Lyman Everett Fancy, II – 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.) & Bernice Fancy. He was a graduate of Reading High School, Class of 1947. He was a lifelong resident of North Reading for 92 years.
Lyman was a Veteran of the U.S. Army (Korean War) and a retiree of Local 283, where he had a long successful career in plumbing and pipe fitting. He served as a former Assistant Plumbing Inspector for the Town of North Reading. On October 4, 1953, he married the love of his life, Barbara. They shared many memories living in a home he built for her and his family.
In his retirement, Lyman became an avid farmer best known for the sweet corn he sold at Turner Farm.
Lyman is predeceased by his wife Barbara Hamilton Fancy, his daughter Lauren and her husband John Wissler, his son James Fancy, and grandchildren, Matthew & Jessica Parrish.
He is survived by many friends and family including his children; daughter Sharon (David) Parrish, his son Lyman “Butch” (Maria) Fancy, III, his daughter in-law Cheryl Fancy, grandchildren; Jared Parrish, Phuong Bui, Amanda (Evan) Fancy, Sarah (RJ) LoPresti, Tiffany (Ray) Henderson, and Kristina (Anthony) Agganis and great grandchildren; Jimmy Bui, Alex (Bailey) Bui, Sienna & Sylas Craig, Elias, Anthony, and Daniella Agganis, and Roxanne Henderson.
In his final years he enjoyed living up in the White Mountains in New Hampshire with his son and daughter in-law. He attended Mount Washington Valley Adult Day Center, and he would always praise the great people who worked there and loved being a part of their family.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Betty C. Ketchum Foundation. This foundation founded and operates the Mount Washington Valley Adult Day Center. It’s purpose is to support those with memory loss as well as their caregivers.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 15 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
My friend, rest in peace. I miss you.
So sorry to hear. Lyman was such a wonderful guy!! Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family!! Rest in Peace Lyman!!
Mr. Fancy – you will never be forgotten. My dads best friend, a devoted husband and father and most of all – a North Reading icon. Rest in Peace. I hope you find yourself in a field of corn dancing with Mrs. Fancy
Amy Hall Stiles
Rest peacefully, Mr. Fancy.
Lyman was a wonderful neighbor and friend; we missed him when he moved to NH. We will remember him fondly and continue to miss him. May he rest in peace. Abby and Gil Hurlbut
A piece of North Reading, never to be forgotten. ❤️ Our deepest condolences to the Fancy family.
Rest in peace Lyman
Hi Grandpa, I love you. No matter where I was in the pass 30 plus years, you were always by my sides. Your loving voice, your comforting gestures, and your reassuring vibes kept me safe and loved. Bye for now, but, not really bye. You are still here with me. Love you. Always! Your grandson, Phuong.
RIP Lyman…you will be missed and long remembered. Thank you for everything you have done for community, family and friends…and always with a smile.
RIP Lyman. You will long be remembered for everything you have done of community, family and friends…and always with a smile. Thank YOU!
RIP Lyman Always enjoyed our conversations about years ago when we sent to school Have missed you since you moved to NH and have missed seeing you go by in your truck with your corn
Lyman and Barbara welcomed us when we moved across the street from them into our first home and were incredibly gracious as we had our baby, then established the Halloween custom of visiting their home. Their kindnesses to us and our son, their empathy as we struggled with medical challenges and special education, made them iconic neighbors. They will both live in my heart. May Lyman come unto a well earned rest with his beloved wife and those others who passed before him. Elizabeth Coolidge-Stolz
Lyman was the “corn man”, and “corn stalk” whisperer of North Reading. He left the corn stalks, and the payment was on the honor system.
Lyman was a favorite of my wife, and we admired his dedication to family.
Lyman and I would have many conversations, and he always gave me continual attaboys for the Town taking the Hillview by eminent domain.
He was so happy that there was foresight to protect the open space.
I imagined him fanaticizing that 140 acres of corn was blowing in the wind on the Hillview land, and that he had planted it all.
He was a wonder ful dedicated family man, and was great company to shoot the breeze with.
Carolyn and I were so sad when he had to leave. Luckily he apparently went north and assimilated to the great outdoors in his new home.
I’m sure he met new folks, and captured them the way he captured all of us with his kindness, and gentleness that permated his being.
We eagerly awaited his phone call every corn season with his famous words.”I have corn. How many do you want?” He also had great tomatoes, we can’t forget those.
To Lymans family we offer condolences, and prayers.
Carolyn and George stack