Michael S. Svehla, 64, of North Reading, MA, formerly of Lexington, KY, passed away on October 25, 2024.

Born on July 1, 1960, Michael was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1978. During his high school years, he developed his love for sports, often attending games and events, which became a lifelong passion. Fondly known as “Goobs” to many, Mike was a friend to everyone and brought joy to those around him.

A devoted sports enthusiast, Mike had a lifelong passion for University of Kentucky basketball and all New England sports teams. He was especially proud of his extensive baseball card collection, a hobby he cherished for many years.

Mike was known and loved by the North Reading community for his unwavering dedication to local sports. You could find him at most North Reading High School sports events, showing up ‘rain or shine’ to support his teams. He loved being on the Hornet sidelines. A true Hornet superfan, his determination, stamina, and his commitment to cheering on the kids were unmatched.

Mike is predeceased by his parents, William & Patricia (Sweeney) Svehla; his brothers, Robert & Richard Svehla; and his sister, Carol (Svehla) Morrissey. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Philip Morrissey, and his nieces, Rachel Morrissey and Brenna Morrissey Kressler.

A private service will be held to honor Mike’s life. In his memory, his family asks that you attend a local sports event and cheer as Mike always did—with enthusiasm, heart, and unwavering support for the players.

James Tyler Sheimo– 75, of North Reading, died on October 28, 2024. Services will be private.

Mark  M.  Exum – 62, of North Reading and formerly of Lawrence, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Melrose, MA on  December 25, 1961. He was the loving son of Frances A. (Grillo) Exum and the late Milton O. Exum. Mark was raised and attended school in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1980.

Mark worked for many years as a Courier at Advanced Dental Technology in Stoneham.

Mark was an avid reader, he had a love of History, especially the World War II Era.  He knew a little about everything and had an incredible memory. He loved cars, especially restoring his  MG Midget. He enjoyed flying his remote control airplanes, kayaking, hiking and camping in Harold Parker State Park.

Besides his mother Frances, family members include his brothers, Peter J. Exum and his wife Dee Exum and David R. Exum; his nephew, Anthony “AJ” Exum and his wife Rachel; his nieces, Hannah, Grace and Cassidy Exum; great nephews, Aiden and George Exum.

Calling hours will be private. His Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Wednesday, November 13 at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, www.croswellfuneralhome

Paul  J.  Catania – 62, of North Reading and formerly of Woburn, died Friday, October 11, 2024 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Woburn, MA on December 8, 1961. He was the son of the late James F., Sr. and Nancy Ann (Best) Catania. Paul was raised and attended school in Woburn and was a graduate of Woburn High School; he later received his Associate Degree through military trained electronics. He also had Oil Burner and HVAC Licenses.

Paul was a U.S. Navy Veteran, he served from 1980 to 1987, he was a proud Navy Submarine Veteran, spending most of his time on the USS Shark. He later worked for many years as an Emergency Generator Technician for Kraft Power, until his retirement in January of 2023. He was a union member of Teamster 25.

He was a quiet and private man who lived by the motto: Run Silent – Run Deep. His friends say: “A true friend that assumed nothing and asked for nothing in return.” Paul was a great man and touched so many lives. Paul also had a quirky side which often slipped out. He’d sing  “To Sexy” to get his kids off to bed or clear a room in general. He participated in hairy chest competitions while cruising and won not 1 but 2 competitions. As their wedding song said, and will always be, “ The wind beneath my wings.”

He enjoyed working on his 1944 Military Jeep, attending parades, car shows and  4 wheeling in his 1961 CJ5. He enjoyed attending many Jeep Jamborees in ME, MA and VT with his wife Dianne and friends.  Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors; He enjoyed movies, especially war movies which made the house rattle. He volunteered at the Martin’s Pond Haunted Playground and ran the graveyard on the beach with his daughters, their friends and his nephew. He recently had taken interest in raising Crawfish

He was a member of the Burlington DAV, Military Vehicle Collectors Club and the Woburn Minutemen. He has been a resident of North Reading for the past 31 years.

Family members include his loving wife of 34 years, Dianne (Stewart) Catania; his daughters, Kathryn (Catania) Perry and her husband Ben and Amanda Catania; his son, David Hudson; his brothers, James and Jeff Catania and the late Andrew Catania; his sister, Leslie Catania.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday 12/8/ 2024 from 1-4 PM at The Lakeside Inn, 595 North Ave., Wakefield, MA 01880

 www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Scott Anthony Bruno- 34, of Huntington Beach CA died unexpectedly at his home on May 9, 2024. He was born in Stoneham MA May 27, 1989.

Scott was a graduate of North Reading High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Johnson and Wales University in Denver.

Family, friends and music were Scott’s passion. Through the years you were likely to find him listening to music or sharing a new song with family and friends.

Scott enjoyed going to school, living and working in Colorado. One of his favorite activities was attending as many concerts, shows and festivals as he could . His favorite venue was Red Rocks Amphitheater. Whether he was seeing Slightly Stoopid, 311, or String Cheese Incident, his love of music was evident .

Leaving Colorado in 2017 wasn’t easy but he had an opportunity to be closer to the family in California. Scott and his brother Josh always dreamed of living at the beach and the move to California made that dream come true. They lived, worked and surfed together creating many wonderful memories. Being in California meant more time with family, especially his nephews. They were his greatest joy and their love for each other was obvious. Whenever they saw him, they ran to him and hugged him tight. The family was together again, after many years of living apart. Those 7 years created many wonderful memories for everyone.

Scott made friends wherever he went and kept his friends close. Today his friends are across the country, from Massachusetts to Colorado to California.

Scott leaves behind a legacy of genuine kindness and love for his family and friends. They will always remember his amazing smile and his contagious laughter. He brought positive energy to any gathering and he made sure everyone felt loved and welcomed. He was a gem of a human being. Scott’s smile, energy and light will be deeply missed.

Family members include his loving parents, Donna (Arsenault) and Paul Martell, and the late Peter J Bruno; his brothers Joshua, Christopher and his wife Nicole; his nephews Dylan and Evan Bruno and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his grandparents; Nancy and James Arsenault, Mary and Anthony Bruno and Edna and Joseph Martell.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 9 , 10:30 am at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading MA. Interment will immediately follow at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading MA. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Pine Street Inn Attn: Development Office 444 Harrison Avenue Boston MA 02118 pine street inn.org/donate