Christopher J. Fuccione – 60, of Salem, MA, and formerly of North Reading, passed away on July 14, 2026 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington.

Born in Boston, MA, on October 9, 1965, he was the son of the late Thomas F. and Emily G. (Johnson) Fuccione. He was raised in North Reading, and graduated from North Reading High School, Class of 1983.

Chris overcame addiction and adversity to dedicate his life to working tirelessly for the homeless and disability community as a fearless activist, ensuring everyone was treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. He most recently spent much of his time volunteering with The League of Mercy in Salem, MA to help the homeless community on the North Shore.

Chris worked with the Salem Democratic Committee to support community members in registering to vote, especially advocating for Salem’s homeless community to do so. He also volunteered with many political campaigns, served as the Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator for the Salem Democratic Committee, and ran for City Council in Salem, MA in his beloved Ward 2 neighborhood. Chris worked closely with his neighbors and friends in the Greater Endicott Street Neighborhood Association. He also worked with his friends Jess Tower and Caitlin Tricomi on distributing KN95s, N95 masks, and COVID tests to community members. He volunteered with members of the St. Peter/San Pedro Church in Salem, MA to give out winter jackets annually.

He served on the board of North Shore Community Health Center up until his death, often joining meetings from his hospital bed. With his history of homelessness, living with disabilities, and experience working with the unhoused residents of Salem, he brought a unique perspective to NSCH’s mission of providing health care to the Northshore community. Chris gave up smoking when he joined the board, but with a twist: “At the last board meeting I attend, I’ll light up a cigarette AS SOON as it’s over.”

Chris worked in restaurants in the past, most notably as a dishwasher at The Barnside, Danielas, and Kitty’s. He also worked at Lil Peach, from where many people fondly remember him. More recently, he did online survey work, worked with Tufts CTSI, and worked on various clinical trials to ensure marginalized communities were centered in clinical research. Chris also often entered online contests, and the biggest prize he won was a free celebrity cruise to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In the past, Chris volunteered at animal shelters, including the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA, and with various animal rights groups. Chris was also a member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in North Reading, participating in Aldersgate Church Mission trips. 

Chris was a genuine human rights advocate who gave with all of his heart, and cared about the underdog, including, but not limited to animals, immigrants, and the homeless community. He made friends everywhere he went, including with many dogs. In his spare time, he loved watching musicals, listening to Radio Caroline, and Celtic music, as well as Lofi Girl, and many other musical artists. Chris was an avid coin collector. He often watched Jackie and Shadow, the Eagles in Big Bear Valley on YouTube, and tended to leave them on in the background while he was doing his survey work. He was deeply funny, ate like a child, and loved his Zero Sugar Mountain Dew!

Family members include his loving brothers Thomas Fuccione and his wife Lori, Joseph Fuccione and his wife Danielle, his sister Joanne M. Fuccione, nephews Jacob T. Dillon and Thomas R. Fuccione, and nieces Kristina M. Fuccione, Julia G. Dillon and Jaclyn R. Dillon. He also had close friends including, but not limited to Caitlin Tricomi, Jessica “Jess” Tower, Theodore “Teddy” Reale, Pastor Barbara Otto, Pastor Rachel and Pastor Sam Fisher, and Jill and Robb Wilkinson. He was also honored by Jess Tower and Teddy Reale, who named their kitten Muffy Fuccione to honor Chris’s “greatness” (in Chris’s own words). He also had a beloved stuffed teddy bear named Robert who joined him everywhere.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, from 4 to 7 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. The memorial service led by Pastor Barbara and Pastor Rachel will be held on Friday, August 7, from 6 to 7 PM at Riley Plaza, 1 -21 Margin Street in Salem, MA 01970. Feel free to share a story, poem, or memory of Chris. In lieu of flowers, cash donations may be made in his memory to The League of Mercy, a group he was a part of that helps the homeless on the North Shore. 

Wilbur (Wil) E. Tobey passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 27, 2026 at Watson Fields in Dover, NH.  Wil was 102 years old.   He was born on May 22, 1923 in Eliot, ME, the son of the late Walter Tobey and Edith (Beetham) Tobey.

Wil served in the Army Airforce, a predecessor to the Air Force, in WWII as a radar technician in the South Pacific.  He worked at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for many years as an electrical technician as well as the USS Albacore, a submarine now part of the Maritime Museum in Portsmouth, NH.  Wil, aka, Cap’t Slim, enjoyed adventure as exemplified by his love of fishing, often as captain of fishing expeditions in Florida, Australia, New Zealand and in the Bahamas.  An avid skier, Wil skied at Wildcat Mountain with his wife Barbara for many years until he was 80.  Wil was known for his down-Maine dry wit, and was a generous man with his family and his extended family.

Wil is survived by his nephew, Walter Milliken, his wife, Elizabeth McCoy of Dover, and their daughter, Lo McCoy as well as his nephews Alan Perkins, Rodney Perkins and James Perkins and their families.  Wil is also survived by his extended family, Carolee Abbott, Laurel Abbott-Coffey and their families. Wil’s wife, Babara (Normine) Tobey predeceased him in 2012 after 31 years of marriage.  Wil is predeceased by his sisters Marian Perkins, Eleanor Millikin, and his brother Elwin Tobey.  Wil is also predeceased by his wife’s cousin, Claire (Normine) Abbott, and her husband, Kenneth Abbott.

Graveside services for both Wil and Barbara Tobey will be held on Tuesday, July 21 at 11:00 at 171 Riverside Cemetery at Elm Street, North Reading.

Charles Brown – 71, of Wilmington MA passed away at his home on July 11, 2026. He was the loving husband of Donna Brown, father of Chris Brown and his late daughter Erica Brown. Charles was a loving grandfather of Mia Mastropietro, Harper Manning, and Tyler Brown, and loving brother of Donna Johnson. He was a loving son of Arthur and Mary Brown. Loved by many nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Lynn English High School. He worked many years at Cooling Unlimited in Reading, MA. Charlie knew the way to light up a room with a simple joke, and a huge smile followed along with it. He spent his time raising two beautiful children, and became the best grandfather. Charlie spent many summers with his grandchildren at Pine Acres, where memories were made and stories were told. He enjoyed driving the golf cart and cooking pizza, and swimming in the river. Charles also enjoyed golfing, he participated in countless golf tournaments, with his childhood best friends, making enough memories for a lifetime.

He loved to play his guitar and would often sit in the kitchen and string a couple chords, singing to his family. He loved listening to music, especially Bob Segar. He made his children fall in love with his oldies music style. Charlie will be missed by many, he lived a life full of love and happiness even when times got tough. Charlie Brown isn’t the cartoon character but would never pass up a nice cold Budweiser beer.

Visitation will be held at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading on Friday, July 24 from 4 to7 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to  the charity of one’s choice.

Robert W. Freccero, 86, of North Reading and formerly of the West End of Boston, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 10, 1940, Bob was the beloved son of the late Giuseppe and Maria (Bagatti) Freccero. He was raised in Boston and graduated from Boston Trade School. He continued his education at Wentworth Institute and the Northeast Institute of Technology.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army as an SP5 Combat Engineer from 1958 to 1962, followed by two additional years in the Army Reserve.

Throughout his distinguished career, Bob earned numerous professional licenses and certifications. He was a licensed HVAC mechanic, Master Pipefitter, Master Sprinkler Fitter, Licensed Refrigeration Mechanic, Licensed Oil Burner Technician, and held multiple industry certifications. As a proud member of Local 537, he worked as a Master Pipefitter, Welder, Boiler Technician, and Construction Superintendent. He contributed to the construction of the Prudential Center and several of Boston’s leading hospitals before advancing to the roles of Foreman and Facilities Manager with Leggat McCall and later Clarion Realty.

A resident of North Reading since 1968, Bob was an active member of the community. He belonged to Saint Theresa’s Church and served as a Special Police Officer for the Town of North Reading. He was also a member of the Order of Sons of Italy, Toastmasters of Stoneham, the West Enders (dedicated to preserving the memories of Boston’s historic West End), and the North Shore American Institute of Plant Engineers.

Bob was a generous, selfless man and a natural teacher who freely shared his knowledge with others. He never judged anyone and was known for his enormous heart, unwavering kindness, and dedication to helping others. He was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, and among Bob’s proudest achievements, personally built and provided multiple long-term homes for special needs individuals. Above all, Bob cherished his family. He loved traveling to Palm Springs, California, which he considered his second home, enjoyed regular trips to the casino, treasured fishing adventures with his friends and grandsons, and never passed up an opportunity to gather everyone for a meal. His greatest joy was spreading happiness and making others smile, laugh and feel important.

Bob was the devoted husband of Patricia H. Freccero and the loving father of Maria Freccero. He was predeceased by his beloved children Robbie, Michael, and Michelle Freccero. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Joe Freccero, Lillian Maraccini, Lawrence Freccero and Katherine Kawa.

He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, David, Christina, Anthony and his wife Kim, Gabriel and his fiancée Raina Pothitakis, Mia, and Gianna Freccero; his treasured great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Leah; and was deeply devoted to Kenneth Marshall, Fred Parziale, Marietta, Paul, and Kim Maraccini, as well as the Perez, Marshall, Rakers, and Gerardi families. Bob’s love, guidance, and generosity will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading MA, on Friday, July 17, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King–St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill Street, Reading MA. Interment will take place at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s memory to The Infinite Learning House, 286 Park Street, Unit 5, North Reading, MA 01864.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Robert “Bob” Davidson, 71, of North Reading, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps before dedicating many years of service to his community as a firefighter with the Everett Fire Department. Throughout his life, he carried himself with dignity, honor, and respect, values that were reflected in the way he served others and treated everyone he met. After retiring from the fire department, he continued his work as an exterminator (E-Tech). Throughout his life, Bob was driven by a desire to serve, whether answering emergency calls, lending a helping hand to someone in need, or quietly supporting those less fortunate. He had a special place in his heart for those experiencing homelessness and addiction struggles and was always willing to give back to his community.

Bob shared a beautiful life with his beloved longtime partner, Carol DiGiantommaso, whom he lovingly called “his angel.” Their unwavering love, devotion, and companionship brought them both comfort, joy, and countless cherished memories throughout their years together. They stood by each other through life’s many moments, offering one another strength, support, and unconditional love. Their bond was a true testament to the beautiful partnership they shared, and Bob was forever grateful for the special place Carol held in his heart and in his life.

He is survived by his beloved daughter and pride and joy, Marina Davidson, who was the light of his life and whom he loved with all of his heart. Bob was Marina’s greatest supporter, always believing in her, encouraging her dreams, and reminding her of her strength even during life’s most difficult moments. Their bond was built on unconditional love, laughter, and a deep connection that will remain with her forever. He was her best friend and her hero.

He is also survived by his son, Frank Davidson; Paul and Katty DiGiantommaso; Michael and Marco DiGiantommaso and Mia Joy, whom he proudly called his granddaughter; his beloved sister, Deborah Davidson; his former wife, Donna (Sachetta) Davidson; and his cherished best friend, Joe Albano. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Warren and Pauline (White) Davidson and Michael DiGiantommaso.

He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues who will miss his warmth, humor, kindness, and generous spirit.

An avid animal lover, Bob adored his cats and found joy in watching and caring for the wildlife around his home. He had an unmistakable sense of humor that could brighten any room, a generous nature that inspired everyone around him, and a stubborn streak that those who knew him loved just as much. His quick wit, infectious laughter, and enormous heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

To his family, Bob was more than a father, partner, Papa, and friend. He was a source of strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. He believed in the people he loved, stood by them through life’s challenges, and showed through his actions what kindness, loyalty, and compassion truly meant. His legacy will live on in the dignity, honor, and respect he carried throughout his life, and in the countless lives he touched through his service, generosity, and the laughter he brought wherever he went.

Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Bob’s love, laughter, and generous spirit will remain with us always. We are all better for having known and loved him and to have been loved by him.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and honor Bob’s life on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, Massachusetts. A service will follow at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory top St. Judes childrens research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Bob will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com