Dennis Francis Collins, Jr., February 7, 1936 – November 16, 2020

Dennis Francis Collins, Jr., age 84, died peacefully in his home, with his beloved wife by his side, in North Reading, Massachusetts on November 16, 2020.  Dennis, originally of Hyde Park, Boston, was a graduate of Boston University, where he graduated second in his class while earning an Aeronautical Engineering degree.   He went on to earn a Master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In his early career, Dennis worked for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center where he made significant contributions to NASA’s space flight program.  In 1966, he married Solfrid Svalgres, a beautiful Norwegian woman whom he met while dining at a German Restaurant in Washington, D.C.  Eventually, the couple settled in North Reading, where Dennis continued his lifetime of civilian service working as an Engineer at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Cambridge.  Dennis and Solfrid went on to have a son, Brendan and a daughter, Britt.

Dennis was a gentle, humble and religious man who loved nature and was devoted to his family. Over the years, Dennis became accomplished at many hobbies including sailing, photography, fly fishing, skiing, gardening, playing Flamenco guitar, and furniture making.  He was happiest when taking long walks in the woods with his wife, children and dog, Nosey.  He also enjoyed listening to jazz while reading the newspaper and his travels to Norway.  Although he was not one to brag about his own accomplishments, he thoroughly enjoyed bragging about his grandchildren’s.

Dennis is survived by his wife Solfrid, who cared for him during his long illness.  He is also survived by his son, Brendan and daughter, Britt and his five beloved grandchildren, Boden, Donovan, Sophia (his favorite), Aidan and Rachel as well as several nephews.  He is predeceased by his sister, Marie.  Those wishing to honor Dennis’ life may make a donation to Catholic Relief Services or Food for the Poor.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday, November 21 at 9:30 AM, followed by an 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be private. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our dear brother,

Paul M. Cohan, 54, Paul passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

Paul was born in North Reading, the son of the late William E. and Frances T. (Tobin) Cohan. He attended North Reading public schools until the 8^th grade, after which he attended Austin Preparatory School, graduating in 1983. Shortly after graduating UMass Lowell with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering in 1987, Paul moved to San Francisco and spent many years continuing to build his career and started his own high tech/engineering recruiting firm, working most of his adult life as a quality recruiter of high tech talent.

Paul touched so many lives on both the East and West Coasts. He was so full of life and would light up a room when he entered it. He was kind, warm and popular and had a heart of gold, and always kept you laughing. Paul never had an unkind word to say and had such an incredibly quick wit. Paul enjoyed being with his family and so many close friends, and you could always count on him to be the life of the party. He was a true brother and friend; honest, caring and forthright. Life as we know it will forever change with this terrible loss of Paul.

Paul was multi-talented. He was an avid, excellent skier and loved the outdoors.   He loved traveling with his friends, listening to music and loved animals. Paul also had a natural and beautiful voice for singing and after learning to play the drums from the drummer of The Tubes rock band, he proudly played the drums in Bootie Cooler, a band he formed with close friends out West. He frequently played in the local venues in San Francisco and was followed by many.

Paul is survived by his sisters, Tracey F. Lacroix and Mary K. Dascoli, both of Andover, and his brothers, Mark R. Cohan of Lowell, Michael J. Cohan and his wife Patricia (Demetri) Cohan of New Jersey, Christopher T. Cohan of Andover, John F. Cohan and his wife JoAnne M. (Krocker) Cohan of Tewksbury and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother William Cohan Jr (Billy) a North Reading police officer. Paul was the beloved Godfather of Cassidy M. Cohan of Tewksbury.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, there will be private visitation on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Croswell Funeral Home. His funeral Mass will be open to all friends and family and will be held at St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, MA on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 11:00 AM, followed by Interment at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to American Cancer Society.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Ronald H. Christie, passed away at the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center on Thursday evening, November 12, 2020, he was 85 years old.

Ron was born in Gardiner, Maine, the son of the late Vernon and Mary (Quinton)Christie. He grew up and was educated in North Reading. Ron served his country as a United States Marine during the Korean War, between the years of 1954 thru 1958.

He married his wife Gertrude “Trudy” (Tentindo) on October 26, 1958. They lived in Chelsea where they raised their four children. Then they moved briefly to Wakefield before settling in Burlington. Ron worked for many years at Everett Aluminum before starting his own business D & R Aluminum with his brother Don.

Ron enjoyed cards, bowling, fishing and riding his motorcycle. He was one of the founding members of the Free Spirits Motorcycle Club.

Ron was the beloved husband of the late Trudy Christie. He was the loving father of Cheryl Ames & her husband Robert, Ronald, Jr., Steven and John. Proud grandfather of Robert Ames, Jr., Jason, Avery & Angelo Christie and Ashley Miller, as well as several grandchildren. Survived by his sisters, Laura Murphy, Millie Owen, Mary McGuiness, and Dolly Armstrong. He was the brother of the late Donald, Robert and Alan Christie.

A visitation will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, November 24 from 9:00 to 10:45 AM, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Due to current restrictions, masks must be worn at all times with social distancing. A maximum capacity of 50 people will be allowed at one time in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials in Ronald’s name may be made to the Tower Hill Tenant Association Activity Fund, 15 Birchcrest St., Burlington, MA 01803. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Marsha E. (Woods) Pierce – 75, of North Reading and formerly of Charlestown, died at her sister’s home in North Reading on Friday, November 6, 2020. She was the beloved wife of the late Arthur L. Pierce, Jr.

Born in Boston, MA on November 27, 1944, she was the daughter of the late John L. and Ruth (Joyce) Woods. She attended North Reading and Reading Schools. Marsha was a 58 year resident of North Reading.

She was a School Bus Transportation owner in Andover. She also worked in Accounts Receivable at Zayre’s Department Store, she was a secretary for Produce Junction and at North Reading Motor Sports, all in North Reading.

Marsha was a person that once you met her you never forgot her, she had an incredible smile and a laugh like no other. She enjoyed playing softball, watching her kids play sports, traveling, camping, bingo and the beach. Most of all she loved being with her husband, family and friends.

Family members include her sons, John Pierce and his partner Maureen of Hampton, NH, Donald Pierce and his wife Carolyn of Pelham, NH and Brian Pierce of North Reading; sisters, Kathleen Roberts of North Reading and the late Ruthann Lucci; her brother, Daniel Woods and his wife Nancy of Lawrence, late brothers, John Woods, William Woods, Paul “Buddy” Woods, Thomas Woods and Michael Woods; 3 grandchildren, Lanna, Haley and Vivian Pierce and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, November 12 at 10:00 AM. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 11 from 4 to 7 PM. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, masks must be worn at all times with social distancing. A maximum capacity of 50 people will be allowed at one time in the funeral home. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Kenneth Wellsley Nunan, Jr. – 76, passed away at his home on October 28, in Billerica, Massachusetts after battling brain cancer.

Ken was born December 19, 1943 to Marion and Kenneth Nunan Sr. in Georgetown, MA. After graduating from New Rochelle High School in New York, Ken joined the Air Force as a member of the Air Police.  He continued on to a successful career as a professional truck driver.

Ken married Mary Kelliher on October 6, 1972 and raised their son, Mark, in Billerica. Ken was a devoted husband of 48 years, loving father, and amazing grandfather. Ken adored his two grandchildren and enjoyed building with blocks, flying kites, searching for shells at the beach, watching them play sports, and any other activity they would dream up. Whenever the weather permitted, Ken and Mary would be kayaking and biking rail trails somewhere in New England or be on a road trip with the kayaks on the roof and bikes in the backseat.  Ken followed New England sports teams with passion and would annually attend a December Patriots game, Red Sox games, and Bruins games with Mary. Thursday mornings, Ken would often be found playing horseshoes at the Billerica Council on Aging. In most recent years, Ken and Mary would travel abroad exploring different countries each year. Drawing and painting became hobbies as well once he retired.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand and drive anybody, anywhere at any time.  He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Ken was the beloved husband of Mary (Kelliher) Nunan. He was the loving father of Mark Nunan and his wife Tara of Billerica. Proud grandfather to Kiley and Owen Nunan.  Ken was predeceased by his sister, Bettyann Dole. Brother to George Nunan, Donnie and his wife Joyce Nunan, MeriEllen and her husband Tom Lazdowski, William and his wife Theresa Nunan, and Donna and her husband Eric Robbins. Brother-in-law to the late Nancy Kelliher, Diane and Roy Crowell, Anne and her late husband Tom Richer, Donna Kelliher, Charles and Rhonda Kelliher. Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are warmly invited to his visitation on Sunday, November 1st from 4 to 7 pm at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, Massachusetts 01864.  A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 2 at 11:00 am at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading, followed by graveside service at the Harmony Cemetery in Georgetown, Massachusetts.  Due to COVID we will have a celebration of life in Ken’s honor on a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to the Billerica Council on Aging, 25 Concord Road, Billerica, MA 01821. www.croswellfuneralhome.com