John Mark Read
November 6, 1951 – October 17, 2024
John Mark Read, affectionately known as “Jack,” age 72, of Lusby, Maryland, and formerly of Hampton, Virginia, passed away on October 17, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Born on November 6, 1951, in Newport News, Virginia, John was the beloved son of the late Nancy Read Whitacre and Frank Garvin Read.
John is survived by his loving wife, Robin Read, with whom he shared over 30 wonderful years of marriage since their wedding on December 4, 1993. He leaves behind his children, Savannah Read of Lexington Park, MD, and Mark Read of Pasadena, MD; his stepdaughter, Stephanie Pulsinelli of Lusby, MD; and his cherished grandchildren, Lilly Lankford, Layla Lankford, and Calianna Straughn, all of Lusby. He will also be deeply missed by his siblings, Craig Read of Yorktown, VA, and Betty Read of Grafton, VA, along with a host of extended family, dear friends, and former students.
John was a proud graduate of Kecoughtan High School, Class of 1970, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon College. In 1993, he moved to Calvert County, Maryland, from Hampton, Virginia, where John began his impactful career as a Social Studies teacher with the Calvert County Public School System. His dedication to teaching spanned 19 years, during which he left an indelible mark on his students and colleagues. John retired in June 2018, though his legacy of kindness, curiosity, and passion for learning lives on in all those he taught.
A devoted member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Lusby, John’s faith and commitment to community were evident in all he did. His warmth, humor, and gentle spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on November 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, located at 11000 H.G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657, with Pastor Dave Showalter and Pastor Myungha Baek officiating. Green, John’s favorite color, will be the color of the day, a symbol of the vibrancy and warmth he brought into the lives of others.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor John’s memory by contributing to a cause dear to his heart or by simply performing a kind act in his memory. John’s legacy of love, wisdom, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
Visitation
Saturday, November 9, 2024
10:00 am – 11:00 am
St. Paul United Methodist Church
11000 H G Trueman Road
Lusby, MD 20657
Services
- Funeral Service
Saturday, November 9, 2024
11:00 am
St. Paul United Methodist Church
11000 H G Trueman Road
Lusby, MD 20657
Interment
- Inurnment
Contributions
Condolences
Sort Comments
22 Oct 2024
8:22pm
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I always enjoyed talking to him about life and Jesus. My condolences to the Read family. Stephany
City
Lusby
State
MD
27 Oct 2024
9:41am
John was an awesome individual. My daughter, Brandy, loved having him as a teacher and loved to goof around with him at church. He was a very sweet and caring man. He will be missed. Karen Richardson
City
Prince Frederick
State
MD
27 Oct 2024
2:57pm
John and I met at Newport News Shipbuilding and DryDock Co. We were in the same RADCON CLASS. John was a gentle giant unlesss he was playing rugby. He always talked about his passion for teaching. My condolences to his loving family and friends
City
Crofton
State
MD
30 Oct 2024
4:12pm
I had Mr. Read for history in 10th grade at Pax back in 2009. He was the most gentle soul and such a kind man. He never judged you based on appearance, he would get to know you. I would see him in public and he would instantly remember who I was and encouraged my life goals. Excellent role model and a great teacher. May God rest his soul.
City
Lusby
State
MD
27 Oct 2024
4:07pm
My husband and I moved to Calvert in 1993 and began attending St. Paul’s UMC in Lusby where we met John and Robin. Our kids not only knew John at church but they also had him as a teacher. Our deepest sympathies to Robin and the family. We will be out of town on November 9th and will be thinking of you all.
City
Lusby
State
MD
27 Oct 2024
8:24pm
He was a kind and generous teacher, and it really felt like he tried to connect with students about what was really important in life, and how history could better help us understand that. I’m grateful I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Read.
City
Anchorage
State
Alaska
27 Oct 2024
8:33pm
I am very saddened to hear of John’s passing. I enjoyed teaching with him at Northern High School. He could always make those of us around him smile.
City
Solomons
State
MD
28 Oct 2024
7:37am
Words cannot express how this soul of a man, make you feel like you’re important, regardless of what you were going through or who are. Mr. Read’s love for his LORD, reflected on his love for his FAMILY, as well as those he came in contact with on a daily basis. John Read had such a great soul. Family I know that you will miss him as your earthly angel but know now that you have another heavenly angel. JOHN READ, I have, and I will miss you!
City
Lusby
State
MD
28 Oct 2024
9:51am
So very sorry to hear that Jack passed! He was such a warm and wonderful man and I know my son enjoyed having him as a teacher. He was such a people person and always remembered my name when we saw one another. Robin, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers – sending hugs your way!
City
Omaha
State
Nebraska
28 Oct 2024
11:00am
Robin and Family,
John was an inspiration to me (Stephen) personally. His gentle spirit, sense of humor, and above all, his deep commitment to our Lord was very evident to all. Two favorite memories; John and I sitting on the bench outside of St Paul’s Activity Center and enjoying a moment in fellowship – I was having a tough time, and he could relate, and provide a kind message on Gods unwavering plan for our lives. The other was at Patuxent HS, John was weeding the flowers outside the school entrance on an ‘activity day’. I was picking up one of the boys (Scott or Zac) and was surprised by this simple act- John said it made him happy and got him away from some of the work grind. We can all relate for sure!
John was a not just a believer in Christ, he was a follower of the Living Savior, Jesus!
– Steve & Sharon Nicholson
City
Lusby
State
MD
28 Oct 2024
11:29pm
An extremely nice individual that never seem to be unhappy. He made people around him feel extra special. He will be missed by many many people. God is welcoming him in heaven.
City
Lusby
State
Md
29 Oct 2024
5:47am
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a dear man and a great Christian role model to everyone around him. My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family Robin. May he Rest In Peace…
City
Mchenry
State
Illinois
29 Oct 2024
3:34pm
I knew John as a fellow Radiation Protection Technician at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear power plant. He was intelligent, kind, professional and a caring person with a fun sense of humor. He was also a qualified Health Physics instructor for the Radiation Protection Training Department at Calvert Cliffs. John was appreciated and respected at Calvert Cliffs. John will be mourned and missed by all who knew him. ❤️ Chris Brevig
City
Chesterfield
State
Virginia
30 Oct 2024
3:54pm
I love you deeply and eternally. My heartfelt hug and condolences to your entire family and ALL who knew and loved your “Beloved John!” So very grateful you know the God of all comfort and that we as a family of “believers” can uphold you all in our prayers. In Christ, your sister Neicy
City
North Beach
State
Maryland
8 Nov 2024
12:28pm
I am heartbroken to hear of John’s passing. He was a very kind man who welcomed my daughter and I into the church. His genuine love will be missed .
City
Lynnwood
State
WA
9 Nov 2024
4:34pm
Robin, Mark, Savannah and family,
So very sad to hear of this news. What an incredibly kind and generous man John was; generous with his love of Christ. And it was always obvious to me the beautiful love he had for you and your family. Just seeing you and John together, and with the kids was seeing joy.
I can think of dozens of ways John touched me and our family: always joyful, smiling, willing to stop and listen. I remember when we were going through a hard time with Billy, he stood as a great role model at youth group (Billy has grown into a good man and Christ loving adult now) he was particularly kind, always ready to listen. I know that John played a part in both Liz and Billy experiencing Christ. We have lost a great soldier and a truly dear man.
Robin, I’m so deeply sorry. Please know that you have my love and prayers.
Kelly ❤️
City
String: Howell
State
string:MI
Sort Comments
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I always enjoyed talking to him about life and Jesus. My condolences to the Read family. Stephany
John was an awesome individual. My daughter, Brandy, loved having him as a teacher and loved to goof around with him at church. He was a very sweet and caring man. He will be missed. Karen Richardson
John and I met at Newport News Shipbuilding and DryDock Co. We were in the same RADCON CLASS. John was a gentle giant unlesss he was playing rugby. He always talked about his passion for teaching. My condolences to his loving family and friends
I had Mr. Read for history in 10th grade at Pax back in 2009. He was the most gentle soul and such a kind man. He never judged you based on appearance, he would get to know you. I would see him in public and he would instantly remember who I was and encouraged my life goals. Excellent role model and a great teacher. May God rest his soul.
My husband and I moved to Calvert in 1993 and began attending St. Paul’s UMC in Lusby where we met John and Robin. Our kids not only knew John at church but they also had him as a teacher. Our deepest sympathies to Robin and the family. We will be out of town on November 9th and will be thinking of you all.
He was a kind and generous teacher, and it really felt like he tried to connect with students about what was really important in life, and how history could better help us understand that. I’m grateful I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Read.
I am very saddened to hear of John’s passing. I enjoyed teaching with him at Northern High School. He could always make those of us around him smile.
Words cannot express how this soul of a man, make you feel like you’re important, regardless of what you were going through or who are. Mr. Read’s love for his LORD, reflected on his love for his FAMILY, as well as those he came in contact with on a daily basis. John Read had such a great soul. Family I know that you will miss him as your earthly angel but know now that you have another heavenly angel. JOHN READ, I have, and I will miss you!
So very sorry to hear that Jack passed! He was such a warm and wonderful man and I know my son enjoyed having him as a teacher. He was such a people person and always remembered my name when we saw one another. Robin, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers – sending hugs your way!
Robin and Family,
John was an inspiration to me (Stephen) personally. His gentle spirit, sense of humor, and above all, his deep commitment to our Lord was very evident to all. Two favorite memories; John and I sitting on the bench outside of St Paul’s Activity Center and enjoying a moment in fellowship – I was having a tough time, and he could relate, and provide a kind message on Gods unwavering plan for our lives. The other was at Patuxent HS, John was weeding the flowers outside the school entrance on an ‘activity day’. I was picking up one of the boys (Scott or Zac) and was surprised by this simple act- John said it made him happy and got him away from some of the work grind. We can all relate for sure!
John was a not just a believer in Christ, he was a follower of the Living Savior, Jesus!
– Steve & Sharon Nicholson
An extremely nice individual that never seem to be unhappy. He made people around him feel extra special. He will be missed by many many people. God is welcoming him in heaven.
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a dear man and a great Christian role model to everyone around him. My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family Robin. May he Rest In Peace…
I knew John as a fellow Radiation Protection Technician at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear power plant. He was intelligent, kind, professional and a caring person with a fun sense of humor. He was also a qualified Health Physics instructor for the Radiation Protection Training Department at Calvert Cliffs. John was appreciated and respected at Calvert Cliffs. John will be mourned and missed by all who knew him. ❤️ Chris Brevig
I love you deeply and eternally. My heartfelt hug and condolences to your entire family and ALL who knew and loved your “Beloved John!” So very grateful you know the God of all comfort and that we as a family of “believers” can uphold you all in our prayers. In Christ, your sister Neicy
I am heartbroken to hear of John’s passing. He was a very kind man who welcomed my daughter and I into the church. His genuine love will be missed .
Robin, Mark, Savannah and family,
So very sad to hear of this news. What an incredibly kind and generous man John was; generous with his love of Christ. And it was always obvious to me the beautiful love he had for you and your family. Just seeing you and John together, and with the kids was seeing joy.
I can think of dozens of ways John touched me and our family: always joyful, smiling, willing to stop and listen. I remember when we were going through a hard time with Billy, he stood as a great role model at youth group (Billy has grown into a good man and Christ loving adult now) he was particularly kind, always ready to listen. I know that John played a part in both Liz and Billy experiencing Christ. We have lost a great soldier and a truly dear man.
Robin, I’m so deeply sorry. Please know that you have my love and prayers.
Kelly ❤️