Obituary of Jesse Warren Read

ROCHESTER, NY – January 7, 2024 Jesse Warren Read, age 87, of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully at home, on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Jesse was born in Rochester, NY to Clarence and Louise Read on August 16, 1936. He was one of nine children; 7 boys and 2 girls. Jesse attended the Church of God and Saints of Christ, 15th Tabernacle, of Rochester, NY, under the leadership of the late Elder Joseph S. Jeffries, where Jesse served as Sabbath School Superintendent. Jesse graduated from Madison High School and attended Brockport College, where he was the President of the Black Student Liberation Front organization (BSLF). Jesse was formerly married to Gloria Stewart and from that union, they had two children, Carla and Scott. Jesse worked hard throughout his life and had the privilege of being employed at places such as Eastman Kodak (Roll Coating) and SUNY Brockport where he dedicated 30 years of his career before retiring. Jesse was involved in many activities. He umpired and was a referee for men's and women's softball games and he coached the Jenks and Jones Ladies team. He also played in a softball league. Jesse was an Assistant Coach for his son Scott's Western Eagles Football Team in Hamlin and in addition, he coached Pop Warner football leagues. Jesse bowled and was a part of several bowling leagues and he received a ring for a perfect 300 game at Brockport Bowl. Jesse had a passion for fishing and was a handyman; repairing things for family and friends; such as bicycles, televisions, etc. He enjoyed playing cards with his family; his favorite card game was Tonk. In addition, he enjoyed board games like Scrabble and Monopoly and doing various types of puzzles (especially jigsaw puzzles with his daughter, Carla). Jesse was fond of the horse races at Batavia Downs, going for walks with his scooter, sharing stories of his childhood and spending time with his grandchildren and family. Jesse was an extremely generous person, with a wonderful sense of humor. Jesse is survived by his daughter, Carla (Robert) Gavin, his son, Scott Read, their mother, Gloria Stewart Read, his grandsons, Warren Read and Jared (Gabrielle) Gavin, his granddaughters, Shuree and Marissa Gavin and Sabrina and Sierra Read. Jesse is also survived by his beloved sister, Miriam Roberts, his brother Edward (Ralph) Read and Tina Elliott. Additionally, he leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and lifelong friends who will cherish his memory. Jesse's life was also enriched by the love and care provided by his devoted partner, Lyn Walker, who stood by his side for an incredible 32 years. Lyn played an instrumental role in Jesse's life, especially during his challenging times, offering unwavering love, support and compassion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Louise Read, his brothers Isaac, Jacob, David, Matthew and Raymond Read and his sister, Beulah Ransom. Flowers can be sent, prior to the service, directly to Faith Church, 1876 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620. Donations can be made in his memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital through their website at www.stjude.org or by phone at 800-805-5856. Calling hours will be Monday, January 22, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Faith Church, 1876 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14620. The funeral service to celebrate his life will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Robert Taylor officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, 1133 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620.