Clyde E. Swanson, age 92, a devoted family man and lifelong New Englander, died on September 18, 2026, after a life defined by love, steadiness, and deep connection to the people he cherished most. Born in Malden, Massachusetts, Clyde spent the majority of his life in North Reading, building a home where family was always at the center of his world.

In his early years, Clyde treasured summers in Gilford, New Hampshire, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Those days by the water remained some of his fondest memories, shaping his appreciation for the outdoors and the simple beauty of nature.

Clyde was a man who found satisfaction in hard work and the quiet rhythms of home. He enjoyed spending time in his yard, cutting wood, and caring for the home he and Carol built together. He took great pride in the way his home looked and felt, and that care reflected the devotion he carried throughout his life.

Clyde was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Carol Swanson, with whom he shared a lifetime of partnership, devotion, and family.

He leaves behind three children who carry forward his strength, warmth, and love: his daughter Susan Fitzgerald and her partner Michael Poltack, his son Eric Swanson and his wife Pam, and his daughter Lynne Day and her husband Michael. Clyde was a proud and loving grandfather to Casey Fitzgerald, Dylan Fitzgerald and his fiancée Taylor O’Clair, and Ian Fitzgerald. His joy extended to the next generation as well, and he was blessed with a greatgranddaughter, Reese Fitzgerald, who brought a bright new light into the family.

Those who knew Clyde will remember his gentle presence, steady humor, and the way he made others feel at ease simply by being there. His legacy is one of devotion, resilience, and the enduring love he shared with his family.

Arrangements are under the care of Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. At the request of the family, services and interment will be private.

Memorial Donations: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Carol’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org).

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

David MacRae – 74, of Derry, NH and formerly of North Reading, passed away at his daughter Julie’s home in Haverhill on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Everett, MA on June 28, 1952. He was the son of the late Malcolm, Sr. and Virginia (Capuano) MacRae. He was raised and attended school in North Reading. He left North Reading High School in 1969 to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a Vietnam Veteran and served from 1969 to 1970.

Dave worked for many years as a Truck Driver and Heavy Equipment Operator. He worked for St. Johnsbury Trucking, Roadway Trucking and the Merrimack Valley Transit Authority. He was a legend in the trucking and construction field. Not only was he a driver, he was an operator and mechanic, teaching many family and friends to drive over the years. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Union and the U.S. Marines.

He loved anything with a motor. He wanted to drive it, race it, or fix it. Dave loved camping, fishing, flea markets, woodworking, tools, most importantly his family, kids and grandkids.

Family members include his loving wife and friend Carol (Callahan) MacRae of Haverhill; his sons, David MacRae, Jr. and Jeffrey MacRae, both of Derry, NH; his daughter, Julia MacRae of Haverhill and Lauri McNally of Port Orange, FL; his sister, Julia Mayhew and her husband Warren of Westwood, MA; he was the brother of the late Malcolm and William MacRae; 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, several cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and extended family.

His Funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Wednesday, September 23 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 22 from 4 to 7 pm. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Shriners Children’s Hospital (shrinerschildrens.org)

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Paul R. Marshall – 75, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, with his daughters by his side.

Born in Malden, MA, on October 17, 1950, he was the youngest son of the late Kenneth and Louise Marshall. He spent his early years in Malden before growing up in North Reading, MA, where he attended North Reading High School.

Paul proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a dog handler with a Combat Tracker Team, a role that remained a source of great pride throughout his life.

A skilled finish carpenter by trade, he was a true craftsman and lifelong tinkerer. There was little he couldn’t build or repair.

But perhaps his greatest love was his boat. He spent much of his life living aboard and seemingly every available moment working on it—sanding, staining, varnishing, and getting the “show side” just right. For him, the boat wasn’t simply a hobby or even a home; it was a way of life.

Paul was especially fond of black Labs, good company, and a captive audience for one of his many stories. Naturally social and charismatic, he was always ready with a funny remark. He had a quick wit, a collection of unforgettable one-liners, and a sense of humor entirely his own.

Above all, he was a caring father and devoted grandfather whose family meant everything to him.

Paul leaves behind his daughters, Wendy and her husband Stephen, Kelly and her husband Joel; grandchildren, Destin, Layla, and Kai; nieces and nephews, Deborah, Susan and her husband Larry, Jeffrey and his wife Dena; his goddaughter, Kathleen; and many dear friends.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert, and sister-in-law, Danielle; and his sister, Patricia, and brother-in-law, James.

His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided to Paul and his family during his final months.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 13 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the Military Working Dog Team Support Association (MWDTSA), an organization dedicated to supporting military working dogs and their handlers.

James  “Jimmy”  Bezzati  –  65, of Amesbury and formerly of North Reading, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport.

He was born in Salem, MA on December 22, 1960, he was the son of the late John J., Sr. and Alice (McDonald) Bezzati. He was a graduate of Salem High School.

Jimmy worked for American Training for many years. He was a proud participant in the Special Olympics. He enjoyed watching WWE and Boston Sports. Jimmy brought Joy and laughter to everyone he met. He enjoyed Mickey Mouse and Santa Claus visits.

Family members include his loving brother Edward Bezzati; his sisters, Donna Mahoney and her husband Larry, Kathy DeAdder and her husband Robert, Patti Smith and her husband Jedd, Maryann MacKay and her husband Lance, his sister- in-law Joann Bezzati; he was the brother of the late John J. Bezzati, Jr.; also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

His funeral will be held on Friday, September 11 at 10:00 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to:  support.specialolympics.org

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Elaine Chabot (Briscoe) – 88, of North Reading, passed away after a brief illness on August 15, 2026. She was at home, surrounded by her children.

Elaine was born in Jamaica Plain, MA on October 16, 1937 to Charles and Helen (Peterson) Briscoe. She graduated from Blessed Sacrament School in 1955 and worked a variety of jobs before joining the Air Force in 1958, with hopes of becoming an airplane mechanic. Discharged in 1961, she continued in the Reserves until 1963, while working at the Northeastern Radiological Health Laboratory in Winchester. Elaine married laboratory co-worker, George Chabot, and after 15 years of night classes—while raising four children—she graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Industrial Technology from University of Lowell. Elaine served on the North Reading School Committee, where she was known for her rigorous demands for transparency, fairness, and attention to detail. She was an active citizen in North Reading town politics, as well as a member of the League of Women Voters.

Elaine was a dedicated volunteer, spending countless hours at her children’s schools and activities, supporting homebound seniors, and furthering the missions of St. Theresa Church, where she was a parishioner for 60 years. An amateur genealogist, she traveled across the States and as far as Germany in search of her family’s roots.

She was married for 63 years to her beloved husband, George Edward Chabot Jr., who preceded her in death on December 21, 2025. At home, she was known for her pie-making prowess, penchant for debate, frequent humming of tunes, fastidious methods of organizing, and joy while dancing.

Elaine lived with immense integrity and curiosity and leaves a legacy of lifelong learning and service that will live on through those who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Mark Chabot and his wife Kim of Andover, Brian Chabot and his wife Ruth of Lynn, Michelle Mehr and her husband Seth of Portland OR, and Kara DeGiovanni of Portland, OR. Grandchildren Nicolas and Amanda Chabot, Mae Lever, and Mazli Mehr. Sister Virginia Wynn, half-brother Douglas Briscoe, stepsister Ellen Bennett, and stepbrother John Bennett. Elaine is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association online at alz.org, phone 800-272-3900, or mail to P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Visitation will be Saturday, Aug, 22, from 9-10:30 am at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading, MA 01864. Please note the visitation will end promptly at 10:30 am to allow time for travel to the 11:00 am Funeral Mass.

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Aug 22, at 11:00 am at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading, MA. 01864. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, North Reading.

www,croswellfuneralhome.com