Joseph R. Veno – 78, of North Reading and formerly of Revere, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 27, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Boston, MA on December 8, 1946, son of the late Joseph A. and Lillian (Mailiette) Veno.  Joe was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1964. He was a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, he was an EN2 and served from 1965 to 1969. He received Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star.

He was a Reading Police Officer and Safety Officer, he retired at age 55. Joe has been a resident of North Reading for over 70 years and a member of St. Theresa’s Parish for many years.

Joe served on many Boards for the town of North Reading. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen for 15 years, the Community Planning Commission for 4 years,  Veteran’s Affair Commission for 20 years, Recycling Commission for 4 years,  North Reading Housing Authority for 10 years, Veteran’s Memorial Commission for 20 years, Commission on Disabilities for 10 years, Council on Aging for 15 years and the Mystic Valley Elder Services for 15 years.

Joe was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Andover Sportsman Club and Knights of Columbus, where he was a 4^th Degree Knight.

Joe loved gardening, traveling and was a NASCAR Fan. He coached Youth Football for 15 years and was the President of the North Reading Touchdown Club.

Family members include his loving wife of 54 years, Dianna (Sargent) Veno; his sons, Joseph A. Veno and his wife Nicole and Jonathan M. Veno and his wife Elizabeth; grandchildren, Jessica Prenney, Alicia and Abigail Veno. He was the brother of the late Donna Veno.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 11:30 AM in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. A funeral procession will leave the Croswell Funeral Home at 11:15 AM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Charles A. Boulanger- 82, of Intervale, NH, and Boxford, MA passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at Lawrence General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the cherished husband of the late Marsha (Smith) Boulanger. Charlie, fondly known as Buddy, was born on June 25, 1942 in Lynn, MA to the late Charles and Ruth (Woodman) Boulanger.

A proud Marine, Charlie served his country with honor before transitioning to a long and fulfilling career at General Electric in Lynn, MA. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Marsha. After their retirement, the couple relocated to Intervale, NH, where Charlie embraced the beauty of the outdoors, becoming an avid skier and hiker in the White Mountains. After returning to Massachusetts, he continued to enjoy nature through long walks and cherished his weekly breakfasts with his niece, Michele Sherry, and her husband, Joe Morrison, as well as Sunday dinners spent with his family.

Charlie’s family was his heart and soul. He is survived by his daughters, Jessica Cote and her husband, Dana, of Kensington, NH, and Jennifer Guarino and her husband, Richard II, of Boxford, MA. He also leaves behind his sister, Jean DeLuca of Florida; his brother, Robert Boulanger, and his longtime companion, Liza O’Keeffe, of New York; and his beloved grandchildren, Victoria Guarino, Maxwell Cote, Richard Guarino III, and Leah Guarino. In addition, Charlie is survived by his sisters-in-law, Tally Blowers of Lynn, MA; Roberta Smith of Marblehead, MA; and Holly Boulanger of Washington, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sister, Dwyn Knudsen, and his brother, Lawrence Boulanger.

Charlie’s legacy of kindness, gentle spirit, and humility will be forever treasured by all who knew him. His love for his family, his quiet wisdom, and the warmth he shared with everyone will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor Charlie’s memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, North Reading. www.Croswellfuneralhome.com.

Shawn Robert Christo – 44, of Middleton and formerly of Salem, died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, April 20, 2025.

Born in Cambridge, MA on December 1, 1980. He was a graduate of Masconomet Regional High School and Northeast Tractor Trailer School. Shawn was a Class A Truck Driver for DHL and a member of Teamster’s Local 25 in Boston.

Shawn was a free spirit and an exceptional Dad to Allissa Rose Christo. He had a love for two wheels, especially if it was made by Harley Davidson.

Family members include his loving daughter Allissa Rose Christo, his loving mother, Roseann (Mazzone) Nash and her husband Richard Nash, all of Middleton. He was the son of the late William Christo; brother of Brian Nash,  Erika Hopkins, Kate Nash, Sarah Stevens, Anthony and Michelle Christo; nephew of Cheryl Anne Mazzone and Richard Christo and the late Steven Christo and loving uncle to Isabella Mia Franco, Abby & Beth Stevens and Nicholas Hopkins. He was the grandson of the late Gus and Angie Mazzone, Charles and Connie Christo, George and Dolly Nash and adored great grandson of the late Rose Mazzone.

His funeral will be held at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading on Wednesday, April 30 at 10:00 AM. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Harold S. Nilsson – of North Reading. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Harold Nilsson. Hal passed away on April 14th at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading, MA.

Hal was born in Attleboro, MA on March 8, 1941. Hal was a man of immense love, kindness, and unwavering strength. He cherished his family with all his heart.

Hal was a devoted husband to Shirley Nilsson, for 59 years. Shirley passed two weeks prior to Hal and they are together once again, in peace and comfort.

Hal joined the U.S. Marines. Hal worked for many years at General Ship and Engine Works in East Boston as a crane operator, then for General Dynamics, and finally finished his career in ship building and repair at Fore River Shipyard. In his later years he worked for Moynihan Lumber as a forklift truck operator, and the U.S. Postal Service.

Hal was a Boston sports fan, he especially loved watching the Bruins and Patriot games. In his younger years, Hal enjoyed coaching his sons in North Reading Little League. He was so proud of all of his children. As a proud Grampy, he loved to watch his grandkids play baseball, hockey, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and track. He also enjoyed watching them perform in high school plays and musicals, as well as dance recitals. He truly enjoyed trips with his wife and kids to Las Vegas. Hal enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his home hosting bar-b-que and playing horseshoes. He and Mom loved hosting for the holidays and being surrounded by family.

Hal and Shirley resided in North Reading for 58 years. Harold leaves behind 11 children: Frank (Paula) Sollazzo, Debbie (Steve) Rouleau, Edward Pronovost, Donna Pronovost and Paula Ciras, Ronald (Karen) Pronovost, Stephanie (Michael) Tannian, Cindy Gormley, Darlene (Tom) Williams, Laura (Brian) Harrington, Terri Boucher, and Eric Nilsson. Harold also leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Bob Santoro, and his granddaughter Carolyn Gormley.

His funeral will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, April 29 at 11:00 AM. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 28 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be private

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation at

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Theresa  M. (Silva) Gonzalo – 95, of North Reading and formerly of  Cambridge, died on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Holy Family Hospital in Methuen. She was the beloved wife of 72 years to the late Donald F. Gonzalo.

Born in Cambridge, MA on October 2, 1929. She was the daughter of the late Serafin and Ollie Silva.

Theresa worked as a Teacher’s Aide for the North Reading Public Schools, at the Murphy and Hood Schools for many years. She also worked for Schraffts in Charlestown.

Theresa loved to sew, crochet, make doll clothes, reupholster furniture and she loved to bake. She especially loved to take her grandchildren to her vacation home on Alton Bay.

Family members include her son, Robert Gonzalo; daughters, Donna DeMarco and her husband Charles and Terry Longo Gaffney; 5 grandchildren, Bill Longo, Dave Longo, Stephanie DeMarco, Michael DeMarco and Nicole Abruzzese; 14 great grandchildren, Will, George, Chloe, Jack, Chris and Angela Longo, Sonny Fitzgerald, Evan Abruzzese, Cody and Marielle Finn, Aria and Octavia DeMarco, Gabriel Medina and Camren Carson.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 23 at  9:15 AM, from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 22 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com