Category Archives: obituary

Robert W. Freccero

 

Robert W. Freccero, 86, of North Reading and formerly of the West End of Boston, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 10, 1940, Bob was the beloved son of the late Giuseppe and Maria (Bagatti) Freccero. He was raised in Boston and graduated from Boston Trade School. He continued his education at Wentworth Institute and the Northeast Institute of Technology.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army as an SP5 Combat Engineer from 1958 to 1962, followed by two additional years in the Army Reserve.

Throughout his distinguished career, Bob earned numerous professional licenses and certifications. He was a licensed HVAC mechanic, Master Pipefitter, Master Sprinkler Fitter, Licensed Refrigeration Mechanic, Licensed Oil Burner Technician, and held multiple industry certifications. As a proud member of Local 537, he worked as a Master Pipefitter, Welder, Boiler Technician, and Construction Superintendent. He contributed to the construction of the Prudential Center and several of Boston’s leading hospitals before advancing to the roles of Foreman and Facilities Manager with Leggat McCall and later Clarion Realty.

A resident of North Reading since 1968, Bob was an active member of the community. He belonged to Saint Theresa’s Church and served as a Special Police Officer for the Town of North Reading. He was also a member of the Order of Sons of Italy, Toastmasters of Stoneham, the West Enders (dedicated to preserving the memories of Boston’s historic West End), and the North Shore American Institute of Plant Engineers.

Bob was a generous, selfless man and a natural teacher who freely shared his knowledge with others. He never judged anyone and was known for his enormous heart, unwavering kindness, and dedication to helping others. He was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, and among Bob’s proudest achievements, personally built and provided multiple long-term homes for special needs individuals. Above all, Bob cherished his family. He loved traveling to Palm Springs, California, which he considered his second home, enjoyed regular trips to the casino, treasured fishing adventures with his friends and grandsons, and never passed up an opportunity to gather everyone for a meal. His greatest joy was spreading happiness and making others smile, laugh and feel important.

Bob was the devoted husband of Patricia H. Freccero and the loving father of Maria Freccero. He was predeceased by his beloved children Robbie, Michael, and Michelle Freccero. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Joe Freccero, Lillian Maraccini, Lawrence Freccero and Katherine Kawa.

He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, David, Christina, Anthony and his wife Kim, Gabriel and his fiancée Raina Pothitakis, Mia, and Gianna Freccero; his treasured great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Leah; and was deeply devoted to Kenneth Marshall, Fred Parziale, Marietta, Paul, and Kim Maraccini, as well as the Perez, Marshall, Rakers, and Gerardi families. Bob’s love, guidance, and generosity will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading MA, on Friday, July 17, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King–St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill Street, Reading MA. Interment will take place at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s memory to The Infinite Learning House, 286 Park Street, Unit 5, North Reading, MA 01864.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Robert Davidson

Robert “Bob” Davidson, 71, of North Reading, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps before dedicating many years of service to his community as a firefighter with the Everett Fire Department. Throughout his life, he carried himself with dignity, honor, and respect, values that were reflected in the way he served others and treated everyone he met. After retiring from the fire department, he continued his work as an exterminator (E-Tech). Throughout his life, Bob was driven by a desire to serve, whether answering emergency calls, lending a helping hand to someone in need, or quietly supporting those less fortunate. He had a special place in his heart for those experiencing homelessness and addiction struggles and was always willing to give back to his community.

Bob shared a beautiful life with his beloved longtime partner, Carol DiGiantommaso, whom he lovingly called “his angel.” Their unwavering love, devotion, and companionship brought them both comfort, joy, and countless cherished memories throughout their years together. They stood by each other through life’s many moments, offering one another strength, support, and unconditional love. Their bond was a true testament to the beautiful partnership they shared, and Bob was forever grateful for the special place Carol held in his heart and in his life.

He is survived by his beloved daughter and pride and joy, Marina Davidson, who was the light of his life and whom he loved with all of his heart. Bob was Marina’s greatest supporter, always believing in her, encouraging her dreams, and reminding her of her strength even during life’s most difficult moments. Their bond was built on unconditional love, laughter, and a deep connection that will remain with her forever. He was her best friend and her hero.

He is also survived by his son, Frank Davidson; Paul and Katty DiGiantommaso; Michael and Marco DiGiantommaso and Mia Joy, whom he proudly called his granddaughter; his beloved sister, Deborah Davidson; his former wife, Donna (Sachetta) Davidson; and his cherished best friend, Joe Albano. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Warren and Pauline (White) Davidson and Michael DiGiantommaso.

He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues who will miss his warmth, humor, kindness, and generous spirit.

An avid animal lover, Bob adored his cats and found joy in watching and caring for the wildlife around his home. He had an unmistakable sense of humor that could brighten any room, a generous nature that inspired everyone around him, and a stubborn streak that those who knew him loved just as much. His quick wit, infectious laughter, and enormous heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

To his family, Bob was more than a father, partner, Papa, and friend. He was a source of strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. He believed in the people he loved, stood by them through life’s challenges, and showed through his actions what kindness, loyalty, and compassion truly meant. His legacy will live on in the dignity, honor, and respect he carried throughout his life, and in the countless lives he touched through his service, generosity, and the laughter he brought wherever he went.

Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Bob’s love, laughter, and generous spirit will remain with us always. We are all better for having known and loved him and to have been loved by him.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and honor Bob’s life on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, Massachusetts. A service will follow at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to St. Judes children’s research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Bob will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

 

Barbara M. Webb

 

Barbara  M. (Tilley) Webb – 92, of North Reading, passed away at her home on Thursday, July 9, 2026. She was the loving wife of the late Charles W. Webb.

Born in Winchester, MA on June 12, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Aaron and Sarah (Smith) Tilley. Barbara graduated from Reading Memorial High School in 1952.

Barbara was a lifelong resident of North Reading and spent virtually her entire life on Elm Street, where generations of her family made their home. A skilled local builder, her father, Aaron Tilley, built several homes along Elm Street, including the home where he and Sarah lived for the remainder of their lives and the neighboring home where Barbara raised her children and, later, shared nearly four decades with her husband, Charlie. She remained there until her passing. Following high school, Barbara worked for many years as a keypunch operator before joining the Reading Municipal Light Department, where she remained until her retirement. She was also a co-owner of the Andover Spa for 15 years.

After the death of her first husband, Edward Wagner, Sr., Barbara devoted herself to raising her two children while balancing the responsibilities of work and home. Her strength and independence would remain defining qualities throughout her life. A devoted volunteer, Barbara generously gave her time to the North Reading Music Boosters, Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, the Town of North Reading Senior Tax Work-Off Program, and the Masonic HELP Program in Woburn.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Barbara was a longtime member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in North Reading, where she and Charlie formed many lasting friendships and shared years of fellowship and service. In recent years, she became an active member of the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, where she found another caring church family and continued to enjoy worship, fellowship, and opportunities to serve. She sang in the choir for many years, often accompanying congregational hymns on the piano, and faithfully supported church fairs, fundraisers, and other church activities.

Barbara was especially proud of her Newfoundland heritage. The daughter of parents who came to Massachusetts from Newfoundland, she made several trips there over the years to visit family and remained deeply connected to her roots. She also remained closely connected with her classmates, helping organize Reading Memorial High School reunions for many years and, more recently, enjoying monthly luncheon gatherings with the remaining members of the Class of 1952. Her home was the setting for countless birthday celebrations, bridal and baby showers, holidays, and the family’s cherished annual Christmas open house, creating lasting memories for generations.

Nothing brought Barbara greater joy than spending time with her family. She rarely missed an opportunity to celebrate the milestones of those she loved, faithfully attending concerts, recitals, birthdays, graduations, holidays, and countless other gatherings over the years. She loved sharing those moments with family and friends alike and was always ready with an honest opinion, a trait those who knew and loved her came to cherish. In recent years, Barbara could often be found enjoying a Dunkin’ coffee at Ipswich River Park, where she loved spending time outdoors. True to her independent spirit, she was still driving and enjoying life’s simple pleasures, spending the evening before her passing at the park’s weekly summer barbecue and concert with her daughter and son-in-law. She will be remembered for her generosity, resilience, welcoming spirit, and steadfast devotion to her family.

Family members include her daughter, Diane (Wagner) Greene and her husband John of North Reading; daughter-in-law, Kathy Wagner of Reading; daughter, Patricia (Webb) Meehan and her husband David of Peabody; brother, William Tilley and his wife Fran of Salem, NH; grandchildren, Erika Greene of Danville, NH, Kristen (Greene) Prioleau and her wife Nakia of Methuen, Jaclyn (Greene) Hollingsworth and her husband Adam of Andover, Jennifer Wagner of Atkinson, NH, Kaitlyn Wagner of Methuen, Renee (Meehan) Kellett of Lynnfield, and Derek Wood of Saugus; great-grandchildren, Nola, David, Jessica, Matthew, Robbie, Joseph, Lucas, Alyssa, Ashley, Alison, and Jimmy; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles Webb; her son, Edward Wagner, Jr.; her grandson, Aaron Greene; her granddaughter, Christine Wood; her sisters, Edna MacDonald and Mary Peters; and her first husband, Edward Wagner, Sr.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon Street, Wakefield. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon Street, Wakefield, MA 01880. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Sarah “Sally” Supple

 

Sarah “Sally”(Green) Supple – 85, of Peabody, formerly of Newburyport, Essex, Vermont and New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 24, 2026.

She was the beloved wife of the late D. William ‘Bill’ Supple, devoted mother to David (Lisa), Brian (Elisa), Heather (Anthony), and Melissa (Chad) and loving and doting Grammy/Mimi to Aaron (Sophie), Cole, Abbie, Matthew, Ben, Chandler, Ryan, Carter, Jack, Hayden, Kaitlyn and Sarah.

Born in Mount Kisco, New York on June 3, 1941. She was the daughter of the late Col. George C. Green and Olivia J. (Covey) Green, sister to the late George (Gene) Green and loving aunt to her nieces and nephews. She graduated from Vassar Brothers Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1964. As a registered nurse she worked at various hospitals in Rochester, NY, Poughkeepsie, NY as well as Pediatric Associates in Vermont.

Sally had many lifelong friends, who she kept in touch with through her travels from NY, to Vermont, to Virginia, back to Vermont and finally to Massachusetts.  Especially her dear friends; Ann and Bill Winter.  During her time in Newburyport, (19 years), Sally became part of the community, volunteering at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, participating in knitting circles, bookbinding at the public library, and becoming a devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Most of all, she loved spending time and playing games with her family. She was a regular fixture at her grandchildren’s sports games, dance recitals, and concerts. She enjoyed music, attending plays and performances with family.   She especially liked attending The Nutcracker with her granddaughters and listening to her grandson’s original music. She enjoyed playing the cello in her youth, toll painting, knitting and quilting.  Finally, her love for lobster was legendary.

A Funeral Mass will be held in the Immaculate Conception Church in Newburyport on July 21st at 11am and she will be interned with her true love and husband Bill in Vermont at a later date.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be dedicated in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Kathleen J. “Kate” (Woods) Roberts

Kathleen J. “Kate” (Woods) Roberts – 78, of North Reading and formerly of Charlestown, passed away at her home on July 5, 2026, after a long illness. She was the loving wife of the late Richard A. Roberts.

Born in Boston, MA on November 2, 1947. She was the daughter of the late John and Ruth (Joyce) Woods. She has been a resident of North Reading since 1955.

Kate worked as a sales associate and cashier for Marshalls in North Reading for many years. She loved her family, she was always a caring and giving person. She never had anything bad to say. Kate loved the ocean, gardening and sports.

Family members include her loving sons, Paul Madison and his companion Kelly McNeil and Richard Madison, Jr.; her brother, Dan Woods, she was the sister of her late brothers, John Woods, Bill Woods, Paul “Buddy” Woods, Thomas Woods, Michael Woods, and her late sisters, Marsha Pierce and Ruth Lucci; grandchildren, Ricky, Paul, Jack, Drew, Nicholas, Ashley and Morgan; great grandchildren, Logan, Harmoney, Jaxson and Kendel. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, NORTH READING on Monday, July 13 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church,63 Winter Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 12, from Noon to 3 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice.

www.croswellfuneralhome