Margery E. (Wigton) Diaz – 98, of North Andover, formerly of Estero, FL and North Reading, died Saturday, February 10, 2018, at the Lawrence General Hospital after a brief illness, with her daughter and granddaughter by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Arthur J. Diaz, Sr.

Born in Albany, NY on October 19, 1919, she was the daughter of the late William and Beulah (Casner) Wigton. She was a graduate of Melrose High School and Cambridge Secretarial School in Cambridge.

Margery worked as the secretary for the Union Congregational Church in North Reading for seventy years, where she was a member of the Faith Circle and the  Monday Club. She was also a private secretary for R.M. Bradley and a member of and a secretary for the Pelican R.V. Association in Florida. She was a member of the Civilian Defense Corp, during World War II.

She loved Spelling Bees, scrabble challenges with Lori, Bingo, her owl collection and her beloved Red Sox.

Family members include her loving daughter, Melissa Standley of North Reading; sons, Arthur J. Diaz, Jr. and Donald J. Diaz, her brother-in-law, Arnold Diaz and his wife Susan, all of South Carolina; four grandchildren, Lori, Matt, Jeni and Sara; three great grandchildren, Blaize, Zoe and Phineas.

Her funeral will be held at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading on Tuesday, February 20 at 10:30 AM, calling hours will be held prior to the service at church from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to: New England Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1208 VFW Parkway, Suite 301, West Roxbury, MA 02132 or to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Alan  Greenough – of Reading and formerly of North Reading, died unexpectedly on February 3, 2018.

Born in Londonderry, NH on March 10, 1974. He is the loving son of Catherine G. (McDonough) Rawson of North Reading and Alan Greenough of Hampstead, NH.

He was raised and attended school in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School. He was a member of St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading and has been a resident of Reading for the past five years.

Alan worked as a Lube Technician at East Coast Gas in Reading and also worked as a part time landscaper.

Alan was his own person with love for the simple life. He was kind, thoughtful and sensitive. Alan had a great love for animals. He loved his family and would put anyone before himself. Alan loved to fish and enjoyed taking long walks through Harold Parker with his beloved dog Buddy. He had a heart of gold and will be missed but never forgotten by all.

Besides his parents, family members include his loving brother, Anthony Perrotti and his wife Danielle of Wilmington and his sister, Carla Finney of Hampstead, NH. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Friday, February 9 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 8 from 4 to 8 PM. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to: MSPCA (Nevins Farm), 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Gloria L. (Frederick) Peach – of North Reading and formerly of Somerville, passed away on February 4, 2018. She was the wife of the late Herbert A. Peach, who died this past May 13, 2017, after 64 years of marriage.

Born in Somerville, MA on August 16, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Jessie May (Bond) Frederick and Stanley B. Frederick.

She leaves her two sons, John Peach of Millis and Herbert Peach of Pepperell and her daughter, Linda Fitzgerald of North Andover. She was the mother of the late Donald Peach, who passed away at age 41, she was the grandmother of 8 and great grandmother of 7.

Her funeral will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, February 8 at 11 AM. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 9:45 to 10:45 AM. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Paul Colella, 95 of North Andover, formerly of North Reading and Malden, passed away at his home on Tuesday January 23rd, surrounded by his loving family.

Paul was born in Malden and was the son of the late John Colella of Abruzzi, Italy and Catherine (Lodie) Colella of Malden. A union steward at General Electric where he worked as a technical illustrator for 42 years, Paul was a staunch advocate for his peers.  Paul spent his retired years golfing, drawing and painting, cheering for the Patriots and the Red Sox, and meeting with friends for coffee and conversation.

Paul was predeceased in death by his wife of 55 years, Edith (Hartt) Colella, as well as his brother Alcester.

He is survived by his devoted and loving son Stephen and his wife Anne, his best friend and granddaughter, Stephanie Colella, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

His Funeral will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday, January 27 at 10 AM. Calling hours will be on Friday, January 26 from 4 to 7 PM.

He will always be remembered for his kindness, selfless nature, and outgoing personality.  The family would like to thank Merrimack Valley Hospice, particularly his aide Jovanna and nurse Kristen, for their unwavering care and support. Donations can be made in Paul’s memory to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA 01843. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Edward E. Stephens – 68, of North Reading and formerly of New Bedford, died Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, after a lengthy illness.
Born in Acushnet, MA on August 8,1949. He was the son of the late Edward and Marilyn (Colby) Stephens. He was raised and attended school in New Bedford and was a graduate of New Bedford High School.
Ed was a proud U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War (1967-1968). He received the Vietnam Service Medal and a Silver Service Star. He was a SP4 and his overall service was from 1967 to 1970.
Ed was a retired employee of the Town of Andover Water Department. He also worked for the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, and was a Realtor for ReMax. He was a resident of North Reading for the past 39 years and a member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
He was accepting of everyone and truly loved everyone unconditionally. He was supportive and will be fondly remembered for his pure heart and generous spirit. Ed was a loving husband, parent, grandparent and uncle. He coached every sport for every child. He ran the Dunk Tank for the North Reading Fourth of July Celebration. He was an active member of the community.
Family members include his loving wife of 37 years, Rosalia “Lia” (Blasi) Stephens; sons, Michael, Jeffrey and James Stephens; daughters, Tara, Rachel and Kristi Stephens; brother, David Stephens; grandchildren, Matthew and Mikayla Colwell, and Hayley Stephens; niece Bethany (Stephens) Bettencourt; nephews, Patrick, Christopher and Michael Stephens; and a multitude of family friends and loved ones who Ed welcomed into his home and heart with open arms.
His Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 AM, followed by a collation at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 235 Park Street, North Reading. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: North Reading Veterans Gift Account, 235 North Street (Town Hall), North Reading, MA 01864, c/o Susan Magner.
Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.  Www.croswellfuneralhome.com