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But unlike members of previous generations, some of whom worked as fishers in Columbia in the 1800s, Read's love of the water has secured him a place in local history.
Earlier this week, Read was on hand as two mammoth steam generators, bound for the nuclear plant at Three Mile Island, were hauled ashore at Port Deposit, Md., at Tome's Landing Marina, which Read co-owns.
"It's been amazing to watch it all unfold," Read, a 1971 Solanco High School graduate, said Wednesday after the second 510-ton generator was safely ashore. "When you think about the gravity of what's transpiring and the effect it will have on the future … .
"I've witnessed something that I'll likely never see again in my lifetime."
Planning for the arrival of the monstrous equipment began last fall, when Read said he was contacted by AREVA Inc., the France-based company that built the two generators.
After researching the company and "getting in our comfort zone," Read said he and partner Jack Conrad — also a county native and a Warwick graduate — agreed to permit AREVA to use their marina to deliver the generators.
"From my personal standpoint, energy is at the top of the list of most important things the country needs in this current economy," Read said. "I think this is a big deal, not only for Lancaster County but for the country. I'm honored to be part of it, really."
Read said he had nothing to do with planning the delivery and found out only in the last 30 days when the generators would arrive.
"The time frame was very fluid from the start," he said. "There were a lot of variables within the last several months, but (AREVA officials) kept us informed the best they could. They were very forthcoming with information."
Monday night, workers at the marina removed some boats and part of the dock in anticipation of the first generator arriving Tuesday.
"I really can't take credit for any of the logistics," Read said. "AREVA took care of everything, right down to providing a crane to remove the dock, which they'll then help us put back together. Really, we didn't have to do much of anything except provide the location."
AREVA covered all costs involved with the project and compensated him for the marina's down time, Read said.
The laid-back demeanor Read displayed during the nearly year-long process has been evident throughout his life, which began in Peach Bottom, where he grew up along the Susquehanna River.
Developing an early love for the water, Read worked at Peach Bottom Marina as a teen and purchased the business in 1977.
"It was really all I ever wanted to do, all I could see myself doing, so it made sense," he said.
Read said he intended to hold on to the marina for a few years, figuring it would fall victim to plans to expand the Peach Bottom power plant.
"But then TMI happened (in 1979) and they never did build so I ended up keeping it for 22 years," he said.
Ten years ago, when land in Port Deposit went on the auction block, Read partnered with Conrad and a third party, who eventually left the business, and built Tome's Landing Marina.
In addition to new and used boat sales, the marina offers dry storage for up to 214 boats and has an on-site maintenance facility.
Read, who lives in Port Deposit with his wife, Linda, loves to talk about his family's history with the river.
That story began in 1791, when Read's ancestors settled on five lots along the river.
In the years that followed, Read's great-great grandfather, William, and his great-great-great grandfather, Sam, made their living on the water as fishers.
"It's just part of me," Read said of the water. "It's a tradition I'm more than happy to continue."
E-mail: jtodd@lnpnews.com
