Harold S. Nilsson – of North Reading. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Harold Nilsson. Hal passed away on April 14th at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading, MA.

Hal was born in Attleboro, MA on March 8, 1941. Hal was a man of immense love, kindness, and unwavering strength. He cherished his family with all his heart.

Hal was a devoted husband to Shirley Nilsson, for 59 years. Shirley passed two weeks prior to Hal and they are together once again, in peace and comfort.

Hal joined the U.S. Marines. Hal worked for many years at General Ship and Engine Works in East Boston as a crane operator, then for General Dynamics, and finally finished his career in ship building and repair at Fore River Shipyard. In his later years he worked for Moynihan Lumber as a forklift truck operator, and the U.S. Postal Service.

Hal was a Boston sports fan, he especially loved watching the Bruins and Patriot games. In his younger years, Hal enjoyed coaching his sons in North Reading Little League. He was so proud of all of his children. As a proud Grampy, he loved to watch his grandkids play baseball, hockey, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and track. He also enjoyed watching them perform in high school plays and musicals, as well as dance recitals. He truly enjoyed trips with his wife and kids to Las Vegas. Hal enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his home hosting bar-b-que and playing horseshoes. He and Mom loved hosting for the holidays and being surrounded by family.

Hal and Shirley resided in North Reading for 58 years. Harold leaves behind 11 children: Frank (Paula) Sollazzo, Debbie (Steve) Rouleau, Edward Pronovost, Donna Pronovost and Paula Ciras, Ronald (Karen) Pronovost, Stephanie (Michael) Tannian, Cindy Gormley, Darlene (Tom) Williams, Laura (Brian) Harrington, Terri Boucher, and Eric Nilsson. Harold also leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Bob Santoro, and his granddaughter Carolyn Gormley.

His funeral will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, April 29 at 11:00 AM. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 28 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be private

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation at

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Theresa  M. (Silva) Gonzalo – 95, of North Reading and formerly of  Cambridge, died on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Holy Family Hospital in Methuen. She was the beloved wife of 72 years to the late Donald F. Gonzalo.

Born in Cambridge, MA on October 2, 1929. She was the daughter of the late Serafin and Ollie Silva.

Theresa worked as a Teacher’s Aide for the North Reading Public Schools, at the Murphy and Hood Schools for many years. She also worked for Schraffts in Charlestown.

Theresa loved to sew, crochet, make doll clothes, reupholster furniture and she loved to bake. She especially loved to take her grandchildren to her vacation home on Alton Bay.

Family members include her son, Robert Gonzalo; daughters, Donna DeMarco and her husband Charles and Terry Longo Gaffney; 5 grandchildren, Bill Longo, Dave Longo, Stephanie DeMarco, Michael DeMarco and Nicole Abruzzese; 14 great grandchildren, Will, George, Chloe, Jack, Chris and Angela Longo, Sonny Fitzgerald, Evan Abruzzese, Cody and Marielle Finn, Aria and Octavia DeMarco, Gabriel Medina and Camren Carson.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 23 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 Tuesday, April 22 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Edwin L. Wilson, Jr. – 77, of East Boston, MA, a devoted father, Papa, proud veteran, and longtime truck driver, passed away peacefully at the Veterans Administration Hospital in West Roxbury after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on April 12, 2025.

Born and raised in Boston, Ed graduated from East Boston High School in 1968 and later earned his associate’s degree from Newbury Junior College in 1976. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1971 as a still photographer.  He was deployed to Vietnam for over a year with the 7^th Air Force.  Among several decorations, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal as an E-4 for photographing enemy positions from reconnaissance aircraft.

After returning home, Ed spent many years working as a truck driver with Logan Dispatch, a family-owned business where he loved being able to work alongside his brothers, who were also his best friends.

Ed’s greatest joy came from his family. He is preceded in death by his only son, Eddie, who’s void was never filled. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Ellen and Wendy and husband Dave, and his cherished grandchildren: Paul, Nick, Adriana and husband Joe, Aaron and wife Madison, Giana and Jeremiah, MiKayla and Chris, Savannah, Tabitha, Dylan and wife Kat (both serving in the US Air Force), Jimmy, Angelina, Gabriella; as well as his Great-Grandchildren: Caleb, Brooklynn, Logan, and Velveena. To them, he was more than just a grandfather — he was their Papa, a role he cherished above all others. His face would light up when surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grand niece, Chloe, and his love, stories, and laughter will live on in their hearts.

Ed was also the beloved brother of Walter and wife Francine, David and wife Ellie, William and wife Juanna, Charles and wife Elena, John and wife Geri, Chester Wilson, Helen Collins and husband Kevin as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss his presence and warm heart as “Uncle Buck”. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Mary; his brothers Frankie and Tommy; and his sisters Loretta and Maria.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday,  April 17 from 4 to 7 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Interment will be held on Friday, April 18, at  1:30 PM  at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. Croswellfuneralhome.com

George E. Burbine- 68, of Winthrop, passed away on March 25, 2025.

Shirley E. (Dugrenier) Nilsson- passed peacefully on her 90th birthday, March 31, at The Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading, MA. surrounded by family members.

Shirley was born in Chicago, IL on March 31, 1935. She was the daughter of Arlene and Wilfred Dugrenier.

Shirley worked for many years at Compugraphic Corp/ AGFA and Walmart, as well as some part time positions at Mister Donut, and the “old” Horseshoe Lounge before retiring due to health reasons. Shirley was a sports fan and could be heard cheering while attending youth baseball, softball, and hockey games. She also enjoyed watching the Bruins and the Patriots during the Ken Hodge and Tom Brady years. Shirley coached several years for the North Reading Girls’ Flower Power Youth Softball League. She loved to attend bingo nights at the Moose Lodge, Wakefield Elks, and spent many hours at home with her jigsaw puzzles. Shirley enjoyed her trips to Las Vegas with her husband, Hal and her children. She truly enjoyed hosting for the holidays and spending time with her family.

Shirley was the wife of Harold Nilsson. They were married for 59 years. They resided in North Reading for 58 years. Besides Harold, Shirley leaves behind 11 children: Frank (Paula) Sollazzo, Debbie (Steve) Rouleau, Edward Pronovost, Donna Pronovost and Paula Ciras, Ronald (Karen) Pronovost, Stephanie (Michael) Tannian, Cindy Gormley, Darlene (Tom) Williams, Laura (Brian) Harrington, Terri Boucher, and Eric Nilsson. Shirley also leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Bob Santoro, and her granddaughter Carolyn Gormley.

Calling hours for Shirley will be held on Tuesday, April 8 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home. 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 9, at 9:15 AM from the Croswell Funeral Home, a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the National Kidney Foundation at https://www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-new-england

www.croswellfuneralhome.com