North Reading Obituaries

Amazing athlete, prolific coach and adventurous boater

PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida — Edward Francis Paul, 96, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and formerly of North Reading, Mass., passed away September 25, 2023 at his home in Port St. Lucie. He was the dedicated husband of the late Virginia (Boyle) Paul.

“Eddie” as he was…

Loved family time at cottage in Maine, gardening and traveling

NORTH READING — Kenneth R. Hart, 70, of North Reading, loving husband for 43 years to Sara (Wells) Hart, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the Lahey Hospital with his family at his side.

Ken was born on July 10, 1953, in…

Retired as Chief of NATO Headquarters in Brussels

WAYLAND — William B. Birkmaier, Jr., 79, of Wayland and formerly of Lebanon, N.H. and North Reading, Mass., passed away at his home on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Bill was born on April 13, 1944. He was the son of the late William B. and Catherine…

Served in National Guard; retired electrical technician who loved the Florida sunshine

FOUNTAIN, Florida — Phillip John Hoyt, 84, of Fountain, Florida, formerly of North Reading, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023 at his home.

Phil was born on December 31,1938 in Wilmington Hospital, Wilmington to Alfred and Anna Hoyt. He was the fifth…

Classic car enthusiast who cherished family vacations to the coast of Maine

NORTH READING — Robert (Bob) W. McGrath, 72, of North Reading, passed away on September 12, 2023.

Bob was raised in North Cambridge by his parents, William and Ethel (Henderson) McGrath, both lifelong residents of North Cambridge. Bob married Lorraine (Bizelia) McGrath…

Found solace and joy in gardening, quilting, baking and caring for others

PEABODY — Barbara Johnson Hilton Fohlin, a remarkable woman of compassion, strength, and boundless love, passed away on September 16, 2023.

Born on December 28, 1928, in Andover, Mass., Barbara’s journey through life was one of unwavering dedication to her loved ones…

Church organist/soloist sang for the Pope; dedicated to preservation of Putnam House and served as Special Police Officer and town planner

NORTH READING — Patricia E. (Spinelli) Romeo, 87, of North Reading and formerly of Revere, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Ashland Farms in North Andover. She was the beloved wife of…

Loved gardening, traveling and riding on husband’s motorcycle

ALTON, N.H. — Carla Jean (Jacques) Langtry, 71, of Alton, N.H. and formerly of North Reading, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023 at the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital after a long illness, with her loving family by her side.

She was born October 8, 1951 in Melrose, the…

Loved all Boston sports teams

WALTHAM — Kevin B. Freeman, 67, of Waltham and formerly of North Reading, passed away at Newton-Wellesley Hospital on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Born in Lynn on February 29, 1956, he was the son of the late Albert J. and Marion V. (Pontius) Freeman. He attended North Reading…

Proud veteran and plumber whose sweet corn was legendary

NORTH READING — Lyman Everett Fancy II, a North Reading legend, passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the age of 94.

He was born and raised in North Reading and was the son of the late Lyman Sr. and Bernice Fancy. He…

Enjoyed cooking, reading and traveling with a love for art and photography

NORTH READING — Janet  M. (Zizza) Comerford, 92, of North Reading, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023, at the Lawrence General Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas J. Comerford.

Born in Boston on July 15, 1931, she…

Loved teaching and cherished his grandchildren

WAKEFIELD — Douglas Arthur Russell, 75, of Plymouth, formerly of Wakefield and Lynnfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 29, 2023.

Born July 6, 1948 in Lynn, Doug was the eldest son of the late Jean (Dearborn) and Arthur Russell. He was raised in Lynnfield and…