Former Reading Athletic Director Gil Congdon Dies

READING, MA — Former Reading Memorial High School Athletic Director Rolland "Gil" Congdon has died. He was 76 years old.

Congdon passed away Tuesday following a long battle with Parkinson's Disease, according to his obituary.

A lifelong educator, Congdon began his career as a math teacher at RMHS and coached baseball and basketball. After a stint in New Hampshire, Congdon returned to Reading in the 1980s as athletic director and teacher.

Congdon later spent 14 years teaching at Manchester Essex Regional High School. He retired with 36 years of teaching under his belt but "couldn't stay away from the classroom," becoming an adjunct professor at Bentley University for 12 more years, his obituary states.

Congon loved playing cards, singing and sports. He was a member of the Reading Community Singers, sang the National Anthem at many Bentley football games, and played various roles in high school musicals, including Daddy Warbucks in "Annie" and the Cowardly Lion in "The Wizard of Oz."

"Gil had a full life and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, dance, and laugh," his obituary reads. "We’ll miss his dedication, selflessness, sense of humor/quick wit, and strength fighting Parkinson’s with his support group friends. Sadly, an extra innings game just wasn’t in the cards."

Visiting hours will be Tuesday, March 16 from 4-7 p.m. at the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home at the corner of 25 Sanborn Street & Woburn Street in Reading.

Read Congon's full obituary here.