The World According to George

George Le Fort was legendary and, first and foremost, a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He died August 6, 2025, after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.

His spirit was unbreakable, his joy contagious; strong like bull, he lived each day to the fullest and never let cancer steal his spark. George leaves behind a legacy as the ultimate player, an embodiment of fun, a child at heart who brought joy, chaos, and laughter wherever he went.

George is survived by his wife of 36 years, Arminda Le Fort; daughters Alessandra McKenna (John);  Kara Le Fort; and granddaughters Avianna, Vaila, and Lenara. He is also survived by his siblings Joanne LeFort and Camilla LeFort-Polesel(Valerio); sister-in-law Maria Goddard (David); and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, on May 7, 1958, George was the middle of three children of Patrick Alfred and Lenora Le Fort – and from an early age, he was already a master of pranks, a curious spirit, a driven athlete, and an adventurer. After attending Acadia University in Nova Scotia (where he wrestled both on the mat and occasionally with authority), he made his way to the Boston area to start the next chapter of his life.

A self-made man, George launched his business career with nothing more than an unshakeable belief in his ideas and that enough sweat could turn into success. He worked hard and played harder. He often stated that he was “just here for your entertainment” and never missed a chance to share his humor.

George was a man of endless curiosity and unstoppable enthusiasm. Over the years, he was a passionate inventor, teacher, tennis player, activist, skier — and that’s still not the full list. If it could be built, fixed, grown, or dreamed up, George was all in. Generous to his core, he spent countless hours helping family, friends, and neighbors with projects big and small. No matter the challenge, he showed up with boundless energy and the belief that nothing was impossible if you gave it your all.

In true George fashion, even in death, he found a way to help others — he arranged to be accepted into Harvard Medical School’s anatomical donor program, ensuring his legacy will continue to teach and inspire for years to come.

George lived life on his own terms — fully, loudly, joyfully — and leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and the unshakeable belief that anything is possible with enough heart and hustle.

In honor of George, donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer or a cause he was passionate about:  Moms Demand Action.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday September 21, 2025, 12:30-4:30 at Spinellis 10 Newbury St, Peabody, MA 01960.

WWW.Croswellfuneralhome.com

Barry Alan Graf – 74, of North Reading and formerly of Melrose, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading, after a lengthy illness, he was the son of the late Austin and Evelyn (Holland) Graf.

He was a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1970 and Essex Community College, where he received his Associate Degree.

Barry worked as a Security Officer for 1^st Security, then Securitas.

Barry loved working with his hands and doing carpentry work. He worked with local theater groups on sound and lighting, He was a very caring person and was also volunteer for the Red Cross.

Barry has been a resident North Reading for the past 40 years and a member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in North Reading, he served as Past Master. He was very active in the Order of Eastern Star, where he was Past Patron, and currently Worthy Patron and Past Grand Officer for the State. He remained very active on a state level until his death. He worked there at both state and local levels.

Family members include  his loving wife of 43 years, Shaenaeus (Silver) Graf; brothers, Austin of Peabody and Douglas of Raleigh Durham, North Carolina; sisters, Janet of New Hampshire, Gail of Amesbury and the late Marilyn.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Reading Masonic Temple, at the corner of Haven and Linden Streets      in Reading. There will be a Masonic Service and Eastern Star service at 2:00 PM. Donations may sent to Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star-Isadore Forbes Benevolent Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Dennis Lynn Cooke – passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the age of 53, after a sudden heart attack. He had faced a number of health challenges over the past decade with resilience and quiet courage.

Dennis was known for his sharp wit, big heart, and deep passion for politics and social justice. He never shied away from a lively conversation and was the kind of person who could make a friend anywhere. In his younger years, he loved the outdoors—skiing, spending time with friends, and soaking up life’s energy. In recent years, he found peace in quieter moments at home with his beloved partner of 25 years, Todd Gage.

Dennis worked for many years in the restaurant industry, both as a restaurant manager and as a skilled server in several fine dining establishments. He had a knack for making people feel welcome and appreciated, and he took great pride in his work.

He is survived by his loving partner, Todd Gage; his parents, Dorothy (Cancellieri) Cooke and Donald Cooke; his sister, Diane (Cooke) Morey; his niece, Stephanie Morey-Barry and her husband Michael Barry; and his great-niece, Julia Toomey. Dennis also leaves behind his cherished feline companions—Betty, Spike, and Jasmine—who brought him endless joy and comfort.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA. Visiting hours will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a brief memorial service from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Dennis will be cremated, and all who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and share memories.

Donations to the American Heart Association can be made in his name at www.heart.org.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Marie Nicole Boisvert – of Manchester, NH, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, August 2, 2025, she was 33 years old.

Born in Stoneham, MA on April 12, 1992. She attended Shawsheen Valley Technical High School in Billerica and Tewksbury High School. Marie worked for many years as a construction supervisor for Rocky Construction, which she started.

Marie would always help others. She enjoyed motocross, dirt biking, skateboarding, snowboarding and going to the beach. She loved playing with her dog Rocky and shopping with him at Home Depot.

Family members include her loving mother Lisa M. (McGonagle) Boisvert and her partner Robert Kearns; her late father Robert A. Boisvert; Marie’s girlfriend Rachel Lavoie; her uncles, Maurice Boisvert and his wife Pam, David Boisvert and his wife Trisha, Richard Boisvert and Gayle Talbot; her aunt Linda Parr and Lori Madden and her husband Tommy and Steve Parr; also survived by many cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Monday, August 11 from 4 to 7 PM. Her Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Tuesday, August 12 at 10:30 AM at St. Dorothy’s Church, 11 Harnden Street, Wilmington. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to: GoFundMe link to raise money for her memorial services

https://gofund.me/018e9c18

WWW.CroswellFuneralHome.com

Christopher David Lippert – 64, of North Reading and formerly of Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Chris was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Saginaw, Michigan. He relocated to the Boston area after college and lived in the area for 42 years. After a brief illness, Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Gerti Engel, adored daughter Shannon Lippert, son Eric Lippert, stepchildren Kathleen

McMillan, Michael McMillan (Molly) and Jaclyn McQueen (Steve), grandchildren Stevie, Kiera and Teddy McQueen and

Jack McMillan. He’s also survived by siblings Beth Lippert  Martinez (Rob), Doug Lippert (Mary) and ten nieces and nephews. Brother Michael Lippert (Ginnie) and parents David and Marilyn Lippert predecease him.

Chris was a lifelong athlete starting with little league baseball, playing hockey and tennis in high school and varsity soccer for Albion College in Michigan. After collegiate athletics, he continued to play both soccer and hockey in adult leagues for 20 years. When injuries slowed him down, he turned to refereeing adult league soccer games in North Reading,

Chris graduated from Albion College (BA), Boston College (MBA) and received a Certificate in Business from Harvard. Starting as a teller, he culminated his 40-year banking career as Senior Vice President of Lending for Newburyport Bank.

Chris was also involved in Boy Scouts, first with his son Eric and then with his grandson Teddy. He also volunteered with the Eagle Scout program in Massachusetts and served as Assistant Scout Master. One of his proudest accomplishments was hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2 from 10:00 AM to 11:50 AM, followed by a prayer service at noon at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Chris’s memory to Boy Scouts of America at donations.scouting.org

www.croswellfuneralhome.com