CURTIS ARNOLD READE III

Published in the Santa Maria Times on 4/30/2009

Curtis Arnold Reade III, 51, of Santa Maria, California died peacefully at home, April 28, 2009, after a prolonged illness. Curtis was born on August 14, 1957 in Santa Maria, California to Curt and Loretta Reade.

An outstanding athlete. Reade played both Football and Baseball while attending Santa Maria High School, graduating in 1975.

As a sophomore at Hancock College, Curt was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals as a pitcher in the first round of the Major League Baseball's Winter Draft but opted to attend Fresno State on a baseball scholarship.

He played for Fresno State for two years and earned the nickname, "Bus," for the strength and power of his pitching. During his time playing ball for Fresno, the LA Dodgers took note of his accomplishments and he was drafted into their organization. He played Triple A ball in Lodi and had the fastest "fast" ball in the Dodger organization at the time.

After spending several years with the Dodgers, Curt was offered the opportunity to play Italian Professional baseball in Italy. He accepted the offer and spent a season there with his wife and children.

As much as Curt loved baseball, his first love was his family. Curt married his high school sweetheart, Veroneka Urbanske, in 1980 and they soon had two children, Curtis and Tiffany.

He was devoted to his family and enjoyed their time together BBQing, going to the beach, Dodger games, and attending youth sports and activities.

As the rest of the family grew, Curt welcomed each new niece and nephew with open arms, literally!! He always had a ready smile and playful spirit. He was affectionately known as our own, "Uncle Buck."

He encouraged each child's unique personality to flourish and with that playful twinkle in his eye, he inspired each to become proficient in the art of "pulling a good prank."

He kept his calendar busy throughout the years, cheering on nieces and nephews in all of their many sporting events and other activities. In addition to his 16 nieces and nephews, he was also "Uncle" to most of their cousins and friends as well. He will be sorely missed by all. His legacy will live on through his positive and simple approach to life and finding the humor in every situation.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years Veroneka Reade of Santa Maria, son Curtis A. Reade IV and his wife Sarah of San Diego, CA, daughter Tiffany N. Reade of Fresno, CA, parents Curtis and Loretta Reade of Santa Maria, sister Terri Bramer and her husband Brant of Fresno, CA, brothers Craig A. Reade and his wife Christine of Santa Maria and Chris A. Reade and his wife Sue of Salinas, CA and nieces and nephews Jeri, Nick, Amy, Theresa, Laura, Calvin, Tanika, Reade, Trent, Anthony, Lindsay, Andrew, Lauren, Ryan, Brett and Rachel.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 1, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Louis De Montfort Catholic Church with Fr. Ed Jalbert officiating.

Cremation was requested with private inurnment.