North Reading Obituaries

Had a passion for flying and a great cup of black coffee

Published February 7, 2019

NORTH READING — Joe Noonan (lovingly called “Sunny” or “Banana Joe” by his family), 86, of North Reading and formerly of Malden, died late Tuesday, January 29, 2019, surrounded by his five children, and the love of his life…

Published January 31, 2019

DEARBORN, Michigan — Michael Patrick Fitzmaurice, 68, of Dearborn, Michigan, died on January 25, 2019.

Michael was the beloved husband of Judith of 33 years and the dearest father of Helen Fitzmaurice (Ben Keller) and Lorraine Fitzmaurice. He was the loving son of Walter and Lorraine Fitzmaurice of North Reading and the…

U.S.A.F. veteran of the Korean War

Published January 31, 2019

MELROSE — William S. “Bill” Downie, 87, of Melrose, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on Friday, January 25, 2019 at his home. 

Bill was born on February 20, 1931 in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia on Cape Breton Island, one of eight children…

Enjoyed summers in Harrison, Maine

Published January 24, 2019

NORTH READING — Richard F. Herlihy, 67, of North Reading, passed away on January 19, 2019.

Richard was the beloved husband of Sandra (Stanley) Herlihy and the father of Melissa Bellavance and her husband William of North Reading, Michael Herlihy of North Reading, Matthew and his…

Former Board of Selectmen chairman; renowned coach, humanitarian

Published January 17, 2019

NORTH READING — Benjamin F. Sands, Jr., 85, a longtime resident of North Reading, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2019 after a brief illness.

Known as Grandpa Ben, Dad and Benny, he was the glue that held his family and friends together. His…

Quick-witted, resilient and independent

Published January 17, 2019

LOWELL — Janice L. (Vaughn) Gray, 89, of Lowell and formerly of Sparta, Wisconsin, died unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

She was the beloved wife of the late David S. Gray. Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on March 31, 1929, she was the…

Award-winning weaver who enjoyed the arts and the symphony

Published January 17, 2019

FALMOUTH, Maine — Helen Ione (Carver) Hoyt, 99, died January 10, 2019, at Falmouth by the Sea, in Falmouth, Maine, where she had resided for the last year.

Born May 2, 1919, in Osgood, Missouri, she was the daughter of Earl and…

Had a passion for learning, philanthropy

Published January 10, 2019

NORTH READING — Sheila Marie Mahoney, 49, of North Reading, died on December 12, 2018 on the Lady of Guadalupe Day. When she passed, Sheila was surrounded by those who love her.

Born on June 5, 1969, Sheila was the beloved daughter of Joseph and…

U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and Korean War

Published January 10, 2019

NORTH READING — Kenneth W. Castine, 94, of North Reading and formerly of Reading, died Friday, January 4, 2019 at Care One in Wilmington. He was the beloved husband of the late Diane (Shulkey) Castine.

Born in Groton, Conn. on November 29, 1924,…

Enjoyed traveling the world for both business and pleasure

Published January 10, 2019

NORTH READING — Joseph B. Gannon, Jr., of North Reading, passed away on January 3, 2019.

Joe was born in Everett, attended Malden Catholic High School and was a graduate of Boston College.

Joe is survived by his wife of 45 years,…

Enjoyed family travels and golf

Published January 10, 2019

WAKEFIELD — James F. “Jim” Quinn, 74, of Wakefield, formerly of Somerville, died peacefully Saturday, January 5, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born in Cambridge on February 26, 1944, he was the son of the late William J. and Helen (Manning) Quinn.

Jim was…

U.S. Navy veteran of Korean War

Published January 10, 2019

NORTH READING — Alfred  Lee  Lisby, 87, of North Reading and formerly of Missouri, died Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford. He was the beloved husband of the late Jean M. (Baldwin) Lisby.

Born in Wakanda, Missouri…