Kenneth W. Reader, age 89, died on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at the Prescott House In North Andover following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Adeline M. (Moore) Reader with whom he shared 64 years of devotion in marriage.
Born November 15, 1919 in Bristol, England, he was the younger of two sons of the late Richard and Emily Reader. While growing up in Lawrence, Kenneth was especially proud of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. Prior to his graduation from Lawrence High School class of 1938, Ken enjoyed playing for the football team.
In 1939, together with his lifelong friend Morris Panebianco he joined the United States Navy. Serving abroad the Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger during the second world war as an Aviation Ordinance man. While in the service he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer also serving in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. After the war he remained in the reserves and was called to back up to active duty for the Korean War, Stationed at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. He served as an Naval recruiting officer for Lawrence Naval Reserve. At this time and with the help of his wife he was able to maintain and grow his new business the Kenneth W. Reader Insurance Agency. During his professional career he was an enthusiastic member of the Lawrence Lions Club receiving his 50 year pin in 2002, A life member of the Lawrence Counsel 67 Knights of Columbus and an active member of St. Michael Parish in North Andover. He served 15 years on the Board of Directors & Chairman of the Eye Research Committee, and belonged to the Masonic Golf League. Also served on various other fund raising committees.
Besides his wife Addie he was survived by his son Kenneth R. "Dick" and wife Katherine of Windham, NH, his daughter Susan M. Armenia and her husband Richard of Hull, MA, Grand daughters Kimberly a Reader of Scottsdale AZ, Meris M. Armenia of Hull, MA. As well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Ronald Reader.
He was a man of great integrity and was admired & respected by his entire family, friends and all who had the good fortune to know him .
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 10:00AM in St. Michael Church, 196 Main Street, North Andover, MA. 01845 A burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery, 177 Salem Street, North Andover, MA.
Friends may call on Friday, July 24, 2009 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM At the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. 35 Merrimack Street, North Andover, MA. 01845 for more information or to send an online condolence www.breenfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the: Lawrence Lions Club C/O Atty. James Hajjar, 261 Common Street, Lawrence, MA. 01840.