All posts by Carol Croswell

Virginia M. Richardson

Virginia  M. (Smith) Richardson – 64, of North Reading and formerly of Methuen, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington. She was the wife of the late Peter Richardson.

Born in Melrose, MA on August 21, 1960. She was the daughter of the late, John Smith and Janet L. (Pettingill) Smith Richardson.

She was a graduate of Andover High School. Virginia was a retired secretary. She was a loving, kind person who loved children and could always make you laugh. She enjoyed drawing, reading and being with family.

Family members include her brothers, Leonard Smith and the late Kenneth Smith, her sisters; Audrey Anderson, Kim Nadeau and Cheryl Varney and her late stepfather, William Richardson.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 17, from 6-8 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice.

Agnes M. McDonald

Agnes M. (Arsenault) McDonald – 97, of Brookfield, NH formerly of Andover and Reading MA, died peacefully surrounded by her family on May 29, 2025.

She was born in Reading, MA on March 24, 1928. Agnes was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Doucette) Arsenault and the last survivor of their 10 children. She was raised and attended school in Reading. Agnes was a resident of Brookfield, NH for the past 25 years.

She was the loving wife of the late Joseph “Chuckie” McDonald. Family members include her son Daniel, his late wife Donna, their children and many nieces and nephews.

Agnes along with her late husband, were self-employed builders and designers of homes in Andover and North Reading. She enjoyed collecting antiques, gardening and baking. Agnes loved to tell great stories of days gone by.

Funeral services will be private. There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to: cornerstonevna.org/donate or by mail to Cornerstone VNA, 178 Farmington Rd., Rochester, NH 03867.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

John Joseph Daniels

 

John Joseph Daniels

December 20, 1962- February 2, 2025

Born in Melrose, MA, to the late  Joseph Vito Daniels and Carol Louise Daniels he was raised and educated in North Reading, MA.

John loved growing up in his hometown of North Reading, especially at Martin’s Pond. He had a deep connection to his neighborhood, he was a true Ponderonian. His family and grandsons were his greatest gifts.

John moved to Maine and then settled In Exeter, NH with his girl Diane Doucette. They shared an amazing love and bond. If you saw one then you always saw the other.

John had many interests, weight lifting and training were a passion of his. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, fishing and cracking jokes. He had a wonderful sense of humor and would even laugh at himself. John loved to debate politics and was well versed on many topics. He had an amazing ability to make you feel like you were the only person in the room when he was speaking to you. He had the biggest smile and heart. If John considered you a friend, you were his friend for life. His loyalty was unmatched. You could often find John cooking in the kitchen or on the grill, especially making his dads famous gravy, Grampy’s gravy he called it. Spending time with his family was always so important to him. He often spoke of the wonderful memories of being in his Nonni’s kitchen surrounded by laughter, love and extended family. He would call it Laps of Love, jumping from one lap to another and feeling the warmth and love. If you knew John you also knew his favorite pastime was to eat, an appetite that was unmatched, all you can eat buffets were his favorite, but not so much for the restaurant owners.

John had many jobs throughout his life. His last job working at The Dunes motor Inn in Rye, NH brought him great joy. He loved being at the beach making lifelong friends with his co workers and the guests. He always had a smile on his face and could remember everyone’s name. John made everyone he came in contact with feel valued and important, He was a people person. A true gentleman. He will deeply missed by so many, his family and  friends he called brothers. He was the kindest, most selfless person. Always there to lend a hand or a kind word. His family was his rock. Like any family they fought and loved with the same passion. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandsons. He was one Proud Papa. John fought hard and never complained. He was fiercely protective of those he loved, and he never let on how bad he was hurting. He was a true warrior until the end.

Family members include his Siblings: Gail Daigle and husband Roland Daniels from Salem, NH; Paul Daniels and wife Cherie Daniels from Salem, NH; Micheal Daniels and wife Carly Daniels from Winchendon, MA; daughter, Rachel M. Daniels from Burlington, MA, fiance’, Diane C. Doucette from Exeter, NH; parents: late father Joseph Vito Daniels and mother Carol Louise Daniels; two grandsons and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7 from 1 to 3 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 one’s choice.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

 

Harold A. Breun

 

  Harold  A.  Breun-June 21, 1936 – May 15, 2025 With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Harold Ausgar Breun—known affectionately by many as “Handsome Harry”—on May 15, 2025, in Venice, Florida. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Harold was the last surviving member of the legendary late ’70s/early ’80s Supergroup, “Lou the Sioux, Milt the Stilt, and the 300-Pound Yellow Canary”—a title as unforgettable as the man himself.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to German immigrants Karl and Christina (Reinhartt) Breun, Harry was a proud first-generation German American. He dedicated over 38 years of his life to American Airlines, beginning his career as a mail clerk in Newark, New Jersey and working his way through New York, Boston, and finally Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, where he retired as Supervisor of Cabin Service. His work in aviation brought his family countless travel opportunities and wonderful memories.

Harry’s life in North Reading, Massachusetts—“God’s Country,” as he fondly called it—was full of laughter, love, and hard work. A true dog lover, he had three canine companions and even a lamb he whimsically named after his mother-in-law, Violet. A dependable neighbor, dedicated coach, and skilled handyman, Harry left a lasting mark on his community. The stone walls and patios he built at 19 Foley Drive still stand, a tribute to his craftsmanship and the German work ethic he passed down to his children.
After the passing of his beloved wife Constance (Matusiak) in 1984, Harry embraced the role of both father and mother with strength and grace. He eventually retired to Florida, where he found joy in warm weather, Friday night bocce ball, lasting friendships, and countless celebrations.

A man of many passions, Harry found joy in cooking and sharing his favorite meals with friends and loved ones. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf and solitaire, and keeping up with business news. Investing was a lifelong hobby he pursued since his teenage years.
He lived a full and blessed life.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Connie; his older brother Karl Breun; nephews Harold and Robert Breun; and his longtime companion, Ingrid Lohmann.

He is survived by his children, John (Jennifer) Breun and Christine (James) McGovern; his grandchildren, Helen (David), Julia, James, Ella, and Mason; as well as Ingrid’s daughter Stefanie and her children, Benjamin, Nicole, and Victoria.
Harry’s kindness, humor, and unforgettable charm will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow street, North Reading on Friday, May 30 from 8:45 AM to 10:15 AM, followed by a 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, 171 Elm Street, North Reading.  Croswellfuneralhome.com

Jacob Mosser

 

Jacob (Jake) Mosser Passed away unexpectly on May 17, 2025. He was a lover of Harleys, cats and photography, especially nature. He rode a Harley for most of his 76 years, and always had a house full of cats, mostly strays and rescues. He would photograph anything but nature was his true love. He was lucky enough to travel photographing nature throughout the world. He was a mentor to many photographers throughout New England and was the recipient of many awards for his teaching, photo shows and the images themselves. He was honored by the Photographic Society of America (PSA), the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) and his local club the Greater Lynn Photographic Assoc. (GLPA). He sat on the Board of Directors for over 20 years and was an Honorary Lifetime Vice President for both NECCC and GLPA. He graduated from Wentworth, went to work at General Electric in Lynn and stayed there until he retired. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years Susan, his sister Molly Fix and brother-in-law Michael Fix, his best friend and Harley partner Dick Hanson and his wife Susan’s sister, Norma Hanson along with Norma and Dick’s son Bart Hanson and wife Jessie and two children Penny and Henry.

There are no immediate services at this time but there will be a Celebration of Life at the GLPA Headquarters in Lynn, MA in mid-August.