CLEARFIELD – A memorial bench dedication ceremony for Gerald “Jerry” Read was held on May 30 in Clearfield.
The bench was purchased by his classmates after his tragic death in the Naval Shipyard shooting. The bench reads: “In Memory Gerald Read CHS Class of 1973” and contains a plaque that reads: “Jerry, an Eagle Scout, died a hero on Sept. 16, 2013 at the Washington, D.C. Naval Shipyard.”
The bench has been placed by the Clearfield County Courthouse in recognition of Read’s service to the country and government.
In addition to the bench, the Clearfield High School Class of 1973 formed a scholarship fund as a way to honor Read’s life.
Donations for the Gerald Read Memorial Scholarship Fund can be sent to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation at P.O Box 1442, Clearfield, PA 16830 or via the Web site: www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org.
The bench was purchased from the Clearfield Revitalization Corp. (CRC) as part of its Streetscape Project and was fabricated locally by TD Welding and Fabricating.
Four additional benches have also been placed in downtown and have been sponsored by Clearfield Borough, CHS Class of 1961, John A. Gill and dedicated in memory of Herbert Fishbone and Anthony Scrano.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a streetscape item should contact the CRC at 814-765-6000 or DiscoverClearfield@gmail.com. In addition to benches, bike racks, planters and trash cans are available to be sponsored.
Main Street Manager Heather Bozovich states, “It has been a privilege to work with Jerry’s classmates and help make the bench a possibility for them.
“During the dedication ceremony, it was evident the impact Jerry had not only by serving our country, but also on his fellow classmates. For a group to come together the way the Class of 1973 did is truly inspirational.”