Nicholas A. DeCola Sr., -93, of Reading, formerly of Medford, died Thursday, April 9, 2020. A US Navy Seabee veteran of WWII, he was the devoted husband of the late Anna L. (Tarallo) DeCola, and brother of Joann (Jenny) Rich of Woburn. He was the loving father of James and his wife Catherine of North Reading, the late Nicholas A. DeCola Jr. and his surviving wife, Elaine DeCola of Malden, and the late Angela Marshall-Wantman and her surviving husband, James Wantman of North Reading. He leaves his grandchildren; James Marshall and Kasia Sokalla of Methuen, Jennifer Marshall and Deva Parkin of Longmont, CO, Elizabeth and James Fortuna of Huntington Beach, CA, Robert DeCola and Brigitta Patterson of Medford, and Trina and Tyler Wantman of North Reading. He also leaves 4 great-grandchildren; Maya and Nicholas Marshall of Methuen, and Sarah and Michael Fortuna of Huntington Beach, Calif. He was predeceased by 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

Nick attended Boston Public schools before enlisting in the Navy. Having already learned many building and construction skills from his father, Nick joined the Construction Battalion, or Seabees, which was the perfect fit. He proudly served in Guam during World War II as a WT3 in the 103^rd US Naval CB unit and often told the story of his chance meeting with Admiral Nimitz.

Nick’s time with the Seabees defined his career. After the war, he went on to work in the construction industry for close to 40 years and was able to point out many buildings in Greater Boston that he had helped construct. He also served as Clerk of the Works for the City of Medford.

Nick and his wife Anna raised their 3 children in Medford, where he lived for 70years. He was active in the Boy Scouts, participated in many real estate projects, and enjoyed hunting with his beagles, all named Pudgy.

In retirement, Nick remained active. He enjoyed skiing, range shooting, walking, swimming, gardening, and sailing his catamaran on Martins Pond with his grand-dog Barnaby. He was a collector of many things and loved to find new treasures at yard sales.

Nick also stayed very active in the Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-6, Wilmington, Ma. He marched in many parades with the group and served 2 terms as commander of Island X-6.

Nick was a young, fun-loving grandfather. He played non-stop with his grandchildren and taught them at early ages to hammer a nail, shuffle and play cards, use a bow and arrow, and build all kinds of things. Although his grandchildren called him by many names — Popeye, Pa, Vazza — he always answered.

For many years he helped his wife Anna, who provided child-care inside their home, in caring for the children. It gave him even more opportunities for playing, joking, and enjoying little ones. His great-grandchildren will remember him as a loving, happy man who loved to tease them. They will keep his wonderful stories with them forever.

Nick was always smiling and happy. He never missed an opportunity to tease or joke with someone. He was notorious for stealing food, especially cookies, right out of an unsuspecting hand. He was always quick to remind those around him to be positive. His great smile and mischievous ways will be fondly remembered.

His family is grateful for all the wonderful memories and fun stories that they can continue to share. He lived a full and happy life and will be missed by all who knew him.

Nick’s family would like to thank the Staff at Artis Senior Living in Reading for providing a safe and loving home for him for the last 19 months. The kindness of the staff, along with their love and dedication, will never be forgotten. Donations in Nick’s memory may be sent to Artis Senior Living, 1100 Main Street, Reading, MA 01867. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading. WWW.CroswellFuneralHome.com

Laura A. (Voto) Salvo – 56, of Middleton, formerly of West Peabody and North Reading, died Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Born in Medford, MA on October 25, 1963. She was the daughter of Robert and Hellen (Belliveau) Voto. Laura was raised in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School. She has been a resident of Middleton for the past 17 years. She was a spiritual person and has great faith in the Catholic Church, attending mass every Sunday at St. Agnes in Middleton.

She found her soulmate and partner for life at age 22, when she married David Salvo of Peabody. Together they owned the Hornet’s Nest Sub Shop in North Reading, with great pride and hard work.

Laura lived life to the fullest. She loved nothing more than spending time with her large family. Cooking delicious healthy meals fed her soul. She loved to travel the world but her favorite place was her Florida home. She was physically active and enjoyed being outdoors with her fur baby Bentley. Her positive outlook on life and strength let her enjoy every moment even while fighting her illness. She was a true inspiration.

Laura was deeply loved by her entire family, especially by her adoring husband of 32 years, David Salvo; her loving son Nicholas Salvo, a graduate of Stonehill College, pursuing a career in business, his soon to be wife Jude Theriault and her loving daughter Vanessa Salvo, an Oncology Nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital; her brother Robert S. Voto, and her sister Linda Voto. Laura will be greatly missed by both sides of her family and countless friends.

Her services will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers please make donations in her memory to Lung Strong, a foundation whose mission is to raise funds for innovative research so that lung cancer is a treatable disease and no longer fatal. 100 % of these donations go to MGH Lung Cancer Research Program, P.O. Box 281, Amesbury, MA 01913. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Margaret W. (Jackson) Schell – 98, of North Reading, passed away peacefully in her home on April 4, 2020, with her four children by her bedside.

The daughter of the late Victor and Margaret (McElaney) Jackson, she was born in Boston, MA and attended high school at St. Mary’s in Brookline. Margaret was happily married to the late John L. Schell in September 1951 until his passing in 1996. The family moved to North Reading in 1966 and has resided there since. She was a member of St. Theresa’s Church.

Early in her life, Margaret was a factory worker wrapping whoopie pies (by far her favorite), she also worked as a legal secretary and as a bookkeeper. After having children, her primary and most important focus was that of a devoted mother and homemaker.

Margaret is survived by her daughter Margaret Hendriks and her husband Eugene of Westford, her sons, John Schell of Woburn, Daniel Schell and his wife Marcia of Wilmington and Robert Schell of North Reading. Sister of Mary Constantino of Wakefield, Dorothy Barker of Woburn, the late Catherine Stapula, the late Teresa McCarey. Sister of the late Victor Jackson. She also leaves behind her 11 grandchildren, Nicole Parmiter and her husband James of Rocky Hill, CT, Christine Hendriks of Woburn, Jacklyn Tabor and her husband James of Billerica, Robert Schell and his wife Julie of Woburn, John Schell of Las Vegas, NV, Brian Schell of Wilmington, Amanda Stasiowski and her husband Jared of North Reading, Jennifer Haupt and her husband Luther of Shamokin, PA, Robert Schell of North Reading, Gerard Schell of Pepperell, Danielle Schell of Manchester, NH; 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Due to the current Covid-19 directives, private funeral services will be through Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St, North Reading. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Margaret’s memory to the American Heart Association.

Robert J. Russo – 75, of North Reading, died at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

Born in Chelsea, MA on December 28, 1944. He was the son of the late John D. and Katherine (Mollica) Russo. Robert was a graduate of Everett High School, Class of 1962. He was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, he served in the Regular Army and Reserves from 1962 to 1965.

Robert received an Associate Degree in Business Management from Fisher Junior College. He worked as a General Foreman at Raytheon from 1977 to 1995. He was a Store Manager at Stop & Shop from 1995 to 2012.

He was a member of the North Reading Knights of Columbus and a Past Grand Knight.

Family members include his loving wife of 38 years, Maureen J. McRae; his son Matthew McRae; daughters, Tammi J. Magazzu, Rebecca Russo Hill, Lori Ann Russo Federico, Lynda Russo and the late Lisa Russo; brothers John and Richard Russo, his sister, Karen Russo Griffin; 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Services will be private due to the Covid-19 outbreak. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading, MA 01864. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Funeral Options During the Pandemic
Your local funeral home is committed to helping families honor their loved ones in meaningful ways, while ensuring the safety of family and friends. If you’re unable to hold a funeral for your loved one, or if attendance is limited to immediate family, you do have options that can be explored with your funeral director.
Have a private viewing for only immediate family and/or close friends.
Delay the funeral and hold it at a later date. Speak with your funeral director about your options regarding casket burial or cremation if you choose this option.
Have a private viewing for only immediate family and/or close friends and have a memorial service at a later date.
Ask your funeral director if they have the ability to webcast the funeral so others can view from home.
If you are able to have a funeral, even if it’s on a smaller scale, note that your funeral director will need to follow very specific guidance regarding the number of attendees and social distancing as required by the local, state and/or federal government. While it may be difficult to accept these limitations, know that your funeral director is working hard to ensure your safety, the safety of any guests and the safety of the funeral home staff while still providing family and friends with the opportunity to say goodbye. These guidelines may include:
Social Distancing
Social distancing guidelines apply, regardless of the setting or circumstances. As such, seating for a service will be adjusted accordingly so guests are a safe distance from each other. Also, keep in mind that guests will likely be hesitant to hug each other or the family of the deceased. While it’s often our natural instinct to offer condolences through physical interaction, it’s important to be respectful of guests’ decision if they choose not to do so. Remember, it’s for the safety of everyone in attendance.
Gathering Limits
There are limits for the number of people who may gather for an event, based on local, state and/or federal guidelines. In order to follow these guidelines, your funeral director may have to limit the number of guests who are in the funeral home at one time. Rest assured, he or she will work to ensure each guest has the opportunity to be in the funeral home to pay their respects; however, this will require patience on behalf of you guests. Speak with your funeral director about gathering limits in your community.
Personal Effects
Talk to your funeral director about the return of personal effects that may have been on your loved one at the time of death. Depending on the circumstances, they may need to be disinfected before being returned to you.