Leiper Patterson Read Jr.

Leiper Patterson Read, Jr.
of Cranberry Lake, NY
Leiper Patterson Read, Jr., of Cranberry Lake, New York, passed away on May 8, at his winter home near Foley, Alabama, after a brief illness. Born in Frostburg, Maryland on January 28, 1921 to Ella B. Read and Leiper P. Read, Sr., he spent most of his youth around eastern Pennsylvania's coal mining region, where his father worked as a mechanic for the mines. From his earliest years "Buddy" took an avid interest in radio technology and obtained his amateur radio operator's license in 1938. A 1939 graduate of Pottsville High School, he served in the Army Air Corps from 1940 to 1945 as a Tech Sergeant, distinguishing himself as an outstanding and inventive radio technician for numerous types of aircraft, including B-24 bombers and the P-51s of the 359th Fighter Group stationed in England. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University in 1950, going to work in the aerospace field. He served as a systems design engineer for 27 years at Link Flight Simulation Division in Binghamton, New York. He developed simulation systems for numerous projects, both military and civilian, most notably the SR-71 Blackbird "Skunkworks" project, and the Apollo moon voyagers. He retired in 1982 and moved to Cranberry Lake, where he spent his time breathing fresh air and enjoying the beautiful view of the lake. He became involved in many community-based projects, including the development of Cranberry Lake's first high-speed wireless internet connection, located in the community center. He remained active in the amateur radio community with the call letters W2JV, making many lasting friendships there and in daily life as well. Everyone will remember Leiper for his ready smile and outgoing manner. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Katherine V. Read; his sons, Douglas A. Read and Donald S. Read; granddaughter, Erika M. Read; and sister, Mary Lamar Knight.
Services will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Potsdam, NY, followed by burial at Cranberry Lake Cemetery. A second memorial celebration will take place at Cranberry Lake Fire Hall on Monday, July 27.