All posts by Carol Croswell

Charles S. Gerrior

Charles Seaverns Gerrior, fondly known as “Chuck,” passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Chuck was the cherished son of Joseph and Lena Gerrior. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Marguerite (Peggy), daughter Diana Hollingsworth, brother Edward Gerrior, and sister Evelyn D’Ovidio.

Chuck is survived by his children: Craig (Beth), Ann (Timothy), and Joe (Sandy). He was the grandfather of 12 grandchildren and  9 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sisters Marie E. Foss and Barbara H. Wiberg, son-in-law Samuel Hollingsworth, and sister-in-law Patricia Gerrior, along with many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

A graduate of Somerville High School in 1954, Chuck enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1955, serving two years on the USS McGowan and earning the Navy Occupation Service Medal. In March 1957, he joined the US Air Force, dedicating 18 years and retiring as a Technical Sergeant in 1975. Chuck bravely served in the Vietnam War during the siege of Khe Sanh from Jan 21 to July 9, 1968, earning numerous commendations for his service, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

After retiring from active duty, Chuck worked as a civilian safety inspector for the Navy, Army, and Air Force in locations such as Germany, Hawaii, and Texas. During his time in Germany, Chuck traveled extensively throughout Europe and traced his family’s roots back to the origins of the “Gerrior” clan in France, their migration to Nova Scotia, and their integration into the Louisiana Acadian (Cajun) culture.  He proudly earned a bachelor’s degree from Chaminade University in Honolulu, HI, and was a longstanding member of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Following his wife’s passing, Chuck returned to Massachusetts to be closer to his sisters and resided at Brooksby Village in Peabody. This move allowed him to reconnect with his extended family and friends. He will be fondly remembered by his close friend Rosie from his “army” days and the caring “girls” on the sixth floor of Liberty Place who lovingly watched over him. Chuck’s family is profoundly grateful for the wonderful care he received at Rose Court (2nd Floor), especially from his dedicated nurse Tom.

In accordance with his wishes, services will be private, and Chuck will be laid to rest in Lubbock, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice in his memory.

Erica L. Mastropietro

 

Ericia L. (Brown) Mastropietro – 41, of Wilmington, passed away suddenly on February 27th, 2025.

Erica was born in Stoneham on August 18,1983. She graduated from Wilmington High School.  Erica worked as a hairdresser and a teacher at Over the Rainbow in North Reading, Ma for many years.

Erica gave off the warmest smile when passing others, She always knew how to make people laugh, then proceeded to laugh right along with them. Erica always knew the right words to say even when there was nothing to be said. She wore her heart on her sleeve and would help anyone who needed it. Erica was known for her beautiful smile, eyes and heart.

She loved spending time with her family, especially her daughter, who was her best friend. She cherished every moment good or bad and never forgot who she was even in the toughest of times.

Erica will never be forgotten and live through her daughter. Go be an angel Erica. More people love you than you will ever know, watch over all of us. We Love you Eggs!!!

Erica was the loving mother of Mia Mastropietro, loving daughter to Charles and Donna (Weaver) Brown, all of Wilmington, loving sister to Christopher Brown of Tyngsboro and his children Harper and Tyler. She is loved by many aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss her dearly. Erica is preceded in death by her grandparents Merl and Helen Weaver of North Reading Ma and Arthur and Mary Brown of Lynn, Ma.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 13 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers the family requests Go Fund Me, In Erica’s memory to her daughter Mia Mastropietro  https://gofund.me/3ae27b64

Owen J. Ingram

 

Owen  J.  Ingram – 93, of Manchester, NH, formerly of Hudson  and North Reading, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Bedford Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Bedford, NH. He was the beloved husband of the late Miriam (Perry) Ingram.

Born in Lexington, MA on April 22,1931, he was the son of the late John and Helen (McDevitt) Ingram. He was raised in Lexington and was a graduate of Lexington High School, Class of 1949, where he was a star athlete.

Owen was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War, he was a Sergeant and Tank Commander, he served from 1952 to 1954, he also was a Purple Heart Recipient.

Owen was an Aerospace Engineer. He worked for the Defense Department, the Federal Government, Central Intelligence Agency and Donovan Manufacturing. He also worked for GE, Raytheon and RCA.

He was a Commercial Licensed Pilot and a Real Estate broker. He was involved with the Senior Olympics, he loved dancing and bowling, he was empathetic and was a cat lover. Owen was a former resident of North Reading for over thirty years. He was a dedicated father and grandfather, his family meant everything to him.

Family members include his loving son, Owen “Danny” Ingram and his wife Rhonda; he was the father of the late Doreen Ingram; 5 grandchildren, Kelsey Ingram, Ryan Ingram, Kenneth Giles, Scotty Giles and Patrick Marino; one great granddaughter Natalia Lamparelli. He especially loved his Siamese cat Dinka.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday, March 8 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 7 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Lee J. Puglia

Lee John “Chuck” Puglia- 72 – of Atkinson, NH, sadly passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the Portsmouth NH Regional Hospital, after a lengthy battle with post surgery complications.

Lee will be greatly missed by his loving extended family which includes: his sister Loretta Cardavelli and her partner Joe Connors, and sister Karen Abbot and her partner Joe McNall, son Bryan Puglia and daughters Katie Bryan and Dana Padden and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved stepmother Betty Schell Puglia and grandchildren Carlie, John, Cameron, Cash and Harper.

Lee was predeceased by his mother Jeanne M. Campos Puglia, father Lito J. Puglia, his sister Janet Parzych and by his beloved dogs Jake and Maggie Mae.

Lee was born in Cambridge, MA on September 13, 1952 and moved with his family to North Reading where he attended local schools. Lee and his family moved to Wakefield in 1968, where he graduated from Wakefield Memorial High School in 1970. Shortly after high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as an electronics technician on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Independence and received an Honorable Discharge in 1974. In his long career as an Instrument Technician, Lee worked for Milton Roy Company, at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant and for the MWRA water treatment plant on Deer Island.

Lee was a dependable, sensible man and an avid fisherman who loved to spend time on Plum Island surf casting with his lifelong friend Tim Brooks and relaxing with his dogs at his sister Loretta’s summer place on Sand Pond in Denmark, Maine. He was a Patriot’s fan, a baseball coach in Atkinson, NH and also an expert finish carpenter who was always ready to lend a helping hand such as hanging a new door or cutting down huge trees. His quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

At his request there will be no wake or funeral, however a future graveside service is planned and friends and family will be notified of the details.

Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Barbara A. Tufts

Barbara A. (Bommer) Tufts – 95, of North Andover and formerly of Wakefield, North Reading and Medford, died at Brightview Assisted Living in North Andover on February 18, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late William Tufts, Jr.

Born in Medford, MA on March 16, 1929. She was the daughter of the late Arno M. and Marian (Morse) Bommer. She was raised and attended School in Medford and was a graduate of Tufts University in Medford, with a B.A. in History and Education.

Barbara was a teacher for the Medford School System, she taught at the Hobbs Junior High School and she was a Customer Sales Representative for the Revere Federal Savings and Loan.

She was a member of the Revere Chamber of Commerce, the Lynnfield School Committee, Girls Scouts of the America Council, Long Beach Association and various committees at the Union Congregational Church in North Reading, especially the Christmas Fair.

Barbara was devoted to her family and was always a phone call away for anyone that needed her. She had a huge circle of friends in Lynnfield, North Reading, Wakefield and her beloved summer beach home on Long Beach in Rockport.

One of Barbara’s passions was reading. Quoting Barbara “If you can read you can do anything.” She belonged to several book clubs and was an avid participant. Besides reading, she loved working in the garden with her flowers. She enjoyed sitting in the sun on Long Beach in Rockport. Barbara loved watching movies, especially ones with her favorite actor John Wayne. In her earlier days, she loved aerobic dancing and jogging.

Family members include her loving sons, William Tufts, III and his wife Cynthia of Center Tuftonboro, NH  and the late Robert Tufts; her daughter, Sandra (Tufts) Fullerton and her husband Patrick of Bradford, MA;  6 grandchildren, Ashley Perron of Pittsfield, NH, Patrick Fullerton, Jr. of Winthrop, MA, Abigail Tufts of New York City, NY, Elizabeth Young of North Andover, MA, Mary Fullerton of Bradford, MA and the late Heather Tufts. 2 great grandchildren, Mckinley Perron and Charles Perron, both of Pittsfield, NH; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Tufts of Forrest Hills, NY.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading. A collation will immediately follow the service in the church hall. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to: Parkinsons Foundation (www.parkinson.org).  Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com