Harold L. Weisse Jr. 89 of Nashua, NH (formerly of North Reading) died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday 10/17/20. He’s now directing the choir of heavenly angels, just as he did on earth.

Growing up in Dorchester, MA, Harold graduated from Boston English High School, then Boston University with a degree in Music Education. After working briefly as a draftsman for both Raytheon and Honeywell, he realized his dream of becoming a music educator in North Reading. He began as a part-time music teacher and ultimately Director of Music for the North Reading school district; a position he held until his retirement after 36 years of dedicated service.

During the course of his distinguished musical career, his concert and marching bands, choruses and jazz bands consistently garnered awards and accolades throughout New England and beyond.

He also directed some of the finest high school musical theater productions in Massachusetts, working with student singers and pit orchestras to create top notch performances every spring.

More importantly, Harold’s musical legacy lives on in the many NRHS alumni who have gone on to have successful music careers themselves, as well as those who continue to nurture the love of music that was instilled in them under his patient and experienced tutelage.

Harold was also an accomplished musician himself, playing piano and bass in numerous local bands in the Boston area as a member of AFM Local 126.

In addition, Harold served in the Army National Guard from 1955-1964 as Chief Warrant Officer, directing the 26^th Division Band of Massachusetts.

An Eagle Scout, Harold was also an avid outdoorsman, spending summers hiking and camping throughout the Northeast with his family. After retirement, he continued these exploits even further afield, travelling with the Road Scholars lifelong learning program both at home and overseas.

Harold is survived by his daughter Susan Powers-Fitzpatrick (Sean), son Steven (Carol) and daughter Wendy Burbine (Darren), grandchildren Alexandra (aka Sasha) and Adam Weisse, Kaitlin Powers, Michael Burbine Jr., Harold Burbine and Victoria Burbine, and great grandson Jayce Powers. He was predeceased by his former wife Annette, cherished companion Irene Gordon, and good friend Tom Ahern.

The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Lundquist, Visiting Angels, and the Amedysis Hospice team for their unparalleled care. We would also like to thank the First Baptist Church of Nashua for all of their love and support. They were truly like family to him.

Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, funeral plans will be announced at a later date.

Thomas E. Foley – 80, of North Reading and formerly of Winchester, died Monday, October 19, 2020 at Winchester Hospital.

Born in Winchester, MA on November 14, 1939, he was the son of the late Thomas V. and Anna P. (Hodge) Foley. He was raised in Winchester and was a graduate of Winchester High School. Tom was an Electrician for 30 years for Atlantic Gelatin in Woburn and has been retired for over 20 years.

He has been a resident of North Reading for the past 41 years and was a member of the Wakefield / Lynnfield United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Danvers Fishing Game Club, Andover Sportsman Club and the Setter Club of New England.

Tom was a man who loved nature and his dogs, he enjoyed the friendships he made through hunting and fishing. He could always tell a good story and he loved sharing his knowledge with his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling all over the country with his wife Donna and friends, including the Caribbean and Ireland.

Family members include his loving wife of 41 years, Donna J. (Kinsley) Foley; his sons, Thomas S. Foley and Brian P. Foley; his daughter, Cheryl Finnerty; stepsons, Corey A. Ricardo and Philip A. Ricardo; brothers, John Foley and Robert Foley; sisters, Mary Lou Murray and Barbara Foley and 7 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private. Visitation will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, October 22 from 4 to 7 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701. cancer.org www.croswellfuneralhome.com

John Pavles of Lynn, age 88, passed Sunday, October 11, 2020, at Beverly Hospital. He is survived by his son, Stephen Pavles and his wife Christine of Derry NH; daughter Laura Pavles of Astoria NY; daughter Andrea Anderson and her husband Kevin Anderson of Las Vegas NV; and grandchildren Luke Anderson and Scarlett Anderson. He is also survived by his sisters Irene Pavles of Lynn, MA; Florence Lalikos of Wenham, MA; and loving nieces, nephews and family. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Lazaris of Bedford MA.

John graduated from Lynn Classical High School and Boston University. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and achieved success as a founder and co-owner of family owned ENACO Laboratories. Over 30 years the business developed multiple locations throughout northeast Massachusetts.

John enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and participating both as a player and a coach in sporting activities, particularly basketball under team “Vlahos Brothers” in honor of his uncles Alex and Angelo Vlahos and their long standing Lynn produce business. In retirement he passionately followed his Boston sports teams.

Donations in John’s memory can be made to Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church at 8 Lafayette Road, Ipswich, MA 01938. Services will be private. Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Frank John Merchel Jr. –  86, a 56 year resident of North Reading, MA passed away Sunday, October 11, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Husband of Emily (Wisniewski) Merchel, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.

Frank was born in Pawtucket, RI on December 23, 1933 to the late Frank Merchel and Mary Brod, who were both Polish immigrants. He was raised in Pawtucket, RI and a graduate of Pawtucket East High School class of 1952.  A member of the multiple State Championship Varsity Swimming Team under Coach Max Read and Pawtucket Boys Club Swim Team. Award of a full scholarship to North Carolina State University provided means for an advanced education. While member of the NC State Wolfpack Varsity Swim Team he received 300m Medley Relay All-American for 1956 and 100m and 200m Backstroke Men’s ACC Champion for 1958. A 1959 NC State graduate with an B.S. Degree in Park Management and further Turf Management education at University Rhode Island and Massachusetts Amherst.

Practical experience was gained from long term Superintendent Anthony (Tony) Caranci at the Ledgemont Country Club Seekonk, MA. Development of the Thomson Country Club, a vision of noted Golf Course Architect Geoffery Cornish, lured Frank to North Reading, MA in 1962. He supervised course construction and became the courses first Superintendent upon completion of the first nine holes. Frank enjoyed a lengthy career as a Superintendent for local Golf Courses Hillview Country Club, Indian Ridge Country Club and Kirkbrae Country Club Lincoln, RI. He also operated a Landscaping Business.

Frank was predeceased by brothers Marygn, Miczyslaw and sisters Helena, Gana Cole. He is survived by son Frank and his wife Kathy Hutchinson Merchel of Windham, NH, daughter Jennifer and her husband Jamie DiVola of Peabody, MA. Grandchildren Thomas Merchel and partner Rachel Leibowitz, Matthew Merchel, Robert Merchel, Ava DiVola and Vincent DiVola.

His funeral will be held on Friday, October 16 at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading. Visitation will be private. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to https://www.brightfocus.org/research/alzheimers-disease-research-program. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Mary  Ann  Trabucco  – 74, of North Reading and formerly of Malden, died Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at Oosterman’s Melrose Rest Home.

Born in Stoneham, MA on December 25, 1945. She was the daughter of the late Albert J. and Carmella Louise (Siniscolchi) Trabucco. Mary was a graduate of Salem State College.

She was a teacher for forty years for the Malden Public Schools and has been retired since 2007. Mary was an active member of St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading. She enjoyed reading, decorating, writing, shopping, church and being with her nieces and nephews.

Loving sister of Ann Louise McTeague and her husband John, Nancy Kelleher and her husband John, Albert R.Trabucco and his wife Lisa and the late Paul Trabucco. “Mimi” loved her 11 nieces and nephews and 9 great nieces and great nephews.

Her funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 29, at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be private. Internment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com