John Joseph Domurad -Of Essex, MA. September 27, 1931 – October 6, 2017. Songwriter, composer, pianist.  Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Domurad lived most of his life in Boston, with periods immersed in the music industry in Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA. He retired to Essex, MA in 2005. Mr. Domurad is preceded in death by his parents Irene (Plefka) Domurad and John J. Domurad Sr., son Giles Domurad, and daughter-in-law Joan Domurad. Mr. Domurad is survived by his wife Emily, his former wife Margaret (Mansfield), her & Mr. Domurad’s son John M. Domurad and daughter Margaret (Domurad) Dahl, son-in-law Dr. Edward Dahl, grandsons Michael Domurad, Chad Terry and John Terry, and great-grandchildren Zachary, Owen, Gwendolyn and Charlotte, and former son-in-law Paul Seier. Mr. Domurad’s musical career began in childhood. He explained, “I fell in love with music around four years old when my mother would sit at the upright piano in our living room and play one-finger melodies.” When not playing the piano – prolifically from his teens-on, in typical clubs in Boston & New York City, and on Caribbean cruise ships – Mr. Domurad was writing songs, and composing scores. He led various bands and orchestras throughout his career; and played piano for his children’s school plays and dance recitals. His New Boston Suite, celebrating the building of The Prudential Center, was auditioned by Arthur Fiedler. In New York, Nashville and Hollywood his music and songs were recorded by legendary artists including Glen Campbell, Eddie Arnold, Wayne Newton, Al Martino, Anne Murray and Burl Ives. In Canada his song Montreal, written with collaborator & lifelong friend Tip Burton, was recorded by Canada’s singing star Jean Roger as one of the themes for the 1967 World’s Fair. A lover and aficionado of ‘The American Songbook’, Mr. Domurad’s professional career culminated as house pianist at The Ritz-Carlton Boston on Arlington Street. From the grand piano, with his back to the Public Garden, he delighted patrons and guests with his renditions of their favorite songs; most notably, an impromptu mid-1980’s late evening encounter with Vladimir Horowitz. Of that experience he shared, “so that’s how a high school basketball player feels meeting Larry Bird!” A low-handicap golfer into his 40’s, as recently as 2016 Mr. Domurad enjoyed golfing — a few holes here and there — with family. A Masonic Brother and Former Worshipful Master, Mr. Domurad was a Master Mason for 34 years; initiated into the Euclid Daylight Lodge in Boston in 1983. Upon retirement to Essex, MA in 2005, he joined the Manchester(by-the-Sea) Lodge as their organist. While a prolific reader of varied genre, up to the week of his passing Mr. Domurad worked online and in his home studio exploring music. Interment will be private. A Memorial Service for Mr. Domurad will occur at a later date still to be determined, and will be updated here. Arrangements and care are provided by the Croswell Funeral Home, North Reading, MA.  Donations in Mr. Domurad’s memory or honor can be made to either either The Shriners Hospitals for Children  Boston and/or The American Heart Association and/or The American Cancer Society

www.CroswellFuneralHome.COM

Diane J. (Robichaud) Mills – 64, of North Reading and formerly of Wilmington, died at her home on Monday, October 9, 2017.

Born in Chelsea, MA on March 18, 1953. Diane was raised and attended school in Wilmington and was a graduate of Wilmington High School. She worked as a bookkeeper for over thirty years, for several local companies. She has been a resident of North Reading for the past 40 years.

Diane always had a smile and a warm personality for friends, family and those she met through the ongoing years. She was usually caring for her home or yard. She enjoyed the holidays having family over for special dinners, especially the Christmas Season. It was a joy to be in her company as she made you feel special.

Family members include her loving husband of 40 years, Kenneth A. Mills; her mother, Dorothy A. Robichaud and her late father Arthur Robichaud; brothers, Edward Robichaud, Gary Robichaud and Scott Robichaud and her sister, Linda Vachon.

Calling hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Monday, October 16 from 9 to 10:50 AM, followed by a prayer service at 11 AM. Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

William J. Myers – 83, of North Reading and formerly of Revere, died Sunday, October 8, 2017, at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington.

Born in Revere, MA on February 11, 1934, he was the son of the late James and Maude V. (Gill) Myers. He was raised and attended school in Revere and was a graduate of Revere High School. Bill was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War, he served from 1956 to 1958.

He worked as a Postal Clerk for the U.S. Postal Service in Boston for 29 years. Bill has been a resident of North Reading for the past 49 years and an active member of St. Theresa’s Church.

Bill enjoyed gardening, playing the lottery and traveling to Costa Rica. He loved going out to lunch at Kitty’s Restaurant with his former postal friends. He enjoyed playing hockey in school in his earlier years and he especially loved his dog peanuts.

Family members include his many nieces and nephews, including Marie DuBois of Hartford, CT. He was the brother of the late James and Thomas Myers, Madeline Schena, Anastasia Myers and Elizabeth DuBois.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, October 14 from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow street, North Reading at 9:45 AM, followed by a 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 13 from 5 to 8 PM. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to any MSPCA or to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Perella, Jeana “Charlene” 83, died Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at home in Jeffersonville, IN, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in Woodson, TX, raised in Breckinridge, TX and spent her working life in North Reading, MA, before relocating to Jeffersonville in retirement. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Cesino B. (Chet) Perella; brother James Doan (husband of Elaine, of Mobile, AL); four children, Pamela Lewis (wife of Jerry, of Wilmington, MA), Louie Perella (husband of Doreen, of Warren, RI), James Perella (husband of Kathy, of Cub Run, KY), and Sherri White (wife of Steven, of San Carlos, CA); six grandchildren, Kurt Jones (husband of Breanne, of Honolulu, HI), Eric Jones (of Andover, MA), Jenelle Braga (wife of Brian, of Dracut, MA), Lou E Perella (husband of Laura, of Riverside, RI), Kyle White and Ethan White (of San Carlos, CA); and five great grandchildren, Nate, Preston, Nora, Riley, and Kailey. She enjoyed photography, travel, bird watching, the ocean and helping others.  Her warm smile and caring attitude contributed to the success of her insurance office.  Her nieces and nephews looked forward to her Sunday night home made pizza and chocolate cream pie. She was an insurance manager for over thirty years, working for Ivester Insurance of North Reading, MA.  She was a life-long member of the Church of Christ, attending the Northside Congregation in Jeffersonville.  She was active in the HONS (Shriner’s Auxiliary), raising money for Shriners Burn Hospital for children, in Boston, MA Visitation from 4:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, October 5, at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St, North Reading, MA.  Funeral Service 10:30 am on Friday, October 6, at Melrose Church of Christ, 409 Upham St, Melrose, MA; followed by interment at Riverside Cemetery, Elm St, North Reading, MA. The family wishes to sincerely thank Kindred Hospice of Jeffersonville, IN for their care and support during her final days, especially nurses Dawn and Allie, and CNA Amy.
www.CroswellFuneralHome.com

Rita M. (Russell) Murray – 66, of North Reading and formerly of Medford, died Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Winchester Hospital, after a lengthy illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard Murray.

Born in Cambridge, MA on August 31, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Rita (Good) Russell. Rita was a graduate of Medford High School, Class of 1969. She was a homemaker and a resident of North Reading for the past 25 years.

She is survived by her loving sister, Noreen Russell of North Reading.

Calling hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, September 28 from 11 AM to noon, followed by a prayer service with Deacon Al Balestracci from St. Theresa’s Church. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to: MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. WWW.CroswellFuneralHome.com