The family of Reta K. Read, “Ginger”, formerly of Henderson, NY are saddened to announce her passing at her Baldwinsville, NY home on July 11th 2025 after a long illness. She was 87 years old.

Ginger was born on February 20th 1938 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Ginger was born with a sense of adventure. She took her first airplane ride at age 8 in her schoolmate’s father’s crop duster. Ginger would jump at the chance to go horseback riding, ice skating or leave school early on Wednesdays to go to the cinema. Her desire to travel led her to serve in the Royal Canadian Naval Service where she met her first husband, Arthur Spinaci. They traveled from Nova Scotia to the Bahamas and from Bermuda to California. 

Ginger was a longtime resident of Henderson, New York where she owned and operated Spinaci’s Coffee Shop with her husband Arthur F. Spinaci until his death in 1976. She then continued afterwards while raising their 3 children.

She may be fondly remembered for sharing a cup of coffee, a friendly conversation and making homemade “fried cakes” or doughnuts every morning for many years. 

She later married Paul B. Read and together they built and operated the Cherry Tree Inn at the same location on Aspinwall Corners in Henderson until shortly prior to his passing in 2000. 

She also previously resided on Wellesley Island where she lovingly helped to care for two of her grandchildren, Steven and Emily. 

Ginger is survived by her brother Rowland Johnson, her 3 children: Lori, Elizabeth and Arthur (Grace), 8 grandchildren: Christine Ramos, Stephen Alexander Smith, Steven Cavallario, Emily Spaulding, Arthur Spinaci, Alyssa Spinaci Coss, Alanna Spinaci, and Nicholas Spinaci and 3 great grandchildren: Adryahna Salisbury, Giovanna Spaulding and Avery Coss.   

Ginger was predeceased by her parents Orland Johnson and Lillian Johnson and her brother Kenneth Johnson.

She would always say that she has had a wonderful life. She will be remembered for her appreciative and generous spirit and kindness towards all. 

Her funeral service will be held at the Piddock Funeral Home Inc in Adams, NY on Saturday July 19th at 11:30 am. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Henderson, NY next to Arthur.  A calling hour will precede the funeral service beginning at 10:30 am.

The family wishes to express gratitude for the wonderful care provided to Reta by the staff of McHarrie Senior Life Community, 3 West at Upstate Community Hospital and her longtime Nurse Practitioner Natalie Rivard.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a small donation to the Henderson Volunteer Rescue Squad or to the Henderson Fire Department. 

Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc., Adams, NY.

Condolences and memories may be made at www.piddockfuneralhome.com