Frederick Kelly "Rick" Read

Frederick "Rick" K. Read, 86, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Edgewood. Rick was a retired business professor at Union Institute and University, and a retired Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Reserves (Active Duty). He was born in Covington on August 8, 1939 to Fred K. and Lauretta Harris Read. Rick attended Covington Latin School for three years and graduated from Dixie Heights High School. He was a graduate of National Louis University (BA), Lindenwood University (MBA) and Virginia Tech (EdD). He was a lifelong member of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption where he served as parish council president, Eucharistic minister, and lector. Rick, for many years, was a football referee, officiating at the high school and college levels. He served as president and evaluator for the Northern Kentucky Officials Association.

Rick was preceded in death by his loving parents and brother William "Bill" Read, his wonderful in-laws, Ann and Mike Sticking, dear brother- and sister-in-law, Don and Sue Stickling, along with many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Charlotte Stickling Read; his loving children, sons, F. Kelly Read, III (fiancée Deanna White) and Michael Brennan (Allison) Read; and daughters, Lauri Read (Donald Kuhnlein) and Kara Read Marino (Frank); brother John Basil "Jack" (Diana) Read; sister-in-law Dottie Read; and his adored grandchildren, Quinn, Meredith and Claudia Read, Katharine, Daniel and Jane Kuhnlein, and Frederick "Rick" and Peter Marino. Rick leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Services will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1140 Madison Ave., Covington, Kentucky. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Private burial will follow at a later date.

Memorial donations suggested to the Restored in Christ Campaign https://covcathedral.com/restored-in-christ/ to restore and preserve the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1125 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011, or a charity of one's choice.

Swindler & Currin Funeral Home is serving the family.