John J. Finnegan, 82, of North Reading, formerly of Braintree, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Born in South Weymouth on June 12, 1941, he was the cherished son of the late John T. and Grace E. (Donovan) Finnegan.

John’s life was marked by a profound dedication to his family, his work, and his community. He was a graduate of Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, Class of 1959, and pursued a passion for engineering, earning a degree in Technical Study in Industrial Electronics from the Industrial Technical School in 1961. He furthered his education at Northeastern University, graduating with a degree in Engineering in 1975.

A skilled engineer, John later designed and built a beautiful forever home for his family in North Reading, largely working on weekends, with the help of friends.  Throughout his career, he served as an Electrical Engineer and Technician for EG&G/Perkin Elmer in Salem, MA, and later worked for the Town of North Reading, transporting students with special needs to and from school.

Beyond his professional endeavors, John was a devoted family man, always putting his loved ones first. Despite his busy schedule, he made time for his children, whether it was assisting with Pinewood Derby cars in Cub Scouts, coaching little league and soccer, or helping with school projects. Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his family’s happiness, he approached every DIY project with enthusiasm and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

John’s kindness and ingenuity endeared him to many. He was the ultimate “MacGyver,” and possessed an uncanny ability to solve any problem through “creative engineering.” He found joy in attending Irish dances with his wife and friends and was an active member of the North Shore Irish Association.  An avid traveler and sports enthusiast, he relished cheering on his beloved Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots and spending time with his family, especially on holidays.

In addition to his remarkable accomplishments, John was a member of the Wakefield Bowling League and a faithful parishioner of St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading. His 56-year marriage to his loving wife was a testament to his enduring commitment to love and family.

John’s life was a gift to all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering kindness. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Family members include his loving wife of 56 years, Elaine L. (DeGilorma) Finnegan; his sons, John D. Finnegan and his wife, Tricia of Pelham, NH, Kevin M. Finnegan of North Reading; his daughter, Cheryl E. Fischer and her husband, Doug of Nashua, NH; and 6 grandchildren: Zachary; Caitlyn; Callie; Tyler; Kiera and Lucas. He was the brother of the late Claire M. Finnegan.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 21 at the Croswell Funeral Home,

19 Bow St., North Reading from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, followed by an 11:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church,63 Winter St., North Reading. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, North Reading.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to Tufts Medical Center or to the American Cancer Society.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Wayne David Moore –  35, of Reading, passed away on Thursday. March 7, 2024 at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 20,1988. He has been a resident of Reading for the past 7 years and a former resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He worked in construction and as a manager in the fast food industry.

Wayne had a unique silly personality. He loved food, video games and was messy. He was kind hearted with an attitude. Wayne was a member of the Moose Lodge in North Reading.

Family members include his loving parents, Wayne D. Williams and Virginia “Ginger” Irene Moore. Besides his parents he is survived by aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 17 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the   Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Edward F. Piercey – 96, of North Reading and formerly of Somerville and Chelsea, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 10, 2024. He was the beloved husband of the late Dollena H. (Farrell) Piercey.

Born in Chelsea, MA on May 22,1927. He was the son of the late Peter and Theresa (Moores) Piercey. He was raised in Chelsea and attended the Mass Trade Shop School and Franklin Technical Institute, both in Boston.

Ed was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, he was a Sergeant and served from 1945 to 1947. He later was a member of the Massachusetts National Guard from 1947 to 1954.

Ed was a retired self employed sheet metal worker and a sheet metal mechanic in the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning business from 1959 to 1992. He also worked for H.P. Hood and Sons from 1947 to 1959.

He has been a resident of North Reading since 1956. He was an active and a long time member of the Martin’s Pond Union Baptist Church, the North Reading  Masonic Lodge A.F & A.M. and was a Past Master from 1976 to 1977, he was Past President of the North Reading Board of Trade, North Reading V.F.W., Post No.10874 and the North Reading Veterans Memorial Committee.

Family members include sons, Kenneth E. Piercey of Tacoma, WA, Ronald D. Piercey of Raymond, NH, William P. Piercey of North Reading and Paul E. Piercey, of North Charleston, SC; daughters, Jill Ernst of North Reading and Ann MacKean Hartery of Kingston, NH.; his late brother, Raymond J. Piercey and late sister, Phyllis R. Dearin; 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

His Funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 10:00 AM at the Martin’s Pond Union Baptist Church, 4 Cogswell Road in North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 19 from 4 to 7 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to SMD-HELP Foundation, Inc., 500 West Cummings Park, Suite 1150, Washington St., Woburn, MA 01801

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Salvatore F. “Poochy” Freda – 77, of Reading, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington.

Born in Somerville, MA on October 26, 1946. He was the son of the late Joseph and Alexandria R. “Nikki” (LoPresti) Freda. He was a lifelong resident of Reading and a graduate of Reading Memorial High School, Class of 1964. He later attended Berklee College of Music. He was a retired self employed Music Teacher, he taught guitar, piano and voice lessons.

Poochy always walked around with a big smile, whistling and singing. He was kind hearted to everyone. He always wanted to have fun and he loved music! He used to build all different structures for his kids, nieces and nephews to play in the yard on like a small rollercoaster, treehouse, a swing with a giant platform to jump off. He even built his daughter a human size doll house for herself. He loved spending time with family and especially his grandson.

Poochy was a lifelong tennis player, he was a Regional Doubles Champ in the 80’s. He enjoyed guitar, singing, piano, basketball, soccer, carpentry and had a passion for food and cooking. He also loved the casino and always kept busy.

Family members include his loving daughter, Heidi Freda and his son, Erik Freda; his grandson, Jordan S. Washington-Freda; his brothers, Joseph Freda, Jr. and James Freda; his sisters, Ines Height and the late Deborah DeFeudis.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the National Alliance on Mental Illness or to the American Heart Association.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Rudolph A. Perron, Jr, – 68, of Hampstead, NH and formerly of Andover, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 24, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Methuen, MA on June 16, 1955. He was the son of the late Rudolph A. Perron, Sr., and Beverly (Marden) Perron. He was raised in Andover and was a graduate of Andover High School, Class of 1973. He has been a resident of Hampstead, NH for the past 22 years.

Roddy worked for Kendrick & Hall HVAC out of high school, then joined the Town of Andover Department of Public Works as a Heavy Equipment Operator for 38 years. He also spent time working for O’Hagen Trees part time.

Roddy loved his family and had a sense of humor like no other. His facial expression said it all, his forever nickname was “Face”.  And all his friends were “Al”.

Roddy was a triplet, with his sisters Randi and Ronda. When they were young, their dad would take them skiing every winter to Haystack, VT, Bolton Valley, VT and the Lodge at Granny Grunts, VT. In the 80’s he did Banding of the Birds for the Birds of Prey.

Roddy enjoyed skiing, his most memorable trip with his dad was to Alta, Utah in the early 90’s. He excelled at golf, darts, disc golf and card games Hearts and 45’s. He enjoyed trips to “Little Island Pond” swimming and ice boating with his family when he was young. He was the life of all the parties. He loved his Budweisers and hot wings!

Family members include his loving wife, Eileen (Capillo) Perron; sons, Colton R. Perron and his fiancé Jennifer Jordan, Rudolph “Rudy” A. Perron, III and his long-time girlfriend Mia Cotroneo and was predeceased by his son, Chandler J. Perron; his brother, David Perron and his wife Dede; his sisters, Ronda McKible and her husband Gary, Randi Dudley and her husband Ray and Janna Perron. He also leaves behind many loving brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

His Funeral will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 1:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 12:50 PM. Casual attire.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to Amedisys Hospice Bedford, 8 Commerce Drive, Suite 101, Bedford, NH 03110.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com