Darren Paul Johnson, 53, of Goodyear, Arizona passed away on April 14, 2023. Darren was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts on September 24, 1969 to Paul and Judy Johnson of Goodyear, Arizona.

Darren graduated from North Reading High School in North Reading, MA with the Class of 1988 where he lettered in Golf and Hockey. He received the most valuable player award for golf in his senior year. He always played right-handed as a lefty.

Darren attended Essex Agriculture School in Danvers, MA before becoming the Golf Course Superintendent at Cedar Glenn Golf Club in Saugus, MA for 10 years. He moved to Goodyear, Arizona in 2006 and worked for 12 years as the Golf Course Superintendent at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Pebble Creek under the director of Golf Operations Paul McGinnis, past president of the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America.

Darren was a member of the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of New England and the Cactus and Pines Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of Arizona.

He was an avid sports fan and followed every move his beloved Boston Bruins hockey team made. He was so happy with their record this year.

He is survived by his parents Paul and Judy Johnson, his brother Michael, wife Lisa, niece Kaia and nephew Bradley of Topsfield, MA, his aunt, uncle, and many cousins along with friends and buddies on the North Shore area of Massachusetts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Massachusetts. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Herbert E. McCoy – 68, of Reading and formerly of Wilmington, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Boston, MA on July 17, 1954. He was the son of the late Herbert M. and Lorraine (McDonough) McCoy. He has been a resident of Reading for the past 26 years.

Herbert majored in Electronics Design Technology from the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology. He worked as a Customer Service Technician with Doble Engineering in Marlboro.

Herb was an avid fisherman and was the owner/operator of www.reelmccoyfishing.net . He loved the ocean and would go to the beach as often as he could. He loved nature, being out on his boat, fishing for Bass and soaking up the sun. He was a quiet, reserved man with a great sense of humor, quick wit and had the heart of a giant. He was thoughtful, kind and caring and treated you like you were a lifelong friend. He loved animals and they would seem to gravitate to him. He loved being with family, close friends and going on adventures with his best friend Sue. He will be affectionately remembered by those that loved him.

Family members include his loving sister, Sandra J. (McCoy) Gibbons and his late sisters, Susan R. McCoy and Patricia McCoy.

Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

ALTON NH – John C. Rodgers, 84, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours on Rattlesnake Island, Lake Winnipesaukee in Alton N.H. on June 25th, 2023.

Born on September 3rd, 1938, in Winchester, Massachusetts, he entered the world as the cherished son of Clarence Rodgers and Violet (Bartlett) Rodgers, and brother to Frank Rodgers. Throughout his entire life, he called North Reading, Massachusetts, his home, leaving an indelible mark on both the town and his family. Even as a young boy, he contributed to Eddy Wheelers Farm, skillfully operating the tractor. Later, he dedicated himself to serving in the National Guard. Upon his return, he embarked on a new chapter of his life, contemplating marriage with his beloved Dorothy Beherrell. Together, they embarked on the adventure of building their first home at what is now known as 39 North Street in North Reading. Dorothy acquired the land, while John and his father, with their lumber mill, felled trees and commenced the construction of their very first house.

Surviving John is his beloved wife and lifelong companion of 62 years, Dorothy (Beherrell) Rodgers. He is also survived by his children, John Crosby Rodgers Jr. and his wife Pamela Rodgers of Newburyport, MA, as well as Judy (Rodgers) Mixon and her husband, Tim Mixon of Hood River, OR. Additionally, John leaves behind four grandchildren: John Crosby Rodgers III, Elisabeth Sandra Mixon, Sarah Elizabeth Rodgers, and Thomas Crosby (TC) Mixon. Alongside them, he is fondly remembered by a wide circle of friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

After his service in the National Guard, he transitioned to a fulfilling career at Brodie Industrial Trucks, where he excelled as a Master Mechanic, a title he proudly held until his retirement. Furthermore, he earned numerous veteran badges bestowed by the Grand Lodge of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, reflecting his dedication and expertise in the field.

John’s life brimmed with cherished moments, dear friends, and a loving family. Whether in his hometown of North Reading, MA, or on RattleSnake Island of Lake Winnipesaukee, where he meticulously constructed a multigenerational summer cottage for his loved ones, John found joy and fulfillment. Snowmobiling, embarking on adventures with his family in their camper, and basking in the company of his loved ones were among his treasured pastimes. His days were enriched by the warmth of companionship and the beauty of shared experiences.

John exemplified the qualities of a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family continues to carry the invaluable life lessons he imparted upon them. Whether it was teaching them how to handle tools and construct homes or instilling a sense of preparedness for changing weather, John’s wisdom touched every aspect of their lives. He embodied the essence of a true family man, leaving behind cherished memories, captivating stories, and a remarkable example of being a supportive neighbor and role model for the community.

Please join us in commemorating the rich and beautiful life of John at a special celebration on Saturday, July 8th, 2023. The event will take place at 10:00 to 11:30 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, located at 19 Bow St, North Reading, MA. Graveside services will follow at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

We warmly invite all those who knew and cherished John to join us in honoring his memory. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. If you would like to leave a message of condolence online, please visit www.Croswellfuneralhome.com.

E. Lorraine (Surette) Vatcher – 96, of Reading and formerly of Greenwood, passed away peacefully at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading on Saturday, June 24, 2023. She was the loving wife of the late James L. Vatcher.

Born in Stoneham, MA on June 10,1927, she was the daughter of the late Rene M. and Leonice Emma (Pothier) Surette. She was raised in Reading and was a graduate of Reading Memorial High School. Lorraine was a resident of Reading for 68 years and was a member St. Athanasius Parish.

Lorraine was a very kindhearted and loving lady. She had many special friendships and was always available to listen. She loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren, but most recently she adored her 6 great grandchildren, who always kept her young at heart.

Lorraine enjoyed knitting and reading. She enjoyed knitting “prayer shawls” for St. Athanasius Parish.

Family members include her daughters, Pam McKenna and Karen DiTrapano; her sister, Anne McAvenia; 4 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading on Saturday, July 1 at 11:00 AM. Calling hours will be held prior to the Funeral Mass from 9:00 to 10:15 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Interment will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, cancer.org

Veronica (Twomey) Lee – 95, of North Reading and formerly of Centerville, passed  away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 24, 2023, with her family by her side. She was the loving wife of the late Patrick Lee.

Born in County Kerry, Ireland on October 14,1927. She was the daughter of the late Patrick and Kathleen (O’Sullivan) Twomey.  Veronica was a retired owner of the Horseshoe Grille in North Reading for many years. She was a member of St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading, the Guild at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville and the North Reading Athletic Boosters. She has been a resident of North Reading for over 30 years and a former resident of Centerville for 32 years.

Veronica enjoyed her family, knitting, Phase 10, “The Holy Hour”, the final day of the PGA Golf Tournaments and the Jimmy Fund. She was selfless and would always think of others before herself. She was giving, generous and had a strong work ethic. Veronica was loving, had a deep faith, she was proud of her Irish Heritage and was very community orientated.

Family members include her loving sons, Patrick and his wife Kathi, Kevin and his fiancé Nanette and Brian and his wife Wendy; her daughter, Kathleen; ten grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Her Funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, June 29 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 28 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to Mill Hill Fathers, 222 W. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale, NY 10530 or to St. Theresa’s Church. 63 Winter Street, North Reading, MA 01864. www.croswellfuneral home.com