All posts by Carol Croswell

Mary Jo Noonan

Mary Jo (Leneski) Noonan, 91, of North Reading and formerly of Malden, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family in the home she cherished for more than 60 years.

Mary was predeceased by the love of her life, Joseph Noonan, whom she had been married to for over 65 years. They loved traveling and square dancing — even taking part in the largest square dance held under the Astrodome.

In her early years, Mary worked as a switchboard operator for AT&T, but her greatest work was the life she built with Joe as a homemaker and secretary for their family business, H. Newton Marshall Painting Inc.

Anyone who ever met Mary knew how much she loved making people smile. She had a playful heart and a wonderful sense of fun — she especially loved dressing up for Halloween. One of her favorite things to say was that she “liked to aggravate people”. Mary greeted visitors with “hey, hey, hey!” and sent them off with a loving pinch on the cheeks. She brought warmth, energy, and a generous spirit to everything she touched.

Mary loved sewing, making clothes for her children and square-dancing dresses for herself. She enjoyed westerns, puzzles, and board games. Her favorite hobby was bowling, which she continued into her 70’s as part of the Tuesday Morning Bowling League at Candlewood Lanes in North Reading, where she formed many cherished friendships.

Above all, Mary was most proud of her family. She is survived by her five children: Frederick Noonan of Florida, Douglas Noonan of Massachusetts, Neal Noonan of Florida, Judithe Poirier of Massachusetts, and Caryn Noonan of New Hampshire. She leaves behind 13 beloved grandchildren and many other caring and devoted family members who will carry her memory forward with love.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary’s memory to All Care’s Grateful Giving page (https://allcare.org/grateful/).

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Daniel John Gresek, Jr.

Daniel John Gresek, Jr. of Ipswich, 11/5/1986 – 11/6/2025.

Daniel Passed Away Peacefully early Thursday Morning, November 6 in his mother’s arms. He was a graduate of Ipswich High School.

When Daniel was younger, he could be seen around Little Neck on his rollerblades, out on his dingy and mowing lawns while wearing his rollerblades as well as running with his head down, arms straight back like he was Sonic the Hedgehog. “Gotta go fast!”

Daniel is survived by Father Daniel Gresek Sr. and his Mother Cheryl Gresek; Sisters, Ashley Gresek and Sonia Maksou; Brothers, Michael, John, and George Maksou; Sister in Law’s, Lauren and Crystal Maksou and Christina Santiago; Nephews, Michael, Jack and Justice Maksou, as well as several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Daniel was born with a rare heart defect. He always had a big smile and an even bigger heart. Daniel loved spending time with his family, playing video games and talking to his friends. He loved to tell the same story over and over again, sometimes you would hear the same story twice in one day.

Daniel and his Dad were two peas in a pod, they had such a great relationship. He loved to play jokes on people, especially his sister Ashley. You never had to question where you stood with Daniel because he would let you know. He passed away too young and will be greatly missed.

His viewing will be held on Friday, November 14  from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA 01864.  www.croswellfuneralhome

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Heart Association (heart.org) or Boston’s Children Hospital (childrenshospital.org).

Josephine Marie Roberts

Josephine Marie (DeLeo) Roberts

                                                            

  1921  –  2024

   Josephine “Jo” (DeLeo) Roberts passed away peacefully in Sherman, Texas on November 20, 2024. She lived to be 103 years old. Jo was born in New York City on September 3, 1921 to Frank and Elvira DeLeo.

After the early death of her parents, she and her brother, Candoloro, moved to live with their aunt and uncle in Boston, Massachusetts, where she was raised.

             In her early twenties, Jo went to work at the Boston Navy Shipyard, where she met her future husband, William L. Roberts. She continued her work as he enlisted in the US Navy and served in World War II. When he returned they were married on July 22, 1945. After their three children were grown, she went to work as a cartographer (map maker) in Plano, Texas, soon becoming a top manager for many years. Bill and Jo spent 73 happy years together, until Bill’s passing in 2018.

Jo had a deep love for her faith, family and friends. She was an excellent cook and baker, who enjoyed preparing special meals and desserts. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. She was known to be very generous with her gift giving and was devoted to celebrating the birth of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Roberts; her brother, Candoloro DeLeo; her first born son, James Roberts; and her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Roberts.

Jo is survived by her daughter, Linda M. Glover; her son, William L. Roberts; her daughter-in-law, Melinda Roberts; her daughter-in-law, Ann Roberts; her grandchildren, Christina Roberts Capodanno (Steve), Amanda Glover Austin (Roderick), Jamie Glover Smith (Shane); six great-grandchildren, James Paul (JP) Capodanno, Natalie Capodanno, Avery Austin, Everette Austin, Sterling Smith and Cecila Rose Smith; as well as nieces and nephews.

A service will be held on  Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Croswell Funeral Home Chapel, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. She will be buried alongside her husband at the Riverside Cemetery in North Reading, Massachusetts.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Aaron M. Greene

Aaron  M. Greene – 50, of Danvillle, NH and formerly of North Andover and North Reading, MA, died Saturday, October 25, at Exeter Hospital, with his wife by his side and after a brief battle with stage 4 colon cancer.

Born in Melrose, MA on November 15, 1974. He was the son of John B. and Diane M. (Wagner) Greene. Aaron was a graduate of North Reading High School, class of 1993, where he was a member of the football team. He was also a member of North Reading DeMolay.

He worked for several years as a Parts Specialist at NAPA Auto Parts in North Reading. He spent the next 20 years as a Maintenance Mechanic at the Sheraton Colonial Golf Course in Lynnfield, MA followed by the Meadow Brook Golf Course in Reading, MA. He went on to work at Raytheon, applying his technical skills and attention to detail in a career he truly enjoyed. During his time there, he also served as a union steward and safety specialist with IBEW Local 1505, where he was dedicated to supporting his coworkers and ensuring a safe workplace.

Aaron loved to work on side projects that included fixing small engines, building hot rods and motorcycles, and doing custom work on all types of vehicles. He could most often be found in his happy place: his garage. Aaron had a natural talent for working with his hands. He was skilled in carpentry, mechanics, welding, and many other trades, and could fix or build just about anything. He took pride in doing things the right way and was always ready to help others with a project or repair.

Aaron was a dedicated husband to Erika for 20 years and a proud dad to their daughter, Nola. His love for his family was at the center of everything he did, and they were the light of his life. Aaron and his family moved to Danville, NH, in 2020 and quickly felt at home in the community. He joined the local ATV club and enjoyed the friendships he made there, as well as the sense of belonging the town gave their family.

Family members include his loving wife of 20 years, Erika (Nolan) Greene; daughter, Nola Greene; parents, John and Diane Greene of North Reading; grandparents, Barbara Webb and her late husband Charlie and the late John and Helen Greene, all of North Reading; sisters, Kristen (Greene) Prioleau and wife Nakia of Methuen, Jaclyn (Greene) Hollingsworth and husband Adam of Andover; nieces & nephews: David, Jessica, Matthew, Skylar, Charlotte, Christopher, Montana, and Cameron.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6 from 4 to 7 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. His funeral service will be held on Friday, November 7 at 11 AM, at the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon Street, Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (www.colorectalcancer.org) in Aaron’s memory.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Please note that the place of the funeral has changed since last week’s NR Transcript announcement.

Alan M. O’Brien

 

Alan Michael O’Brien – 44, of North Reading, formerly of Chittenden, VT and post-college in Somerville, MA, for 15 years passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 7, 2025. He was born in Weymouth, MA on February 8, 1981.

He graduated from Rutland High School in Vermont in 1999, where he played football for four years. He previously attended Barstow Memorial School, where he was a well-loved student. He studied Psychology at Elmira College in New York, graduating in 2003. Alan was a Supervisory Surveillance Specialist at the FBI, he worked for the Boston Bureau for 20 years. He also served as an Instructor at the Training Center in Quantico, VA. Alan has been a resident of North Reading for the past 8 years.

Alan was extremely kind and generous with his time and had a knack for gift-giving. He was an excellent listener and always knew what to say. He also knew when to say nothing at all. Truly a devoted son, brother, uncle, co-worker and friend. Alan’s work at the FBI was his true passion, He was extremely dedicated to his team.

Alan was a collector of unique art, people and stories. A true music lover, he was a huge Prince fan and a dedicated Swiftie. Alan was very well read between books and comics. He was a die-hard Patriots fan, and he truly loved the game of football. Alan was passionate about his passions and trust us he had many.

In his free time, Alan loved relaxing with his favorite podcasts, including Last Podcast on the Left, The Flophouse, and The Regular Features Podcast. He enjoyed his time on the FBI Softball Team, where camaraderie often mattered more than the score.

Family members include his loving parents, Walter M. and Linda M. (Christensen) O’Brien of Rutland, VT; his brother, Andrew J. O’Brien and his wife Holly of Wakefield, RI; his niece, Sloane (age 14) and nephew, Parker (age 8).

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24th from 4 to 6:50 PM, followed by a brief service, at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

To honor Alan’s memory, we will be establishing a special fund for the Rutland High School football team. We are grateful to Coach Mike Norman for his support and dedication. Those wishing to contribute may do so in Alan’s name.