Elmer E. “Butch” Read III
June 7, 1950 - October 4, 2024
Elmer E. “Butch” Read III, age 74, passed peacefully on Friday, October 4th, with family by his side after a valiant battle against cancer.
Born in Wilmington, DE on June 7, 1950, he grew up in Newark, DE graduating from Christiana High School and the University of Delaware. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity at Delaware. Butch began his career as a science educator primarily in the Christina School District. He was also an entrepreneur becoming a successful businessman as owner of several Dairy Queen franchises, owning and managing several apartment units in New Castle County and running a successful Christmas tree enterprise for many years. He was driven to succeed and provide a wonderful life for his family.
He was an active member of the Newark United Methodist Church serving on many committees over the years. He had a passion for travel and golf. He also was a connoisseur of wine and proud of the wine cellar he constructed in his home, which included many bottles collected during his extensive travels.
Butch was a dedicated family man who loved his family intensely. He was always available to provide help and support whether it was for his wife, children, parents, siblings or nieces and nephews.
Butch was preceded in death by his first wife, Winona Mae S. Read (1996), his parents, Joan and Elmer E. Read, Jr., mother-in-law, Louise Goddin, his sister, MaryBeth Huey, and sister-in-law, Anne White. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Elizabeth G. “Betsy” Read, his sons, Stephen Read (Tara) and Frank Smith (Diana), his daughter, Christina Read (Marisa) and his beloved grandchildren: Aiden, Emma, Breanna, Cailyn and Kenzie. In addition, he will be missed by his siblings, Franklin “Bud” Read (Dorinda), Linda Read and Donna Pleasanton, his brothers-in-law, Jim White and Christopher Huey, and a host of nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A second visitation will be held from 9 am until 10 am on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Newark United Methodist Church, 69 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19711, where a memorial service will begin at 10:15 am, which will also be livestreamed at the Newark United Methodist Church YouTube channel. A private interment for the family will follow at the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Port Penn, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Butch’s memory to Delaware AeroSpace Education Foundation – DASEF, 5 Essex Drive, Bear, Delaware 19701 or online by clicking here; or the Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, P.O. Box 85, Montchanin, DE 19710 or online by clicking here; or to the Newark United Methodist Church designated to the Renewing Our Foundation campaign, at the address above or online by clicking here. If you are unable to attend, raise a glass of your favorite wine to celebrate Butch’s life and legacy.
James E Barber
Butch Read will be missed by me. He was like a older brother to me. Also he was a great friend too. Until we meet again. Praying for all the Read family. RIP Butch Read. James Barber
Mike Barko
Betsy and family, sending hugs and raising a glass to Butch.
Peg Small
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
LeeRoy Hanna
Our sincerest condolences to Betsy and your entire family. I will always cherish our interactions as Phi Tau brothers. We will miss you too until meet again sometime in the better place you have gone to.
Robin Sprintz Zizmont
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Read. He was my 8th grade science teacher and made class fun and interesting. He definitely made an impact on many many students over the years. May his memory be a blessing
RJ
Once a Viking always a Viking…RIP. Many fond memories of our days together at CHS.
Denise Marshallsea
So sorry to the family for your loss. Our family and your family were friends for a lifetime. We have such good memories of barbecue’s and visits.
Russ and Beth Over
Betsy and family- We were very sorry to hear of Butch’s passing.
He was always the one to keep the fraternity group together and through him we learned of important news about other brothers and their families. He will be sorely missed.
Butch was truly one of the good guys.
Amy Sawyer
I am sending my most sincere condolences to you Betsy, and the rest of your family. Having gotten to know you both over the last several years, I have a glimpse into the devastating loss you are all experiencing. I share in your sadness.
Bitsy George
Condolences to the whole family. I know Butch will be missed by many. I still talk about the wine dinner that Doug Frazier and I had in his wine cellar. I was honored to be invited. My heart goes out to Betsy and the whole family. I will always remember his generosity to me when I worked at Newark Country Club.
Lauren Wallace Bernardo
Dear Betsy (and family),
My deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband. May the happiest of memories help you through these most difficult days ahead.
With love,
Lauren Wallace Bernardo (UD c/o 1999, your former student teacher)
Scott Miller
My wife Sandra and I are very sorry for your loss.
Scott Miller
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Deborah Mc.
Dear Betsy, so very sorry for your loss. Praying that your memories of Butch will be a blessing to you and all who loved him.
Maria Perez Monzon (O’Neal)
To Betsy, Stephen, Frank, Christina, extended family and all loved by Butch, l send prayer for comfort and peace in this grief journey.
Maria Perez Monzon (Robert O’Neal)
Sally Pinto Krapf
Dearest Betsy
I was very sad to hear of Butch’s passing. Sending much love and many prayers for your family and especially for you. 🥰🙏🏻
Ann Jornlin
Dear Betsy,
I am so very sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. I know that he brought you much joy and love. May you cherish those precious memories together.
Much love, Ann
Tony Avallone
My deepest sympathy to the Read Family. Butch was a kind-hearted man. I will miss our talks and stories. God rest his beautiful soul and bless his family.
Tony A.
205NCass
Amy Eggert Dougherty
A fine gentleman from a fine family. The fond memories love on and sustain us.
Laura Mackey
Betsy & family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am away Oct. 17-20, but I will be with you in spirit & I will raise a glass to celebrate Butch’s life. Please let me know what I can do to help after everything quiets down. Hugs!
The O'Neal Gang (Erin, Regan, Cory & Cassie)
To our dear family (Betsy, Frank, Stephen & Christina) and all the family who loved and was loved by Butch:
We are holding you all close to our hearts today and into the coming days as you learn to navigate a new norm without this beautiful person in your lives. Keeping you all in our prayers and sending you all so much love and a virtual hug, until we are able to give you all one in person. Raising a glass to this man, his life, and his legacy he is leaving behind!
We love you!
The O’Neal Gang (Erin, Regan, Cory and Cassie).
Cheri & Jerry Hewlett
Dear Donna,
Our condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I hope that your brother finds peace in the loving arms of your parents and our loving God.
The Parting Glass
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all.
Love,
Cheri & Jerry
Susan Clark
Butch has been a friend for over 50 years. He roomed with my husband -to-be George Cotcher at the fraternity for several years. Butch and I were in the marching band together. He was funny and a good listener. After college, he and Winona threw a very special surprise baby shower for me. He was always a wonderful host for the Homecoming get togethers. He will be greatly missed but he has left a beautiful legacy in his family. I’m praying for Betsy and the extended family. May God comfort you and bless you with sweet memories through the difficult days.
John & Bonnie Burkert
I first met Butch in Jr High School at Christiana! I got transferred back to Newark for high school, but we kept in touch through college at UD and through the years and ended up as neighbors in our first houses, and started our families across the street from each other. Had a delightful trip to France together and were hoping for more travel adventures. What a good friend he was. John and I will miss him terribly. Betsy, our thoughts are with you and the family. Bonnie & John
Linda
Butch, you will be missed. You were a great person in every way. Prayers for your family.
Meri Stearns
Dear Betsy and Family,
I am heartbroken to learn of Butch’s passing. There are so many fond memories of him from college days and all the years of his organizing tailgating and homecoming parties to bring everyone together. May you find comfort in all the love surrounding you. God bless.