All posts by Carol Croswell

Alan Bruce Bennett

Alan Bruce Bennett – 85, passed away peacefully on October 22nd, 2026 to reunite with the love of his life of 62 years, Aldeane “Deanie” Bennett.

Al was born December 4th, 1940 in Manchester, Connecticut where he spent his childhood. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1958, University of Connecticut (BS and MS) in Dairy Husbandry 1962 and 1965, respectively.

He was an alumni of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, a member of UConn’s marching band, playing trumpet, and an ROTC cadet with the US Army. When he graduated he fulfilled his active duty obligation as an commissioned officer and ultimately attaining the rank of Captain.

In all, his military career spanned from 1958 to 1996. Throughout those years he was attached to the 5th Battalion 38th Artillery and later became an MP with the National Guard and was attached to multiple MP units culminating as Company Commander of the 972nd MP unit where he completed his military career (to this day, his footlockers are neatly packed and in full readiness)

He proudly worked for HP Hood and Sons dairy from 1972 to 1974, Sealtest/Breyers from 1974 to 1976 and then continued working in food technology at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) (aka Natick Labs), Research & Development from 1976 until he retired in 2008. His work brought him to many places including Japan, Korea, Germany, Panama and many domestic locations.

He and Deanie began having children prior to beginning his active duty in the U.S. Army in 1961. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Benning Georgia. After his active duty he returned to Connecticut beginning his Master’s program at UConn. After graduating and working in the dairy industry he was hired by HP Hood and Sons in Charlestown, Mass in 1972. It was at this time that he moved the family of five to North Reading, Massachusetts where he lived for 54 years.

Devoted husband, brother, father, uncle, friend, Al was known for many things by many people…DeMolay “Dad Bennett”, Past Master Mason, Past Shriner’s Boss Clown, ret. MP Captain Bennett, Grandpa AND Grandad, trumpeter, choir singer, gardener and farmer, sailor, Mr Fixit, scientist, Master Procrastinator (fyi, there is no need to remind him every 6 months that something needs doing; he’ll get to it…), part-time firefighter…unintentional…IYKYK), teacher, mentor.

He had a gentle, loving kindness to all his family, friends and pets. He never questioned people’s choices, instead he found ways to be supportive, making him the well respected man we all look to emulate. He was both lighthouse and lifeboat to many.

Spending much of his childhood along the Connecticut shore and spending many days messing around with boats with his mother, father and brothers, Al had a lifelong fondness for the ocean and sailing. But he also loved his ground. He maintained a large garden and a lawn in North Reading. Woe to the woodchucks that crossed that fence line! He embraced all aspects of yardwork (maybe not all the extra work Mom created for him!) and homeownership.

Joining Aldersgate United Methodist Church in North Reading introduced Al to the many cherished friends he held onto until death. That friend group stayed together in almost every circle of his life.

Becoming a Mason with those same friends found Al as the Secretary where his attention to detail and organizational skills shined. Eventually becoming the Worshipful Master.

Of the many things Al did, “clowning around” with the Aleppo Temple Clown Unit was one of his greatest joys. If he wasn’t super serious organizing…everything…he was clowning around. Becoming a clown was a perfect fit! He embraced clowning around and often spread that joy enlisting his granddaughter, “Apples” to join him.

Goofing around didn’t stop in his professional career, often times presenting his Shriner’s clown badge to the MP at the gates of Natick Labs; just one of many stories he shared and laughed at while eating at the dining room table.

He is predeceased by his parents, Morris and Elizabeth Bennett, his wife and love of his life, Aldeane Reed Bennett and his sister-in-law (Kenneth’s wife) Dorelle Bennett, and his niece, Amy Reed.

He is survived by his four beloved children: his daughter, Lezlie and her husband, Steven Gallagher; his three sons, Bruce and his wife, Vicki; Andrew and his wife, Ester; Matthew and his wife, Meredith; his brothers, Phillip Bennett and his wife Dorothy, Kenneth Bennett; and his brother-in-law, Walter Reed III; his nine grandchildren: Elizabeth, Aaron, Adam, Elias, Kylie, Thora, Tristan, Ethan and Evelyn; and his great grandchildren, Jack and Bennett; and his niece and nephews, Beverly, Patricia, Jennifer, Jeffrey, and Walter IV.

Calling hours will be held at: Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA 01864 on Thursday, October 29 from 4 to 7 PM.

A funeral service will also be held at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA 01864 on Friday, October 30 at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: “Care Dimensions” .

http://caredimensions.org/

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Lorraine F. Sheehan

 

Lorraine F. Sheehan – 82, of North Reading, Massachusetts, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading, following a courageous battle with dementia and a brief battle with cancer.

Lorraine was the daughter of the late Dennis and Dorothy (Lehane) Maher. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 48 years, John Sheehan; their infant daughter, Bridget; and her brother, Dennis Maher.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Kathy Maher; her loving nieces Jenifer Carpinella and her husband, David; Kimberly Maher-Stamegna and her husband, Donald Stamegna; and Alison O’Brien and her husband, Mical. She is also survived by her niece Janice Daly and nephew Paul Leslie and his wife, Grainne, all residing overseas, along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Lorraine earned a degree in business and enjoyed a professional career in the financial services industry, working at Merrill Lynch and Moors & Cabot.

A longtime resident of North Reading, Lorraine was an avid reader and dedicated many years to the Flint Memorial Library, serving on its Board of Trustees, supporting fundraising efforts, and helping the library thrive.

Lorraine enjoyed playing bingo, going out to eat, and spending time with family and friends. She loved entertaining and hosting gatherings, particularly during the holidays. Her home was always open to visitors, and she made everyone feel welcome. Lorraine had a special way of making people feel good about themselves, often telling those she met how handsome or beautiful they were.

Lorraine will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and love of family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, Massachusetts.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading, MA. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lorraine’s memory may be made to the Friends of the Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01864

Ronald A. Perullo

 

Ronald A. Perullo – 85, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, following a lengthy illness. Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, in 1941, Ron moved to North Reading, Massachusetts, in 1965, where he made his home.  Ron was a class of 1959 graduate of Revere High School and a 1963 graduate of Salem State College.

Ron dedicated his professional life to education. He began his teaching career in the Revere school system in 1963. After moving to North Reading in 1965, he worked in the local (North Reading) school system as a junior high school mathematics teacher. Following the completion of his master’s degree from Boston State College, Ron became a guidance counselor and ultimately served as Director of Pupil Personnel Services, concluding a long and dedicated career in education.

Ron was married for 64 years to his beloved wife, Eva M. (Sabella) Perullo. Together, they raised two daughters, Marianna (Perullo) Callahan, and Jennifer (Perullo) Simard.  He also leaves behind a son-in-law Ralph Simard.

Outside of his career, Ron enjoyed reading about history, sailing on his cherished sailboat as well as having a special love of horses, namely during his younger years. He also loved spending summer weekends at Lake Winnesquam.  He and Eva especially enjoyed spending time with friends at their winter home in Naples, Florida, creating lasting memories together.

Ron and Eva were blessed with seven grandchildren which were the loves of his life: Joseph, Ani, Rebecca, Luke, Allison, Natalie and Sophia. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren Levi and Maeve.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, seven siblings and son-in-law.

Funeral from the Croswell Funeral Home 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday. October 24, at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Ron’s name and honor to Joslin Diabetes Center Boston, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or joslin.org/giving.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Catherine G. McDonald

 

Catherine  G. (Gonzalo) McDonald – 97, of North Reading and formerly of Reading, passed away at the Royal Meadow View Center in North Reading on Monday, October 5, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late William A. McDonald.

Born in Boston, MA on June 7, 1929. She was the daughter of the late Frederick and Elizabeth F. (Miller) Gonzalo.

Catherine was raised and attended school in Reading and was a graduate of Reading High School. She was a cashier for Brooks / Rite Aid Drug Store in North Reading. She has been a resident of North Reading for the past 50 years. She was a member of the North Reading Historical Society and St. Theresa’s Church.

Catherine enjoyed history, music, she especially loved Elvis Presley and country music. She was a lover of hot dogs, McDonald’s coffee, reading the paper, sitting on the porch, scratch tickets and numbers game.

Family members include her loving daughters, Noreen Durney of Haverhill and Michele Tomaszewski of Derry, NH; her son William McDonald and his partner Debbie Burns of South Carolina; sisters, Dorothy Gonzalo of North Reading and formerly of Reading and Claire Meyers of Raynham, MA; 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Per Catherine’s request, that services will be private and no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Robert James White, III

 

Robert James White, III – 55, of Framingham, formerly North Reading passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Born in Lawrence, MA on May 13, 1971. He was a graduate of North Reading High School and attended U Mass. He was a Post Market Surveillance Specialist for Hologic Incorporated.

Robert was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of Desert Storm / Shield.

He had a laidback way about him, that made people feel comfortable, he always knew the right thing to say to put someone at ease.  “Favorite” was a word often used in reference to him. He would usually laugh until he cried and had a dry sense of humor.  He loved being home and provided an unmatched sense of security and stability for his family.

He enjoyed yard work and was a handyman around the house, he loved fixing things himself, organizing his many Fantasy Teams and Boston sports teams. He scored the highest in video games, Dungeon Master (D & D) and was the Best Chef in the Family. He has been a resident of Framingham for the past twenty-five years.

Family members include his Loving wife, Carrie-Ann (Moulaison) White; his daughter, Rory Jane (RJ) White and his son, Michael Elias White; his mother, Laura (Gardner) Goscinak; his father Robert J. White, Jr. and his wife Elaine White; his sister, Lisa O’Shea; his Goddaughter, Rosemary Moore and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 9, from 4 to 7 PM, at the Croswell Funeral Home. 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Burial will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on Tuesday, October 13 at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com