David  W.  Burke  – 76, of Reading and formerly of North Reading, lost his courageous battle with a lengthy illness, Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Born in Fairhaven, MA on November 29, 1940, he was the son of the late George and Helen (Tucker) Burke. He was a graduate of Beverly High School and he later attended the University of Massachusetts.

David worked for Verizon for 39 years, he was a Marketing Manager. He was known for his kindness, sense of humor and his deep devotion and love of his family. He was always lending a helping hand, always a gentleman and was married for 53 years on Valentine’s Day. He had an infectious laughter, especially at his own jokes and had a deep dedication to his daughter Lisa.

David was an avid reader, he loved history, with a passion for the Civil War. He loved his family deeply, he enjoyed family gatherings, spending time with his grandchildren attending hockey games and tennis matches.

David was a resident of North Reading for over 50 years, he was an active member of the Union Congregational Church and a member of the Finance Committee and Church Council.

Family members include his loving wife of 53 years, Linda (Ramsay) Burke; daughters, Lisa Burke, Kristin Leonard and her husband Tim and Dina Magner and her husband Luke; grandchildren, Brittany, Briana and Brooke Leonard, Aidan, Ryan and Liam Magner; brothers, John Burke and his wife Marie, Fred Burke and this late wife Margaret, Donald Burke and his wife Nancy and Phillip Burke and his wife Patty and late brother, Richard Burke; sisters, Jean Arnold, Jackie Caulfield and her late husband Richard; sister- in- law, Janis Brackett and brother- in- law, Edwin Brackett; also survived by many nieces and nephews.

His Funeral will be held at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading on Thursday, June 22 at 11 AM. Calling hours will be held prior to the funeral service on Thursday from 9 to 10:30 AM, at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Union Congregational Church or the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Arthur “AJ” Harkness – 66, of North Reading and formerly of Lynn, died peacefully at home on June 13, 2017.

Born in Lynn, MA on June 12,1951, he was the son of the late James and Julie (Rogers) Harkness of Lynn.

AJ was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. AJ owned his own business, Star Trucking and Paving for twenty years. He was a truck driver for 50 years for a variety of local trucking companies.

AJ had a great love for motorcycles and owned many throughout his life. He was a great guitar player and played in numerous bands around the North Shore and beyond. There was always a special dog or two in his life. He had a great love for all animals, including his flock of chickens in Wilmington. He loved to participate in the Annual Santa Parade in Lynn, he had his tractor trailer all decked out with lights and tossing candy to all the children.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge of North Reading, American Legion Post No. 507 in Lynn and was a supporter of Toys For Tots.

He is survived by his loving companion of 17 years, Lisa Routenberg; his daughter, Alicia Harkness and sons, Jimmy and Robbie Harkness; three grandchildren, Ariana, Kaylee and Annabella; his sister, Gert and brother Michael all of Lynn. He is also Predeceased by his sister June and brother Gordon.

Calling hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, June 20 from 4 to 6:45 PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 7 PM.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Michael J. McDonald – 69, of North Reading and formerly of Boston and Andover, died Thursday evening, June 8, 2017 at Winchester Hospital after a long illness.

Born in Boston on June 30, 1947, he was the son of the late James and Mary M. (Fisher) McDonald. He attended North Reading High School, Andover High School, Charlestown High School and the Northeast Regional Vocational School.

Michael was the longtime owner of the McDonald Machine Tool Service of North Reading. He rebuilt and repaired manufacturing equipment in companies throughout New England. His amazing problem solving skills gave him a solid reputation throughout the industry.

He was an early member of the North Reading Minute & Militia, Gloucester Power Squadron, Corinthian Yacht Club, where he was Fleet Captain from1995 to 1998 and in honor of his contributions he was given an honorary lifetime membership in 2008.

Michael had once been described as the toughest man, with the tenderest heart. He had a cheerful, kind demeanor and was the first to come to assistance of anyone in distress. His numerous good deeds were done quietly without boast. In his sailing circle he was known as “no problem” Mike, for his ability to solve mechanical boating issues for others. He had a wicked sense of humor and a loyal devotion to family and friends.

The love of the ocean drew him to his lifelong passion of sailing on his sailboat “Stephanotis” moored in Marblehead. He sailed the New England coast, with his wife and best friend, as First Mate for over thirty years. He crewed on friends boats for adventures in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda and Florida, etc. He was a certified Scuba diver and just prior to his debilitating stroke in 2007, he was learning how to fly.

Family members include his loving wife of 49 years, Stephanie G. (Short) McDonald; sons, Devin S. McDonald, Trevor M. McDonald and Keith M. McDonald; sisters, Debra Companion, Claire McCoy and the late Catherine McDonald; 6 grandchildren, Ryan, Nicholas, Mitchell, Jill, Chloe and Kylie.

A Celebration of his life will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Friday, June 30, from 4 to 7 PM. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice .  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Priscilla  (Atwood)  Drinkwater – 96, of Vero Beach, FL and formerly of North Reading for many years, died at her home on May 31, 2017. She was the wife of the late Arthur S. Drinkwater.

Born in Waterbury, CT on June 19,1920, she was the daughter of the late Harry F. and Julia (Allen) Atwood. She attended Watertown High School, National Park College in Maryland and Pierce Secretarial School in Boston. Priscilla was a Veteran of World War II and was a Wave in Washington, D.C. for two and a half years.

Priscilla worked many years at Arthur D. Little in Cambridge and in later years did volunteer work at the Andover Thrift Shop. She was a longtime member of the Congregational Churches in Watertown and in North Reading. She was a member of the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Societies.

Priscilla enjoyed traveling and times out with family and friends. She especially loved playing golf at Middleton Golf Course, where she had made three hole-in-ones.

Family members include her loving son, Allen Drinkwater and grandson, Alex Drinkwater, both of Londonderry, NH; her daughter, Joanne Ward of Conway, NH; along with several nieces and nephews. She enjoyed the company of her niece, Wendy Stacey and her husband Eric of Bedford and their children, Courtney, Eliza and Benjamin.

Calling hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, June 27 from 4 to 7 PM. Interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading on Wednesday, June 28 at 11 AM. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to: North Reading Veteran’s Gift Account, att., Susan Magner, 235 North Street (Town Hall), North Reading, MA 01864. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Clarence  Gilbert “Gil” Porter – 93, of Duluth, MN, formerly of North Reading and Montreal, Canada, died December 17, 2016. He was the beloved husband of the late Helen T. (Wheeler) Porter.

He was a retired Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard, after 24 years of service. After his retirement in 1965, he became a pilot on the Great Lakes and cofounded the Lake Carriers’ Association Navigational School. After his retirement as a pilot in 1977, he started the Duluth Magnetic Compass Service, until 2012.

Survived by his children, Ken (Kim) Porter of Santa Rosa, CA,  Cindie (Barry) Fadden of Boston and Lani (John) Paszak of Duluth, MN; he was the father of the late Gilbert (Skip) Porter and brother of the late Jean; grandfather of 9 and great grandfather of 6.

Graveside services will be held in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading on Saturday, June 10 at 11 AM. Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com