Gordon F. Thornton  – 79, of North Reading, passed away at his home on Saturday, October 4, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Malden, MA on November 11, 1946, he was the son the late Robert and Rita (Norton) Thornton. He was raised and attended school in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1964.

He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, after high school. Gordon was a Vietnam Veteran, he served from 1965 to 1969 and received the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star.

Gordon was a resident of North Reading for over 70 years. He was a former Manager for the Candlewood Lanes in North Reading for many years and also worked for Kyanize Paint. He enjoyed archery, bowling, hunting (Reflex Archery) and was a diver, he was also a member of the Danvers Gun Club. Gordon was always loyal, helpful and friendly to everyone.

He was the loving husband of 57 years to RoseMarie Thornton; his son, Chance C. Thornton and his fiancé Laurel Echert; his twin brother, Paul Thornton and his late brother, Donald Thornton; his daughter, Brandy Marie Penley and her husband William; his sister, Jo-Ann; also survived by 4 grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, followed by military honors at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

David  R. Wilson – 76, of Wilmington and formerly of North Reading, died at Care One at Wilmington on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Born in Stoneham, MA on December 9, 1948, he was the son of the late Claude H. and  Mildred I. (Anderson) Wilson. He was raised and attended school in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1966.

David was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, he was a Sergeant and served from 1968 to 1970. He later worked as a Postal Worker for the U.S. Post Office for over 18 years, until his retirement. Dave enjoyed woodworking and gardening.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Steven R. Wilson. He is survived by his cousins, Glen Richardson and his wife Diane of Peabody and Gary Richardson and his wife Cheryl of Nashua, NH.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM in Riverside Cemetery, 171 Elm Street in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Karen P. McBrine – 68, of North Reading and formerly of Quincy, died at her home on Thursday, September 18, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Milton, MA on November 4, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Jeanne (Spatola) McBrine.

She has been a resident of North Reading for the past 45 years. Karen was a bartender for the Owl’s Nest in Thornton, NH and the Mad River Tavern in Campton, NH.  She was a member of the Wollaston Beach Girls Club.

Karen gave a lot of love and devotion to her kids and grandkids. She loved horses, Cosmos, the Wollaston Beach Girls Club and riding trips to Acadia in Maine.

Family members include her loving sons, Stephen Farricy and his wife Sara and Michael Farricy; her daughter, Nicole Eicher and her husband James; brothers, Kevin McBrine, Joseph (Buddy) McBrine and Robert (Red) McBrine; grandchildren, Codi and James Eicher and Sean Farricy.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 23 from 3:00 to 5:45 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, followed by a prayer service at 5:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to New England Equine Rescue. Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Belinda Kate (Taylor) Tompkins, age 62, of Groveland passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Belinda was born on May 22,1963 in Worcester, MA. She was a graduate of North Reading High School, class of 1981. She had a long career as a Benefits and Compliance Manager at Copyright Clearance Center.

Belinda had a passion for gardening, decorating, cooking and especially her cherished horses Lottie and Monster. Belinda loved nature, all creatures, and the feel of soil on her hands.

She had many, many friends from all the parts of her life and could always be counted on for gardening and decorating advice, a fun outing, a special homemade meal, or to just lend an ear.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years Andrew Tompkins, her son Cody and his wife Julia, her parents, Victor Taylor and Janice MacHugh, brother Andrew Taylor and his wife Tara, and sisters Rebecca and Sarah. She was Nana Bee to her two precious grandchildren Brayden and Ryland. Also survived by her beloved Irish Terrier Callan. She was preceded in death by her brother Matthew Taylor.

Belinda was truly a beautiful person inside and out and will be deeply missed by the many who loved her.

She loved the wind, the open skies,
The gentle strength in horses’ eyes.
Now rides she on a brighter plain,
Where hooves beat soft like summer rain.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Belinda’s memory to New England Equine Rescue, 52 Ash St., West Newbury, MA 01985 or www.NEERNorth.org

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Michael W. Novasad – 86, of North Reading, August 24, 2025.