All posts by Carol Croswell

Ronald H. Christie

Ronald H. Christie, passed away at the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center on Thursday evening, November 12, 2020, he was 85 years old.

Ron was born in Gardiner, Maine, the son of the late Vernon and Mary (Quinton)Christie. He grew up and was educated in North Reading. Ron served his country as a United States Marine during the Korean War, between the years of 1954 thru 1958.

He married his wife Gertrude “Trudy” (Tentindo) on October 26, 1958. They lived in Chelsea where they raised their four children. Then they moved briefly to Wakefield before settling in Burlington. Ron worked for many years at Everett Aluminum before starting his own business D & R Aluminum with his brother Don.

Ron enjoyed cards, bowling, fishing and riding his motorcycle. He was one of the founding members of the Free Spirits Motorcycle Club.

Ron was the beloved husband of the late Trudy Christie. He was the loving father of Cheryl Ames & her husband Robert, Ronald, Jr., Steven and John. Proud grandfather of Robert Ames, Jr., Jason, Avery & Angelo Christie and Ashley Miller, as well as several grandchildren. Survived by his sisters, Laura Murphy, Millie Owen, Mary McGuiness, and Dolly Armstrong. He was the brother of the late Donald, Robert and Alan Christie.

A visitation will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, November 24 from 9:00 to 10:45 AM, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Due to current restrictions, masks must be worn at all times with social distancing. A maximum capacity of 50 people will be allowed at one time in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials in Ronald’s name may be made to the Tower Hill Tenant Association Activity Fund, 15 Birchcrest St., Burlington, MA 01803. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Marsha E. Pierce

Marsha E. (Woods) Pierce – 75, of North Reading and formerly of Charlestown, died at her sister’s home in North Reading on Friday, November 6, 2020. She was the beloved wife of the late Arthur L. Pierce, Jr.

Born in Boston, MA on November 27, 1944, she was the daughter of the late John L. and Ruth (Joyce) Woods. She attended North Reading and Reading Schools. Marsha was a 58 year resident of North Reading.

She was a School Bus Transportation owner in Andover. She also worked in Accounts Receivable at Zayre’s Department Store, she was a secretary for Produce Junction and at North Reading Motor Sports, all in North Reading.

Marsha was a person that once you met her you never forgot her, she had an incredible smile and a laugh like no other. She enjoyed playing softball, watching her kids play sports, traveling, camping, bingo and the beach. Most of all she loved being with her husband, family and friends.

Family members include her sons, John Pierce and his partner Maureen of Hampton, NH, Donald Pierce and his wife Carolyn of Pelham, NH and Brian Pierce of North Reading; sisters, Kathleen Roberts of North Reading and the late Ruthann Lucci; her brother, Daniel Woods and his wife Nancy of Lawrence, late brothers, John Woods, William Woods, Paul “Buddy” Woods, Thomas Woods and Michael Woods; 3 grandchildren, Lanna, Haley and Vivian Pierce and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, November 12 at 10:00 AM. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 11 from 4 to 7 PM. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, masks must be worn at all times with social distancing. A maximum capacity of 50 people will be allowed at one time in the funeral home. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Kenneth W. Nunan, Jr.

Kenneth Wellsley Nunan, Jr. – 76, passed away at his home on October 28, in Billerica, Massachusetts after battling brain cancer.

Ken was born December 19, 1943 to Marion and Kenneth Nunan Sr. in Georgetown, MA. After graduating from New Rochelle High School in New York, Ken joined the Air Force as a member of the Air Police.  He continued on to a successful career as a professional truck driver.

Ken married Mary Kelliher on October 6, 1972 and raised their son, Mark, in Billerica. Ken was a devoted husband of 48 years, loving father, and amazing grandfather. Ken adored his two grandchildren and enjoyed building with blocks, flying kites, searching for shells at the beach, watching them play sports, and any other activity they would dream up. Whenever the weather permitted, Ken and Mary would be kayaking and biking rail trails somewhere in New England or be on a road trip with the kayaks on the roof and bikes in the backseat.  Ken followed New England sports teams with passion and would annually attend a December Patriots game, Red Sox games, and Bruins games with Mary. Thursday mornings, Ken would often be found playing horseshoes at the Billerica Council on Aging. In most recent years, Ken and Mary would travel abroad exploring different countries each year. Drawing and painting became hobbies as well once he retired.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand and drive anybody, anywhere at any time.  He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Ken was the beloved husband of Mary (Kelliher) Nunan. He was the loving father of Mark Nunan and his wife Tara of Billerica. Proud grandfather to Kiley and Owen Nunan.  Ken was predeceased by his sister, Bettyann Dole. Brother to George Nunan, Donnie and his wife Joyce Nunan, MeriEllen and her husband Tom Lazdowski, William and his wife Theresa Nunan, and Donna and her husband Eric Robbins. Brother-in-law to the late Nancy Kelliher, Diane and Roy Crowell, Anne and her late husband Tom Richer, Donna Kelliher, Charles and Rhonda Kelliher. Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are warmly invited to his visitation on Sunday, November 1st from 4 to 7 pm at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, Massachusetts 01864.  A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 2 at 11:00 am at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading, followed by graveside service at the Harmony Cemetery in Georgetown, Massachusetts.  Due to COVID we will have a celebration of life in Ken’s honor on a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to the Billerica Council on Aging, 25 Concord Road, Billerica, MA 01821. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

 

Harold L. Weisse, Jr.

Harold L. Weisse Jr. 89 of Nashua, NH (formerly of North Reading) died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday 10/17/20. He’s now directing the choir of heavenly angels, just as he did on earth.

Growing up in Dorchester, MA, Harold graduated from Boston English High School, then Boston University with a degree in Music Education. After working briefly as a draftsman for both Raytheon and Honeywell, he realized his dream of becoming a music educator in North Reading. He began as a part-time music teacher and ultimately Director of Music for the North Reading school district; a position he held until his retirement after 36 years of dedicated service.

During the course of his distinguished musical career, his concert and marching bands, choruses and jazz bands consistently garnered awards and accolades throughout New England and beyond.

He also directed some of the finest high school musical theater productions in Massachusetts, working with student singers and pit orchestras to create top notch performances every spring.

More importantly, Harold’s musical legacy lives on in the many NRHS alumni who have gone on to have successful music careers themselves, as well as those who continue to nurture the love of music that was instilled in them under his patient and experienced tutelage.

Harold was also an accomplished musician himself, playing piano and bass in numerous local bands in the Boston area as a member of AFM Local 126.

In addition, Harold served in the Army National Guard from 1955-1964 as Chief Warrant Officer, directing the 26th Division Band of Massachusetts.

An Eagle Scout, Harold was also an avid outdoorsman, spending summers hiking and camping throughout the Northeast with his family. After retirement, he continued these exploits even further afield, travelling with the Road Scholars lifelong learning program both at home and overseas.

Harold is survived by his daughter Susan Powers-Fitzpatrick (Sean), son Steven (Carol) and daughter Wendy Burbine (Darren), grandchildren Alexandra (aka Sasha) and Adam Weisse, Kaitlin Powers, Michael Burbine Jr., Harold Burbine and Victoria Burbine, and great grandson Jayce Powers. He was predeceased by his former wife Annette, cherished companion Irene Gordon, and good friend Tom Ahern.

The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Lundquist, Visiting Angels, and the Amedysis Hospice team for their unparalleled care. We would also like to thank the First Baptist Church of Nashua for all of their love and support. They were truly like family to him.

Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, funeral plans will be announced at a later date.

Thomas E. Foley

Thomas E. Foley – 80, of North Reading and formerly of Winchester, died Monday, October 19, 2020 at Winchester Hospital.

Born in Winchester, MA on November 14, 1939, he was the son of the late Thomas V. and Anna P. (Hodge) Foley. He was raised in Winchester and was a graduate of Winchester High School. Tom was an Electrician for 30 years for Atlantic Gelatin in Woburn and has been retired for over 20 years.

He has been a resident of North Reading for the past 41 years and was a member of the Wakefield / Lynnfield United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Danvers Fishing Game Club, Andover Sportsman Club and the Setter Club of New England.

Tom was a man who loved nature and his dogs, he enjoyed the friendships he made through hunting and fishing. He could always tell a good story and he loved sharing his knowledge with his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling all over the country with his wife Donna and friends, including the Caribbean and Ireland.

Family members include his loving wife of 41 years, Donna J. (Kinsley) Foley; his sons, Thomas S. Foley and Brian P. Foley; his daughter, Cheryl Finnerty; stepsons, Corey A. Ricardo and Philip A. Ricardo; brothers, John Foley and Robert Foley; sisters, Mary Lou Murray and Barbara Foley and 7 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private. Visitation will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, October 22 from 4 to 7 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701. cancer.org www.croswellfuneralhome.com