Gabriel G. Read went home to be with the Lord on September 5, 2018. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic church and devoted to his faith.

Gabriel was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Jose and Hazel (Marshall) Read. After growing up in Missouri, he joined the US Navy, serving as a machinist mate in the Korean War.

After his discharge, Gabriel attended the University of Miami, earning a master's degree in education. He was employed as a professor at Miami-Dade Community College for over thirty years, teaching valuable reading skills to students.

While living in Dade County, Gabriel served as a councilman and mayor for Hialeah Gardens for fifteen years. He was a member of the Northwest Dade Area Chamber of Commerce and Phi Delta Kappa. In 1977 he married Beverly (Cherry) Read, and they had one daughter Elizabeth (Read) Snyder.

In 1997, Gabriel retired with his family to Avon Park, Florida. During his time in Highlands County he was actively involved in several community service organizations and activities. He participated in Junior Achievement, Sebring Optimist Club, Florida Ridge Big Brothers and Sisters, Take Stock in Children, and the Guardian Ad Litem program.

Through this commitment to enriching the lives of others, Gabriel earned many awards and recognition for his service. He was also a frequent contributor to the local newspapers and was politically active. His favorite activity was to dress up as Uncle Sam and entertain and educate people about our country and civic duties.