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
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
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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.
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
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
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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