Roy Franklyn Walters -was born February 4, 1932 and passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026.

Born in Cambridge MA to Frank and Margaret (Von Euw) Walters, Roy grew up in Malden, MA prior to moving to Medford MA and graduating from Medford High School in 1949.

After serving overseas in the United States Army during the Korean conflict and being awarded several medals, he was honorably discharged in 1955. He returned to the United States to study engineering at Northeastern University. Working his way along and gaining experience through the cooperative program, he graduated in 1960 with a degree in mechanical engineering and began his career at the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory at Hanscom Field in Bedford MA designing rocket payloads. His career offered him the opportunity to travel around the world, sending rockets and weather balloons into the atmosphere for scientific research until his retirement in 1986. Roy then spent 10 years continuing his aerospace career at Frontier Technologies in Beverly.

In 1961 he married the love of his life Christina Boyajian and settled in North Reading where they would raise their family.

Never one to sit still, he continued to work until he was well into his late eighties.

Always active in the community, he was an participant in the Little School PTA, the Cub Scouts, a charter member of the re-created Minit and Militia Company of North Reading, a 50-year member of North Reading Lodge, AF&AM, a DeMolay advisor, the North Reading Historical Society, and a 40 year member of the Union Congregational Church. He also participated in several mechanical engineering societies.

Roy was a lifelong learner and the engineer in him always needed to know the hows, whys and wherefores of whatever he was involved with, even from people in the medical profession.

Overall, he never asked for respect—he inspired it.

He was predeceased by his father Frank Walters and stepmother Mary, his mother Margaret and stepfather Thomas McNally.

He is survived by his wife Chris of North Reading, son Russell (Kim) of Sandown NH, and son Eric of Staten Island NY.

He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and their families who all loved his sense of humor.

He will be missed by many friends, former work colleagues, association members, as well as past and present members of the North Reading community.

His funeral will be held on Monday, June 8 at 11:00 AM at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 7 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home,19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading, MA 01864.

For Roy, yes it was rocket science!

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

   Helen M. Gray-January 23, 1948 – June 1, 2026

Helen M. Gray, beloved mother, grandmother, godmother, cousin, devoted friend, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at the age of 78.

Helen was the loving mother of Steven S. Albano of Everett and the proud grandmother of Marjorie H. Lever, also of Everett.

She was the devoted godmother and Second Mom to Gwen Gustafson and was lovingly regarded as a grandmother to Kristen, Jake, and Savannah, as well as to her three boys, Maverick, James, and Jordan, all of whom brought tremendous joy to her life.

She is also survived by her dear cousins, John Baxter and his wife Nora of North Branford, CT, and their son Evan; and Kenneth Baxter and his wife Verna of Plaistow, NH, and their daughters April, Karen, Susan, and Lauren, as well as many extended family members and friends.

Helen was cherished deeply by all who knew her, especially her firefighter family. Until her retirement in 2017, after 17 dedicated years, she faithfully served as administrative support to the Fire Chief of the North Reading Fire Department. Her commitment, loyalty, and compassion made her an irreplaceable part of the department and a trusted friend to countless firefighters and their families.

A God-fearing woman with a generous heart, Helen devoted her life to caring for others before herself. She was a true humanitarian whose kindness knew no limits. Whether offering comfort, guidance, or simply a listening ear, Helen touched the lives of everyone around her with warmth, grace, and unwavering love.

Her strength, faith, and selflessness will be remembered always. Helen leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and unconditional love that will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Her Funeral will be held on Friday, June 5 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 Thursday, June 4 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will follow at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the North Reading Fire Department, 152 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01864.

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Anne M. (Homeyer) O’Brien  –  101, of Wakefield, MA and formerly of Tom’s River, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Warren J. O’Brien.

Born in Brooklyn, New York on December 8, 1924. She was the daughter of the late John and Mary Homeyer.

Anne has been a resident of Brightview Senior Living in Wakefield for the past 8 years, where she enjoyed Mah jong group and playing bingo. She worked as a private secretary for many years in the Technology field.

Family members include her loving sons, Donald O’ Brien, Kevin O’ Brien and his wife Clare, David O’Brien and the late Douglas O’ Brien; daughters, Linda Hickey and her husband Robert and Kathleen Kernaghan and her husband Robert; 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Her Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be in New York at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

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Marjorie “Margi” (Whiles) Masi-devoted mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the honorable age of 92.

She was a North Reading resident for over 70 years.

Born in Cambridge, MA on April 22, 1934, she was the daughter of William H. Whiles and Jeanne Lillian (Cosgrove) Whiles.

Margi was raised in Medford and Stoneham. Margie was a Stoneham cheerleader and active in their plays. She was an executive secretary for many years before starting her family with John “Jack” Masi. She then later helped him build and grow his commercial tile business.

Margi’s greatest joy was her family, and she leaves behind a legacy of love in her son, John Francis Masi and her daughter Elisabeth Ann Accardi

( husband Ricci). To her grandchildren, Rachel Jeanne and Steven Daniel, she was affectionately known as “Marni”—a doting grandmother who never missed a single milestone, game, or event where she could cheer them on. She will also be deeply missed by her brother Bob and his wife Cheryl, her sweet cat Lilly, and many nieces and nephews.

Margi was a woman ahead of her time, an avid reader who embraced health and fitness long before it was fashionable. She enjoyed traveling to her Florida home and visiting with family there.

She is now peacefully reunited with her parents, her husband Jack, her sisters Jean Eveleth and Sandra Brooks, and her brother Jerry Whiles.

Services will be private and are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

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Joseph P. DiCocco – 75, of North Reading, formerly of East Boston and Lynnfield, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Born in Boston, MA on July 27, 1950. He was the son of the late Anthony and Margaret (Scofield) DiCocco. He has been a resident of North Reading for the past 69 years. Joe was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1970. He was an active member of St. Theresa’s Parish, North Reading Knights of Columbus, Council No, 4544 and The Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge No. 1511, since 1974.

Joe was a Licensed Heavy Duty Hydraulic Lift Operator and Landscaper. He worked for the North Reading Public School Department Ground Maintenance for 14 years. He also worked for Forest Landscaping and Goddard Brothers Landscaping, both located in North Reading. He has been retired since 2005.

He had a lot of love for the sun and water. This started back to his younger days living on Pillings Pond in Lynnfield while fishing on his rowboat as a child. Later in life he enjoyed Cast fishing off the shores of Salisbury and Plum Island. Joe especially loved camping.

Joe’s favorite hobbie was being outside taking care of his yard, with sun on his face next to Camille’s side. Joe was a kind soul. The little things in life meant the most to him. Be it a phone call or a visit from one of his many friends or family. Sharing memories and laughter over the years. Joe just loved doing everything and anything as long as Camille was by his side.

Family members include his wife, best friend and soul mate for 54 years, Camille M. (Strangie) DiCocco; his brother-in-law, Jerry Strangie and his wife RoseAnn; sister-in-law, the late Barbara Baker and her husband John, Jr.; nieces and nephews, Jerry Strangie, Jr., John Baker, III and his wife Marie, Michele Baker, Tommy Strangie; grandniece Brianna Cerullo. Joe will be greatly missed by his cousins, friends and neighbors, especially Eddie Lombardo, whom he loved like a brother.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home at 9:15 AM on Wednesday, May 20, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Parish, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Please go directly to Church. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Shriners Children’s Hospital.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com