Hugh L. Connor, Jr, 76, of North Reading, MA peacefully transitioned into eternal life on Monday, April 17, 2017,  after battling cancer.  He was born on November 28, 1940 in Boston Massachusetts to Hubert and Rosalie (Patten) Connor and grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. 

Hugh attended Newton High School and graduated in 1959. He served with the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1962.  He was proud to serve in the Presidential Honor Guard unit at Marine Barracks in Washington, DC, followed by serving with the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion., 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, NC. 

Hugh worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance in sales and management roles for the majority of his career. He and his family lived in Manchester, Connecticut and Cape Elizabeth, Maine before settling in North Reading in 1974.  He was an owner of Thayer, Delaney, and Connor Insurance which operated out of North Reading in the mid-1980s. 

Hugh had a passion for sports at all levels and was always generous with his time in supporting local athletics. He served as President of the Cape Elizabeth Maine Youth Baseball League and also volunteered as an umpire. He was past President of the North Reading Touchdown Club and was privileged to be one of the founding members of the North Reading High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, on which he served for six years. Hugh was active in the Alcoholics Anonymous community, starting his own recovery in 1987, and went on to sponsor scores of people seeking sobriety since that time.  He was involved at Aldersgate United Methodist Church for the past 25 years, becoming a member in 2008.

Hugh was known for his love for life, big laugh, encouraging advice, and conversation full of witty expressions known to many as “Hughphemisms” such as:  “There are no flies on you, and if there are, they’re paying rent,” “He’s about as coordinated as a soup sandwich,” “He could talk the ears off a Brass Monkey,” “If you ask her what time it is, she’ll tell you how to build a watch,” and “The two of you are a pair that will beat a full house any day of the week!” 

Hugh is survived by his son Michael Connor and daughter-in-law Meredith, and grandsons Jason and Max of Laconia, NH, New York, NY and Boston, MA; his daughter Ann Warden and grandsons Tyler and Matthew of Ashburn, VA; his brother David Connor of Cazenovia, NY; his sister Mary Schlittler of Needham, MA; as well as countless other family members and friends.  He was pre-deceased by his sister Ann Connor.

To all his friends and family, Hugh wishes to express his sincere appreciation for their love and support over the years.  To them, he says, “Semper Fi!”

His funeral will be held at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 235 Park Street, North Reading on Saturday, April 29 at 11 AM. Calling hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Friday, April 28 from 4 to 7 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 235 Park Street,  North Reading, MA 01864. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Jacqulyn L. Jones – 77, of North Reading, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.

Born in Cambridge, MA on August 8, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Hazel M. (Fitts) Jones and Horace H. “Jack” Jones, Sr. She was a lifelong resident of North Reading and lived in the same house all her life. Jackie was a graduate of  Reading Memorial High School and Northeastern University. She was a retired 40 year employee of the Millipore Corporation, Jackie was a Technical Trainer and worked from 1964 to 2004.

Jackie was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Mass Wing, Civil Air Patrol. She was a member of  Ham Radio Clubs in North Reading and Danvers and a member of the North Reading Council on Aging. Jackie attended the North Shore Music Theater for over 50 years and an avid member of an exercise class in North Reading. She was a member of the Mount Carmel Chapter, No. 230, Order of The Eastern Star.

She had a great love of animals of all kinds, large and small. Jackie had a great devotion to her friends. She had a love of books and music, especially organ music and Jazz.

Jackie was the loving sister of Herbert A. “Herbie” Jones and the late Horace H. “Bud” Jones, Jr.; aunt of Stephen Kenneth Jones, Randal Powers Jones, Richard Dwight Jones and wife Cindy, James Jones and wife Joanne, Cheryl Mitchell and husband Michael; great aunt of, Adriana West and her children, Lucas and Lilli West and Roberto and wife Vittoria Jones; lifelong companion of Henry Belot and longtime friend and support, Colleen Haggerty.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, April 20, at 10:00 AM, at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Wednesday, April 19 from 4 to 7 PM. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to: The Northeast Animal Shelter, Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Association or to the North Shore Music Theater. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Verna  L. “Penny” (Groves) Kebler – 90, of North Reading, died peacefully with her family at her side on April 10, 2017, at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA. She was the beloved wife of the late George F. Kebler

Born in Auburn, ME on February 14^th, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Viola (Veazie) Groves.  Penny was a graduate of the Edward Little High School in Auburn, ME. ,  Class of 1944 and received her Registered Nursing License through the Cadette Nursing Corp at Central Maine Medical Center. She has been a resident of North Reading for 61 years and an active member of the Union Congregational Church.

Penny was a loving and dedicated mother to three sons.  She was full of energy right through her 90^th birthday, and went out of her way to help people.  She was loved by all, and will be missed by many.

One of Penny’s greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren, Steven Kebler, Bob Kebler,  Jenn Kebler Campbell,  Kristofor Kebler,  Kristen Kebler Miller,  and Nicole Kebler.  She was also fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend lots of time with her great grandchildren as well, Brady,  Katie, Annabelle,  Hailey, Cowen and Elyse.  She felt blessed with her family and enjoyed every minute she spent with them.

Family members include her husband of 39 years who is predeceased, her loving sons, Robert Henry Kebler and his wife Anne L. Kebler, David George Kebler and the late William Fred Kebler.  Penny also had many brothers and sisters whom she enjoyed greatly throughout her life.

Her funeral will be held at the Union Congregational Church , 148 Haverhill St. North Reading on Tuesday,  April 18, at 11:00 AM.  Calling hours on Monday,   April 17^th from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street,  North Reading.  Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in her memory to the Shriners Burn or Orthopedic Hospitals.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Kai  Ming  Chan – 82, of North Reading and formerly of Brockton,  died Saturday evening, April 8, 2017 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

Born in Taishan County, Guangdong, China on July 7,1934. Kai taught elementary school before he left to the United States. He was the owner of the Ho Yon Restaurant in Easton, MA.

Kai’s motivation in life was the love he had for his family. This allowed him to create something great during his time in this world. His smile could light up a room and his laughter was how he communicated his love and happiness to the world without needing to use words. Kai has been a resident of North Reading for the past two years.

Family members include his Loving wife Shui Ngao Au Chan; his son, David Hong and his wife Tracy Luu; his brother, Harry Yee and his wife Pauline and grandchildren, Brandon and Justin Hong.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Ethel  A.  (Powers)  Reynolds – 100, of Andover and formerly of North Reading, died Thursday, April 6, 2017 at the Prescott House in North Andover. She was the beloved wife of the late Clifford Reynolds.

Born in Stoneham, MA on February 9, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Minnie (Proctor) Powers. She was a former resident of North Reading for over thirty years.

Family members include her loving son, Glenn Reynolds and his wife Patricia (Gill) Reynolds of The Villages, FL; grandsons, Todd Reynolds of Naples, ME and Shawn Reynolds of Litchfield, NH.

Funeral services will be private. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com