Past Grand Knight of the North Reading K of C
Published in the March 1, 2018 edition
LONDONDERRY, N.H. — Earl E. Florence, 90, of Londonderry, N.H., and formerly of North Reading, died unexpectedly on Monday, February 19, 2018, at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, N.H.
Born in Winchester, on November 19, 1927, he was the son of the late Earl E. and Evelyn K. (Flaherty) Florence. He was a graduate of Mitchell Military Boys School in Billerica and the Emerson School for Boys in Exeter, N.H., Class of 1944.
Earl worked for and was a member of the Pipe Fitters Union Local 537 for 72 years and was a former resident of North Reading for 89 years. Earl was a Past Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus in North Reading and a member of the Middlesex Pigeon Racing Club for 40 years.
He loved his family and animals. He was an avid football and baseball fan, he enjoyed the stock market and politics. His favorite quote was: “I am left handed but I am always right.”
Family members include his loving wife of 67 years, Doris A. (Peck) Florence; his son, Dana Florence and his wife Rose of Amherst, N.H.; daughters, Erlene McSweeney and her husband Joe, and Kathleen Willett, both of Tewksbury, Morene Jacklin and her husband Alan of Raymond, N.H. and Christine Tower and her husband Steve of Tewksbury; his sister, Evelyn Doran of North Reading; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Robert Florence.
Calling hours were held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Friday, February 23, followed by his funeral service conducted by Deacon Al Balestracci of St. Theresa’s Church, North Reading. Interment followed at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
