landis Read, Archer, FL; his daughters Jana Michele Read and Hanna Lea Read, Orlando, FL; siblings Patrick Francis Read, Sr (Jeanna), Woodlawn, Va; Thomas James Read, West Jefferson, NC; Kimberly Read Curran (Phil), Aldie, VA; his mother, Lea VonFlatern Read, Aldie, VA; stepdaughters Rachel Duckworth (Jason), Slidell, LA, and Rhianna Duckworth (Nate), Orlando, FL; step granddaughters Luna and Kayden; nieces and nephews Patrick, Jamie, Cassie, Parker, Kaley, Chris, Jay and Brendan; numerous cousins; his family in Massachusetts, and a host of friends. A memorial service celebrating Joe's life will be held at a later date, to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the NASCAR Foundation.