Stephen R. Read, 60

GILFORD — Stephen Roy Read, 60, of Gilford, passed away on Nov. 7, 2026, at Wolfeboro Bay long-term care.

Born in Gilford, on July 14, 1966, he was the son of Kathryn (McGilvreay) Read and the late George A. Read Sr.

He graduated from Gilford High School in 1986 — a notable accomplishment in a life marked by challenges from childhood through adulthood.

Stephen embraced life and accomplished much. Whenever others said his disability would keep him from doing something, he proved otherwise. He walked, rode a bike, drove a car, and became an Eagle Scout. Active in his church family, he offered help wherever he could.

He worked various jobs over the years, including 30 years at Hannaford, before illness led him to retire.

Kind and caring, Stephen brought positivity to everyone he met. His love of music came with a remarkable knowledge of nearly every song, its artist and record label, and whether it was what he called a “one-hit wonder.”

He enjoyed all holidays, but Christmas was his favorite. He could always tell you how many days were left until Christmas and would play Christmas music even in July.

Surviving Stephen are his mother, Kathryn Read; brother George A. Read Jr.; sister Sheryl Ouellette; niece Crystal Bullerwell and her husband Charlie; great-nephew Carter Bullerwell; cousins Alan Fasshauer and his wife Lori, and David Fasshauer; and many other cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, brother-in-law Ron Ouellette and Nana Florence Wakeman.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Carriage House at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, at the First United Methodist Church of Gilford, 18 Wesley Way.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.