All posts by Carol Croswell

John A. Ahern

John A. Ahern – of Quail Run, Tewksbury and formerly of North Reading, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at age 65. He was the loving husband of 32 years to Ellen (Duggan) Ahern.

Born in Melrose, MA on May 14, 1955. He was the son of the late Daniel, Jr. and Grace C. (Proctor) Ahern, of Voke Street in North Reading.

John graduated from North Reading High School, Class of 1973, he was a gymnast and cross-country runner. Later continuing his education at Salem State College, graduating in 1977 with a B.S. in Business.

During these years he worked at the Thomson Country Club in North Reading, in the kitchen. He decided to switch careers to food service, working as a chef at the Heathwood Retirement Home in Newton, MA for the next 35 years.

John was an outgoing man, enjoying skiing, racquetball and golf. His love for golf started as a caddy at Hillview Country Club in North Reading. John was an avid reader and enjoyed a friendly discussion. In retirement he enjoyed gardening and flower arrangements.

He will be missed by his family: his wife, Ellen and their dog Maggie Mae; his siblings, Patricia, Dan, and Mary and spouse Nate; his Duggan siblings, Mary, Timmy, Patty, James, and  spouse Melissa. He touched the lives of many, his aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  We will miss him dearly.

His funeral services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701. www.cancer.org. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

John J. Sheehan

John J. Sheehan – 81, of North Reading, died on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington.

Born in Liverpool, England on December 1, 1938, he was the son of the late Michael and Bridget (Kiely) Sheehan. John worked as a Merchant Seaman (English Merchant Service), First National and for Raytheon as a Wafer Fab Operator.

John had been a resident of North Reading for the past 46 years. John was known for his good humor, generosity and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone. He loved watching soccer, going out to eat, reading and being with people.

Family members include his loving wife of 48 years, Lorraine (Maher) Sheehan; his brothers, Terry Daly, and his wife Joyce, and family of Liverpool, England, and the late Peter Sheehan and family of the United Kingdom; his late sisters Maura Leslie and Rita Spur; late brother-in-law, Dennis Maher and his surviving wife Kathy Maher; beloved nieces Jennifer Carpinella, Kimberly Maher-Stamegna and Alison O’Brien; beloved nephews Paul Leslie, and his wife Grainne, and family of England and the late Shaun Leslie of England. In addition, John is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and dozens of friends in Ireland, England and the United States.

His funeral will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading on Monday, November 30 at 10:30 AM. Due to Covid -19 restrictions, masks must be worn at all times and social distancing rules apply. Internment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St., North Reading, MA 01864, in the name of John Sheehan. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Frank W. Kenrick

Frank  W. Kenrick – 81, of North Reading and formerly of Everett, died at his home on Friday, November 20, 2020.

Born in Everett, MA on February 10, 1939, he was the son of the late Edwin M. and Hazel A. (Fraser) Kenrick. Frank attended the L.D. Batchelder School in North Reading and graduated from the Malden Vocational High School in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1959.

Frank was a sheet metal worker, he started his own business in 1962, the Kenrick B. Hall Corporation. He worked  on numerous buildings throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York, that are still standing. He also installed heating and air condition systems in malls and industrial buildings, he was the chief cook and bottle washer.

Frank was a witty man, full of wisdom, stories, laughs and love. He had a heart of gold, always willing to help when he could.

Frank was indeed a man of different skills and trades, a true entrepreneur. He always enjoyed   fixing things around the house and gardening at its best. His specialties were tomatoes, corn, all kinds of peppers and onions. Frank enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family and Sunday dinners.

Frank has been a resident of North Reading for over 60 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge A.F. And A.M., as well as a dedicated member of Union Congregational Church, all in North Reading.

His surviving family members include his loving wife, Andrea E. (Powell) Kenrick; daughters, Farika S. Williams and De Andrea D. Gibbs of North Reading. Son-in-law, Dominic Williams of North Reading. Adoptive daughter, Carline Gabert of Malden. His loving nieces, Susan Kenrick of Natick and Sannett Petrus of Haverhill; cousin, Scott Kenrick of Lynnfield. Life long friend of over 40 years, Jack and wife Jane Hudgins of North Reading. Also survived by a host of extended family and friends. He was the father of the late Frank, Jr. and Glen Kenrick.

His funeral will be held at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading on Wednesday, November 25 at 10 AM. Calling hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, November 24 from 4 to 7 PM. Due to current restrictions, masks must be worn at all times with social distancing. A maximum capacity of 50 people will be allowed in the funeral home at one time. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Dennis F. Collins, Jr.

Dennis Francis Collins, Jr., February 7, 1936 – November 16, 2020

Dennis Francis Collins, Jr., age 84, died peacefully in his home, with his beloved wife by his side, in North Reading, Massachusetts on November 16, 2020.  Dennis, originally of Hyde Park, Boston, was a graduate of Boston University, where he graduated second in his class while earning an Aeronautical Engineering degree.   He went on to earn a Master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In his early career, Dennis worked for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center where he made significant contributions to NASA’s space flight program.  In 1966, he married Solfrid Svalgres, a beautiful Norwegian woman whom he met while dining at a German Restaurant in Washington, D.C.  Eventually, the couple settled in North Reading, where Dennis continued his lifetime of civilian service working as an Engineer at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Cambridge.  Dennis and Solfrid went on to have a son, Brendan and a daughter, Britt.

Dennis was a gentle, humble and religious man who loved nature and was devoted to his family. Over the years, Dennis became accomplished at many hobbies including sailing, photography, fly fishing, skiing, gardening, playing Flamenco guitar, and furniture making.  He was happiest when taking long walks in the woods with his wife, children and dog, Nosey.  He also enjoyed listening to jazz while reading the newspaper and his travels to Norway.  Although he was not one to brag about his own accomplishments, he thoroughly enjoyed bragging about his grandchildren’s.

Dennis is survived by his wife Solfrid, who cared for him during his long illness.  He is also survived by his son, Brendan and daughter, Britt and his five beloved grandchildren, Boden, Donovan, Sophia (his favorite), Aidan and Rachel as well as several nephews.  He is predeceased by his sister, Marie.  Those wishing to honor Dennis’ life may make a donation to Catholic Relief Services or Food for the Poor.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday, November 21 at 9:30 AM, followed by an 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be private. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Paul M. Cohan

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our dear brother,

Paul M. Cohan, 54, Paul passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

Paul was born in North Reading, the son of the late William E. and Frances T. (Tobin) Cohan. He attended North Reading public schools until the 8th grade, after which he attended Austin Preparatory School, graduating in 1983. Shortly after graduating UMass Lowell with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering in 1987, Paul moved to San Francisco and spent many years continuing to build his career and started his own high tech/engineering recruiting firm, working most of his adult life as a quality recruiter of high tech talent.

Paul touched so many lives on both the East and West Coasts. He was so full of life and would light up a room when he entered it. He was kind, warm and popular and had a heart of gold, and always kept you laughing. Paul never had an unkind word to say and had such an incredibly quick wit. Paul enjoyed being with his family and so many close friends, and you could always count on him to be the life of the party. He was a true brother and friend; honest, caring and forthright. Life as we know it will forever change with this terrible loss of Paul.

Paul was multi-talented. He was an avid, excellent skier and loved the outdoors.   He loved traveling with his friends, listening to music and loved animals. Paul also had a natural and beautiful voice for singing and after learning to play the drums from the drummer of The Tubes rock band, he proudly played the drums in Bootie Cooler, a band he formed with close friends out West. He frequently played in the local venues in San Francisco and was followed by many.

Paul is survived by his sisters, Tracey F. Lacroix and Mary K. Dascoli, both of Andover, and his brothers, Mark R. Cohan of Lowell, Michael J. Cohan and his wife Patricia (Demetri) Cohan of New Jersey, Christopher T. Cohan of Andover, John F. Cohan and his wife JoAnne M. (Krocker) Cohan of Tewksbury and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother William Cohan Jr (Billy) a North Reading police officer. Paul was the beloved Godfather of Cassidy M. Cohan of Tewksbury.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, there will be private visitation on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Croswell Funeral Home. His funeral Mass will be open to all friends and family and will be held at St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, MA on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 11:00 AM, followed by Interment at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to American Cancer Society.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com