All posts by Carol Croswell

RoseMarie Vitale

RoseMarie (Fruciano) Vitale – 84, of North Reading passed away peacefully and in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by family on June 9, 2022.

Rose was a loving and devoted wife, proud and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a friend to many throughout her life.

Rose Marie was born in the West End of Boston on September 27, 1937, to the late Salvatore (Sam) and Gaetana (Tina Bettinelli) Fruciano. She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Stephen Vitale of North Reading and their three children, Jo (DiFranco) Ridgley and her husband, Mark of Haverhill, MA, TinaMarie (DiFranco) Hemmer and her husband, Lawrence of Mt. Airy, MD, and Stephen Vitale Jr. and his wife, Christine Vitale of Pepperell, MA.

Rose was Grammy to Brandi and her fiancé, Matt, Shane, Cori and her husband Doug, Kristi and her husband Ashish, Victoria, and DJ. She was Great Grammy to four great grandchildren. All, having special places in her heart.

Rose is also survived by her two brothers, Joseph and his wife Charlotte Fruciano and Bernard Fruciano and his husband Peter van den Noort. She also leaves behind aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Rose loved time spent with her family. What others would perceive as bragging was Rose expressing how proud she was of her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, visiting many countries, cruising, as well as touring the US. She was a talker, talking with friends and strangers who quickly became friends. Her past times included playing cards (she did not like to lose), baking, and she kept the librarians at Flint Memorial Library busy with all her requests for books.

Her working career was spent at General Electric/Ametek in Wilmington until she retired in 1997. As a Senior she worked for the town of NR; in the schools making copies for teachers, as a greeter at the town hall, and she always volunteered to work elections on voting days.

Rose Marie will be missed by all.

Visiting hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, June 14 from 8:30 to 10:00 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Rose’s honor, to her favorite charity.  Donations can be sent to Smile Train, https://donate.smiletrain.org.  Smile Train is a nonprofit organization and charity providing corrective surgery for children with cleft lips and palates. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Brian H. Warren

Brian H. Warren – 71, of North Reading, formerly of Danvers and Middleton, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.

Born in Gander, Newfoundland on April 26, 1951. He was the son of Robert E. and Ida (Flight) Warren. He was a graduate of Danvers High School, Class of 1969 and received his Associate degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology and the University of Lowell. He received his Education Certificate from Fitchburg State and FAA Certification from East Coast Aero Tech.

Brian was an Associate Professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology. He was a mechanic at Omni Beechcraft, Inc. He was also an Instructor at the National Aviation Academy and a Mix Room Operator at Parlex Corporation.

Brian was a beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather. He was always willing to teach you how things worked or talk history with you. He has been a resident of North Reading for the past 38 years. He was a member of the Ipswich River Community Choir and the North Reading Community Coffee House.

He loved playing the guitar, singing, teaching and telling stories. Brian was a huge Boston Sports Fan and a big aviation enthusiast.

Family members include his loving wife Susan (MacDonald) Warren; sons, Brian V. Warren and Michael Warren; his daughter Megan Warren; his brother Robert “Butch” Warren; his grandchildren, Brian V. Warren Jr. and Richard Warren.

Calling hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday, June 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the North Reading Fire and/or Police Departments.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Nicholas James Ouimet

Nicholas (“Nick”) James Ouimet– 26, of Danvers, MA passed away Saturday morning May 28th’,’2022.

Nicholas was born November 11, 1995 to his parents Donna (Sieckert) Ouimet and Roland Ouimet, Jr.  Nick was the youngest brother  to Justin  Ouimet  and Jonathan  Ouimet .  Nick entered this world as a fighter, arriving 7 weeks pre-mature and spending 3  months receiving life sustaining support from the hospital until he grew strong enough to join his family at home. He required continuous oxygen, special meds, an oximeter, and a heart monitor until he was 11 months old. Due to his hearing impairment, he was fitted with hearing aids at 10 months old. Beginning hearing therapy at 11 months old .You might  say that this initial exposure to machinery/electronics laid a very young groundwork for Nick to develop his passion for mechanics and electronics that would culminate in becoming a Certified Apple Technician at  age 14, supporting his high school tech center, and later working at  Communications and Power Industries (CPI) of Beverly.

Nick’s early years were challenging, but he managed to overcome a host of physical problems. He was an avid skier, skater, and Karate enthusiast. Nick’s comedy side was honed at an early age, he could mimic politicians both male and female, favorites were Mitch McConnell and Sarah Palin. Nick had a bit of old-fashioned charm that attracted people to him. His work ethic, loyalty, and wry sense of humor are some of the many attributes that he was celebrated for and will always be remembered by.

Nick was passionate about music: John Denver, Billy Joel, Green Day, and Christian Rock, the latter introduced by Nick’s church community from the Great Rock Church of Danvers, MA. His discovery of God and hope for a better tomorrow, sustained Nick in his ongoing battle against depression and mental illness.

Nick’s journey has ended on earth, but he is safe and resting in the warm embrace of God.

If you would like to pay your respects to Nick and his family you may do so at The Great Rock Church, 256 Andover Street, Danvers, MA 01923 on Friday June 10, 2022 @ 10:30 AM.

In honor of Nick’s ever-practical outlook we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations are kindly made in Nick’s honor to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) or to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

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

Carole A. Lander

Carole Ann (Gillespie) Lander – 87, of North Reading, formerly of Stoneham, died surrounded by family and loved ones on May 31, 2022 at Winchester Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Harold C. Lander for 66 years.

Carole was born May 16, 1935, in Melrose, MA. She was the daughter of the late Elliot and Mabel Gillespie, and step-daughter to the late Lois Gillespie.

Carole was Executive Banking Secretary and Assistant to the late James R. White for most of her career. After Carole started her career as a secretary at Shawmut Bank, Mr. White recognized her skills and many talents and promoted her to be his assistant. She loved all aspects of her job. Many colleagues became some of her closest friends and remained so for many years.

She was an avid cook and baker, sometimes known as the “Cookie Lady” – her recipe for hermits was legendary. Entertaining was one of her passions and she was a wonderful and gregarious hostess. She always made sure food, laughter, and love were always in abundance at her gatherings. She valued friendships, and, if she couldn’t see you in person, she never missed the chance to send a greeting card to catch up. She had an eye for picking out the perfect card for all occasions.

Carole loved all things Chihuahua, from her very first fur baby, Chickie, to her youngest pup, Walter. Throughout the years she had many puppies, each and every one so special to her. She cared for them and loved them – they were part of her family. She was an animal lover in general, always opening her heart to any animal in need.

Carole is survived by her husband, Harold C. Lander, and her fur babies Lucky and Walter. She was the sister-in-law to the late Harvey Lander and his wife Mary of Billerica, and the late Gordon Lander and his wife Irene of Billerica. She was a beloved Auntie to Gordon Lander Jr. and his wife Pat of Billerica; the late Linda Lander-Fraize; Catherine Barbas and husband Steve of Billerica; Christine Lander-Souza of Lowell; Nancy Cormier and husband Paul of Townsend; Patricia Vivilecchia and husband Demian of Somers, CT; Caitlin Barbas of Bloomington, IN; and Nicholas Barbas of Billerica. She also has many great and great-great nieces and nephews and many very dear friends.

Visiting hours for family and friends will be held at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA, on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, from 10 a.m. – Noon. Graveside services and interment will immediately follow at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading, MA.

Those wishing to make memorial donations in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Animal Welfare Society of your choice in honor of Carole’s love of animals.

Robert L. Santiano

Robert “Bob” L. Santiano – 78, of North Reading, died at his home surrounded by his family on June 2, 2022.

Born in East Boston on August 16, 1943.  He was the son of the late Joseph and Grace Santiano.  He met the love of his life, Jean, at an ice skating rink in Lynn.  They married and moved to Woburn and had four children.  Later they moved to North Reading.

Bob owned his own flooring business for over 50 years and enjoyed going to work every day.  When his sons where younger, he spent time coaching their hockey and baseball teams. Bob loved spending time with his family the most.  Known as “Papa” he would dress up as Santa at Christmas time for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  When he wasn’t spending time with his family you could find him at the golf course or volunteering at the Mission of Deeds.  He was also a former president of the Son’s of Italy and a member of the Elks in Wakefield.

Bob was the life of the party.  His personality would light up a room.  He made everyone around him feel welcomed and would always make friends where ever he went.  Bob’s philosophy on life: work hard, love what you do and when things get tough, never give up.

Bob was the beloved husband of the late Jean Santiano.  He was the loving father to Deborah Santiano-Queen of Wilmington, Carol Cattoggio and husband Scott of Methuen, David Santiano and wife Barbara of Burlington, and Christopher Santiano and wife Rachel of Hudson.  Papa to Jalisa, Derek, Brandie, Courtney, Scotty Jr., Kayla, Braden, Anthony and Matthew.  Great Papa to Costantino, Mia and Cassidy.  Brother to Rita Cipriano, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, June 9 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 Wednesday, June 8 from 4 to 8 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, the Santiano family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, 501 Saint Jude Pl., Memphis, TN  38105-1905.