Leonard Read

1935 - 2025

Len Read, devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, and educator, passed away in his home surrounded by his loving daughters, at the age of 90. Born on June 28, 1935, in Los Angeles, CA, Len later moved to Santa Rosa, where he attended SRHS and graduated in 1955. He was an outstanding athlete, excelling in both football and baseball, which earned him multiple college scholarship offers. He chose to attend the University of Oregon, where he played two sports, earned his bachelor's degree, was married, raising 3 girls under the age of 3, graduating in 1959. Len still holds the Ducks' single-season batting average record of .446 and was 11th in the nation in hitting in 1958. That same year, he led the Ducks in doubles while he and his wife welcomed twins; teammates joked "he was hitting for two". He also played on the 1958 Rose Bowl team, which was later inducted into the Ducks Hall of Fame. After graduating, Len began a 39-year teaching and coaching career in OR before returning to CA and completing his master's degree from San Francisco State University while coaching at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa. He eventually joined the SRJC faculty in 1966, where he coached baseball (1966-81), football (1966-72), and golf (1984-98). Len had a passion for teaching and coaching, his enthusiasm and positive encouragement inspired countless students and athletes. He loved his job and colleagues, whom he had great respect for.
Len married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Allene Hall, in 1956. They shared 55 wonderful years and raised 5 daughters who he considered his greatest blessings. In retirement, Len and Allene treasured their time with each other and their family. They enjoyed traveling with friends, and Len loved playing golf. It's no surprise he passed his love of sports on to his daughters, two of whom he played golf with up to his 90th birthday, still able to hit 'em straight and shoot his age.
Len is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Allene (2011), his parents, Brick and Emily Read, his sister Audrey, and his brothers Dick and Don Read, whom he was especially proud of. He is also survived by his five daughters and their families: Diana Brant (Marshall), Carol Hansel (Stephen), Cherol Brown (Ben), Vicki Loomis (Steve), and Susan LaBlue (Darryl). He was the proud grandfather to Lindsey Petersen (Todd), Mathew Brant (Kristina), James Dorado (Amy), Christi Nuss (Kyle), Cameron Loomis (Grisell), Brian Baker, Nikki Baker, Chelsea Cozad (Kyle), and Natalie Nelson (Austin), along with a large and loving extended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Len was blessed to find love a second time and enjoyed 9 wonderful years married to Judy Bernd until her passing in 2021. He is survived by his 5 stepsons, a stepdaughter and their families.
Of all Len's accomplishments, he was most proud of his family and felt the most important thing he could teach us was about "the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ". His life embodied service, humility, and compassion. Len was loved and respected by many. He will be missed and remembered for his deep faith, kindness, firm handshake, warm smile, positivity, generosity, and famous greeting, "What can I do for you today?".
A Celebration of Life will be held in Santa Rosa on Jan. 24, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Providence Hospice Foundation, 151 Sotoyome St., Santa Rosa, CA 95405. For more information, contact Diana 707-888-2149 or Vicki 707-696-0515.