Paul R. Marshall – 75, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, with his daughters by his side.

Born in Malden, MA, on October 17, 1950, he was the youngest son of the late Kenneth and Louise Marshall. He spent his early years in Malden before growing up in North Reading, MA, where he attended North Reading High School.

Paul proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a dog handler with a Combat Tracker Team, a role that remained a source of great pride throughout his life.

A skilled finish carpenter by trade, he was a true craftsman and lifelong tinkerer. There was little he couldn’t build or repair.

But perhaps his greatest love was his boat. He spent much of his life living aboard and seemingly every available moment working on it—sanding, staining, varnishing, and getting the “show side” just right. For him, the boat wasn’t simply a hobby or even a home; it was a way of life.

Paul was especially fond of black Labs, good company, and a captive audience for one of his many stories. Naturally social and charismatic, he was always ready with a funny remark. He had a quick wit, a collection of unforgettable one-liners, and a sense of humor entirely his own.

Above all, he was a caring father and devoted grandfather whose family meant everything to him.

Paul leaves behind his daughters, Wendy and her husband Stephen, Kelly and her husband Joel; grandchildren, Destin, Layla, and Kai; nieces and nephews, Deborah, Susan and her husband Larry, Jeffrey and his wife Dena; his goddaughter, Kathleen; and many dear friends.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert, and sister-in-law, Danielle; and his sister, Patricia, and brother-in-law, James.

His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided to Paul and his family during his final months.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 13 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the Military Working Dog Team Support Association (MWDTSA), an organization dedicated to supporting military working dogs and their handlers.

James  “Jimmy”  Bezzati  –  65, of Amesbury and formerly of North Reading, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport.

He was born in Salem, MA on December 22, 1960, he was the son of the late John J., Sr. and Alice (McDonald) Bezzati. He was a graduate of Salem High School.

Jimmy worked for American Training for many years. He was a proud participant in the Special Olympics. He enjoyed watching WWE and Boston Sports. Jimmy brought Joy and laughter to everyone he met. He enjoyed Mickey Mouse and Santa Claus visits.

Family members include his loving brother Edward Bezzati; his sisters, Donna Mahoney and her husband Larry, Kathy DeAdder and her husband Robert, Patti Smith and her husband Jedd, Maryann MacKay and her husband Lance, his sister- in-law Joann Bezzati; he was the brother of the late John J. Bezzati, Jr.; also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

His funeral will be held on Friday, September 11 at 10:00 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to:  support.specialolympics.org

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Elaine Chabot (Briscoe) – 88, of North Reading, passed away after a brief illness on August 15, 2026. She was at home, surrounded by her children.

Elaine was born in Jamaica Plain, MA on October 16, 1937 to Charles and Helen (Peterson) Briscoe. She graduated from Blessed Sacrament School in 1955 and worked a variety of jobs before joining the Air Force in 1958, with hopes of becoming an airplane mechanic. Discharged in 1961, she continued in the Reserves until 1963, while working at the Northeastern Radiological Health Laboratory in Winchester. Elaine married laboratory co-worker, George Chabot, and after 15 years of night classes—while raising four children—she graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Industrial Technology from University of Lowell. Elaine served on the North Reading School Committee, where she was known for her rigorous demands for transparency, fairness, and attention to detail. She was an active citizen in North Reading town politics, as well as a member of the League of Women Voters.

Elaine was a dedicated volunteer, spending countless hours at her children’s schools and activities, supporting homebound seniors, and furthering the missions of St. Theresa Church, where she was a parishioner for 60 years. An amateur genealogist, she traveled across the States and as far as Germany in search of her family’s roots.

She was married for 63 years to her beloved husband, George Edward Chabot Jr., who preceded her in death on December 21, 2025. At home, she was known for her pie-making prowess, penchant for debate, frequent humming of tunes, fastidious methods of organizing, and joy while dancing.

Elaine lived with immense integrity and curiosity and leaves a legacy of lifelong learning and service that will live on through those who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Mark Chabot and his wife Kim of Andover, Brian Chabot and his wife Ruth of Lynn, Michelle Mehr and her husband Seth of Portland OR, and Kara DeGiovanni of Portland, OR. Grandchildren Nicolas and Amanda Chabot, Mae Lever, and Mazli Mehr. Sister Virginia Wynn, half-brother Douglas Briscoe, stepsister Ellen Bennett, and stepbrother John Bennett. Elaine is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association online at alz.org, phone 800-272-3900, or mail to P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Visitation will be Saturday, Aug, 22, from 9-10:30 am at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading, MA 01864. Please note the visitation will end promptly at 10:30 am to allow time for travel to the 11:00 am Funeral Mass.

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Aug 22, at 11:00 am at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading, MA. 01864. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, North Reading.

www,croswellfuneralhome.com

William  Malvern  “Bill “ Pilote – 75, a longtime resident of North Reading, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bill retired from GE, where he worked as a quality control inspector for 40 years. He proudly served in the United States Army as a UH-1 Helicopter Repairman, including a tour in Vietnam from May 1971 to May 1972, and was honorably discharged. His service was recognized in a Letter of Commendation for the aircraft maintenance personnel of Company C, 158th Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, cited as among the best in the Republic of Vietnam. His decorations included the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star.

His love of the outdoors kept him busy in his yard and on daily walks with his dog, Sadie. Bill was always sure to bring extra treats along for the neighborhood dogs. An avid golfer, he also treasured his time at his cabin in Holderness, NH.

Bill leaves his beloved wife, Maureen Pilote; his stepchildren, Tracy DeGregorio and her husband Richard, and William Brackett and his wife Lesley; and five grandchildren, Alec DeGregorio, Faith DeGregorio, Nolan DeGregorio, Annabelle Brackett, and Madeline Brackett. He is also survived by his sisters, Marcia (Pilote) Colella and Marilyn Pilote; his sister-in-law, Ruth Pilote; and his nephews, Mark, Scott, Anthony, and Keith. He was predeceased by his three brothers, David Pilote, Robert Pilote, and Don Pilote.

Bill will be dearly missed by his family and his fellow soldiers. All who knew him will remember him as a fabulous host for COTD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation T2T.org to support our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.

Arrangements under the care of Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA, (978) 664-3031. Visiting hours Wednesday, August 26, 5-7 PM and Thursday, August 27, 11AM to 11:45 AM, followed by interment at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading at Noon.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Wayne J. Williams – 75, of Danvers and formerly of North Reading for 55 years, passed away at Beverly Hospital on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Born in Ipswich, MA on October 4, 1950. He was the son of the late Joseph H. and Nancy K. (Innis) Williams. Wayne was retired from the Ann & Hope Department Store in Danvers, where he worked for several years.

Wayne was a quiet person who loved nature. He enjoyed walking the beach and spending time in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. He enjoyed listening to music, reading and watching movies.

Family members include his loving sisters, Pamela Griswold and her husband Keith of North Reading and Lynne Plomondon of Acton, Maine.

Services will be private and are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com