Robert (Bob) Read (7 Mar 1931 - 25 Apr 2025)

In loving memory of Robert (Bob) Read who sadly passed away on 25th April 2025.

Bob, was born in Archway, North London in March 1931 as the only child of Percy & Beatrice (Trix) Read. During WWII he was evacuated and spent some time living in Southwest England where he enjoyed the beaches and countryside despite obviously missing his parents. After the war he spent his National Service in the Royal Navy as a signalman on a ship. As a young man he loved the radio comedy of the Goon Show and developed a lifelong love of Jazz particularly Bebop and would walk all the way from his home in Archway to Ronnie Scott’s to hear his heroes. He tried his hand at various careers from working as a labourer to running an Off Licence where he became extremely knowledgeable about wine.
In May 1962 he married Josephine (Jo) Moran and suddenly gained and extensive Irish family as in-laws whom he bonded with despite the Irish Nationalist fervour at the time. Over the next few years, they had 4 children Sean, Helen, Tim and Gill. In 1968 they all moved to Norwich in order for him to start his long career as Probation Officer. He retired early in 1991 and took the time to learn languages and could speak fluently in German, French, Spanish and Italian. He went on to teach Foreign Language students in English and he and Jo loved catering for them and showing them around Norfolk and many of them remained in touch long after their stay had ended. He re-learnt to play the trombone and joined Jazz and Swing bands and played gigs around Norfolk & Suffolk for many years.
He delighted in his Grandkids, Valentine, Joe, Poppy, Charlie, Iris and Stan and they loved spending Christmases at his house. He made many long term friends along the way from work colleagues and acquaintances and everyone enjoyed the get togethers for Birthdays and Bob was a genial host with a unique sense of humour. Bob died peacefully in a care home in April 2025 at the age of 94 leaving a legacy of a calm, decent and compassionate man.