Melanie Ann DiVasta,  of Boston, and formerly of North Reading, MA, passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2023, at the age of 47.

Melanie was born August 28, 1975, to Maureen and Paul DiVasta at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where she spent three short years before moving to North Reading, MA.  After graduating from North Reading High School in 1993, Melanie studied hospitality and hotel management at Boston University.

Finding college life to be more exciting than college studies, Melanie left BU early to start a nearly two-decade career in the hotel industry first at the Westin Copley Place then Le Meridien/Langham Boston.  Melanie later shifted gears entirely, becoming a software tester for health and medical software.  She finally seemed to find her perfect role in the last year, returning to the hotel industry with MGM Grand to become a program manager for an in-development application.

The North End of Boston has been Melanie’s home since she left BU, much to the chagrin of her parents and friends who were often enlisted to help move in or out of her various apartments, none with elevators or parking.  Her love for the Clock Tower and the lights of Christopher Columbus Park are well documented in frequent Facebook selfies, moments in time that capture the beauty of her home, the radiance of her smile and, most of the time, a large Dunkin Iced.

Melanie never married, and never had children of her own, but she loved her feline fur babies Buffy, then Phoenix, and adored her nieces and nephews.  But perhaps more than anything, Melanie loved music – from the early days of NKOTB, to more recent “meet and greets” with Keith Urban, if Melanie wasn’t working, she was listening to music or planning to listen to live music somewhere.  Her home-away-from home and perhaps the only place she would have considered leaving the North End for was Nashville, where she established herself as a regular fan of several local artists.

Melanie is predeceased by her father, Paul, and is survived by her mother Maureen, stepmother Renee, stepfather Karl, brothers Brian, Chris and Mike, sisters Christi and Laura, as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family.

Her Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:30 AM, at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street in North Reading, MA.  Visitation will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, MA; alternatively, Melanie would love it if you bought a ticket to that concert you weren’t sure of, because that’s what she would do.   Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Augustus S. “Gus” Lamont- a lifelong North Reading resident, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023. He was 81 years old.

Born in Boston on July 25, 1941, he was the son of the late Augustus and Concetta (Rizza) Lamont. He moved to North Reading when he was 7 years old and lived his entire life in North Reading.

Gus attended the Batchelder School in North Reading and graduated from North Reading High School class of 1959 where he was Class President. He was a US Navy veteran, received his Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Univeristy and his Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.

Gus was a retired North Reading Police Sergeant where he spent 32 years on the department. He joined the police department in 1967 and was promoted to Sergeant the following year. At that time, he was the youngest police officer in the state of MA to become Sergeant.   As part of his police career, he also served as the Prosecutor for the Town of North Reading. After retiring from the police department in 1999 he pursued several hobbies but found his passion in beekeeping. He built and maintained several beehives and sold his honey locally. He also was active within the Essex County Bee Association. In addition to his beekeeping, he enjoyed spending winters in Florida, fishing, spending time in Maine, attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting events, and his daily morning coffee with his buddies at Dunkin Donuts.

Gus is survived by his beloved wife Loretta Solimini Lamont and his cherished dog Guido. His loving children Cheri Lamont of North Reading, Scott Lamont of Pasadena, CA and Keith and his wife Kristin Lamont of North Reading. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Keanna, Makenna, Tiara and Logan Lamont, all of North Reading.

He leaves step-children Annette Oliver and her husband David, Stephen Bonfiglioli and his wife Maria, and Loretta Bonfiglioli. Step-grandchildren Tom and Matthew Oliver, Shelby Valiyev, Olivia and Brooke Bonfiglioli, Miranda Barry, Sophia, Cecilia, Craig Jr, and Lilyanna Boutin. Step-great grandchildren Greyson and Lennon Oliver, Fatima Valiyev, Isla Barry, and Eleanor Oliver. His sister Esther Marano of Revere and his late sister Mary Izzo of Farmington, NH. Many cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves his lifelong best friend Richie Barron of FL and his cousins Angelo and Larry LaMonica and the late Sonny LaMonica.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, February 2 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 1 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Gus may be sent to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Gift Processing, Office of Philanthropy, 330 Brookline Ave (OV), Boston, MA 02215. Checks should be made out to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, with “ Gus Lamont, Cancer Center” on the memo line. You may also give online at giving.lahey.org and direct your gift to Cancer Center. CroswellFuneralHome.com

John (Jack) S. Tobin– 82, of North Reading, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 26, 2023.

Jack was born in Lowell, MA, on December 5, 1940, to Thomas and Mary (McGlynn) Tobin.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Kathy, whom he married on August 28, 1965, as well as his four loving children and their spouses- Matthew Tobin (and his wife Kendra), Meg Sacchetti (and her husband Tony), Maura DeLeo (and her husband Richard), and Bridget Davis (and her husband Chris). He has 8 adoring grandchildren across Wisconsin, New Jersey and Massachusetts – Liam, Anthony, Isabella, Merrick, Morgan, Ashley, Samantha and Halle.

He is also survived by his brothers Thomas, Brendan and Kevin and his sister Miriam as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jack graduated Keith Academy High School in Lowell and then proudly served in the Marines Corps.  He went on to graduate from St. Anselm College and obtained his master’s degree from Northeastern University.  Jack worked for over 40 years in Probation, both in Lowell and  Boston.  He retired in 2009 after serving nearly 30 years  as  Chief Probation Officer of the Boston Municipal Court.  Jack had the privilege of working with wonderful friends and colleagues and mentored hundreds of probation officers over his career.  He was a lifelong learner, an avid reader of books of all kinds. Jack never wavered in his quest both to learn and share knowledge with others – whether it was sharing his wisdom with his grandchildren or teaching courses on criminal justice to students at Anna Maria college. Jack loved to travel across the US and Europe. He had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying hiking, camping, bike riding, and skiing.

Jack was known for his selflessness and kindness to others. Friends and family relied on him for advice and assistance in the face of challenges. He was trustworthy and humble, never sharing details of these acts of kindness he performed. He led his team in the same manner that he parented, with high expectations but always providing guidance and the comfort of a safety net. His quick wit was evident until his last days, his wry humor breaking tension as it always had.

His love of Kathy was clear to anyone who met them. This love created both an unbreakable foundation for the entire family, as well as a model that his children aspire to emulate.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2nd from 4 to 7 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading.  His funeral will be held on Friday, February 3rd at 10:30 at St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St., Reading. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to:  Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School Development Office,   203 Lawrence Street  Methuen, MA 01844. www.Croswellfuneralhome.com

Linda M (Hobby) Dyer – Age 59, of Port St Lucie Florida and formerly of Wakefield and North Reading departed this life unexpectedly on Sunday November 6th.

Family members include her loving parents Harrie and Marion Hobby of North Reading; a sister Debra Skerry and her husband Daniel of Beverly her brothers Richard Hobby and his partner Laurie Phinney of Lynn, Andrew Hobby of Boston and her nieces and nephews.

Linda was a graduate of North Reading High School class of 1981. She received her undergraduate and masters degrees from Northeastern University. Linda was employed and retired from Tufts Health as an accountant.

Linda loved the outdoors, there was nothing like a good day at the beach or a successful day on the golf course with her ladies group. She loved to garden and to spend time reading. Linda made friends easily with her beautiful smile and infectious laughter. Like her mother, Linda was a lover of animals, especially her cats.

We are grateful for the time, laughter and love we’ve shared with Linda and until we meet again may she rest in peace.

Visitation will be held at Croswell Funeral home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA on Sunday, January 29th from 4pm to 7pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her honor to the Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.  Croswellfuneralhome.com

Robert (Bob) Mascola – of North Reading, age 88, beloved husband of Jean Mascola, passed away in his sleep on January 17, 2023.

Bob was raised in New Haven Connecticut by his parents John and Mary Mascola and doted on by his four adoring sisters. His mother lovingly referred to him as “my son, my son”.

As a teenager, Bob worked at his father’s barbershop every day after school and was able to quickly learn how to cut the latest hairstyles earning him considerable tips every week and being considered “well off” by his high school friends standards.

Bob graduated from East Haven High School and Fairfield University. He was nicknamed “Doc” as he had planned on becoming a doctor. He soon realized that medicine was not his calling and pursued his education in science and theology. After graduation, he was offered a position with Avco Corporation and moved to Massachusetts and had a long and successful career as principal scientist specializing in thermodynamics at Textron Defense Systems (formally Avco Corp) for over 38 years. He worked on the Apollo Space Program, consulted for Lincoln Labs and was a winner of the Independent Research and Development (IRAD) Program as well as the Excalibur Award for outstanding performance.

Bob was an extremely intelligent and compassionate man, who was happiest when spending time with family and friends. Bob was an avid reader who owned and read over one hundred religious books, including reading the bible from cover to cover 3 times.  He enjoyed spending hours working in his yard, meeting up with family members at Kitty’s restaurant and going out to the “99” on Friday nights with Jean. Most days he could be found at The Union Congregational Church in North Reading doing whatever needed to be painted, hung up, washed or moved.  Bob considered his church his second home and participated with his church family by regularly being at Sunday worship and serving on several ministries including House, Care, Lobster luncheon team, rummage sale, Frosty’s Fair and Associate Pastor Exploration Committee. Bob traveled several times out of state with youth group members to assist with rebuilding homes. He enjoyed several spiritual retreats to Weston Priory in VT.

He also volunteered as Warden at Precinct #3 during elections in North Reading and Big Brother Big Sister of Greater Lawrence.

Bob will be dearly missed by his wife of 29 years Jean (DiFraia) Mascola of North Reading, His son John Mascola and his wife Lucy, son Michael Mascola, daughter Maria Mascola and husband Jim Donahue , son Robert Mascola and his wife Beth. Bob also had step-children who considered him family from day one. Kathy DiFraia and her wife Kathy Brunelle, David DiFraia and Kris Bellino and her husband John. Bob also leaves behind his former daughter in law Nancy Morneault and her husband Claude and his former wife Mary Mascola.

He will also be missed by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Paul Mascola, Madeline Mascola, Andrew Mascola and his wife Allison, Jessica Szulaks and husband Jake, Brian Mascola and his wife Rachel. Sam Donahue, Ben Donahue, Adam Donahue, Daniel Mascola, Ariana Mascola. Nicholas Bellino, Sophia DiFraia, Vincent DiFraia and Leo DiFraia. Great grandchildren Rielyn, Aubrey, Kinley and Colton Mascola. Bob’s two beloved sisters, Laurie Esposito and Gail Gaffney.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St, North Reading at 11am on Tuesday, January 31. The service will also be live-streamed on the church’s You Tube channel, NRUCC. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or The Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading, MA 01864 for major repair fund.(https://www.nrucc.org).  To leave an online condolence please visit: www.croswellfuneralhome.com

A luncheon will be served after the service. Come and share your memories of Bob and to say your goodbyes. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.