Albert J. Caproni

September 28, 1940-February 23, 2026

Albert Joseph Caproni,- age 85, died peacefully at home.  He was the beloved husband of Karin L. Caproni (Anderson) who predeceased him in 2022, and they lived together in North Reading, Massachusetts for all their 58-year-marriage.  Known as Albie to most, he was a tough-minded but loving man, who knew the roads of the North Shore like the back of his hand, having driven them in the cars and trucks where he made his living.  He was a man who valued his family, his children and grandchildren, and the dogs that were part of his long life.

Albie was born in Lynn, MA and grew up in the family Auto Parts business.  From a young age he was around cars and shared his father’s and friends’ love of stock car racing. He had a keen mind but chose mostly to do physical things. Together with his parents and brother Allen, they built a camp house on a beloved lake in Maine, where he spent his summers and later provided terrific memories of boating and water sports to his 3 children and a variety of friends and family.  As a boy and young teen, he became skilled at the accordion which led to him playing onstage at the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  As for jobs and roles in the world, he had so many:  He was an employee, then part owner, of AC Auto Parts in Lynn, he was a special detail policeman with the Lynnfield Police Department, he plowed every winter in various capacities from age 9 to age 83, he owned and operated a trucking company (AC Services), and drove for various trucking companies in the area. Whether it was motorcycles, snowmobiles or boats in the ocean or in the lake, he was spending his spare moments enjoying, fixing, selling, and going as fast as he could.  He supported his children and grandchildren in so many ways and enjoyed loyal, lifelong friendships.  For others, he was that person you would call if you needed help.

Albie is survived by his three children Kathleen Caproni  (husband Peter del Rosario), Cheryl Kindrat, and Joseph Caproni (wife Jody Caproni).  His 4 grandchildren to whom he was “Grampy Albie” are Maya del Rosario, Gregory Kindrat, Casey Kindrat, and Nicholas Caproni.  They will all miss his loving support and gratitude for their attention and visits.  He is predeceased by his wife Karin, his parents (Albert R. Caproni and Lilian Caproni), and brother Allen Caproni.  He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 8 from 3 to 6 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.  A graveside Service will be held on Monday, March 9 at 11:45 AM at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 185 Lake Street, Peabody. A procession will leave the funeral home to the cemetery at 11:15 AM.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Lester Donald Welch, 93, a lifelong resident of North Reading, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, February 19, 2026.  Born on November 18, 1932 in North Reading, MA to Lester and Alma (Eisenhaure) Welch.  He attended schools in North Reading and Reading, MA and served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict.

He was a devoted husband who was married to the love of his life, Ruthie, for 68 years before her passing in January 2023.  He was the most loving and caring Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather.  His family was blessed to have him by our sides for all these years.   He was always willing to help others in any way he could and would welcome everyone into his heart and home with open arms.  His smile and laugh were infectious and will always be in our memories.

Donald was an accomplished carpenter who ran his own business for years in partnership with his brother Edward and long-time friend Bud.  He was amazing at his craft, extremely detailed oriented and a perfectionist.  He was always hard working and provided for his family ensuring stability and did it with honor.

His passions included spending time with his brother and best friend, Howard, along with his son Brad and nephew Mark at their hunting camp in West Milan, NH.  The family cottage in West Newfield, ME on Balch Lake was definitely a place of peace which brought him a tremendous amount of joy and happiness, making a lot of fantastic memories.  He loved boating and relaxing on the dock with family and friends.  Donald was constantly active, loved being outdoors and always busy with a project.

He is survived by his son, Bradford Welch and wife Cheryl of Salem, NH; daughter Sheila Welch-Miller and husband Don of Townsend, MA; and brother Howard Welch of Mont Vernon, NH; eight cherished grandchildren: Stephen, Alycia, Shane, Bradford and Andrew Welch; Nicole Welch-Guilfu and husband Benny; Arielle Welch-Williams, and Amber Eaton; six great grandchildren; Eliana, Sierra, Kip, Holly, Preston, and Malyiah; along with many loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Ruthie, son Stephen, daughter Darlene, and brother Edward.

Donald leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will never be forgotten.  The entire family is absolutely heartbroken left with a huge whole in our lives.  His loved ones find strength knowing Donald is no longer suffering, and has been reunited with his wife Ruthie, children Stephen and Darlene along with other family members in heaven.

His funeral will be held on Friday, February 27 at 11:00 AM, at the Trinity Evangelical Church, 105 Haverhill Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Susan Ellen O’Leary- age 82, passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2026, following complications from surgery.

Born on July 9, 1943, in Winthrop, MA, to John E. and Mary Gertrude McFarland, Susan was the eldest of seven children and was raised in North Reading, MA. A 1961 graduate of North Reading High School where she was voted “Most Popular” by her classmates.  She earned her associate degree and worked as a dental assistant before discovering her professional passion in the antiques business. Her career spanned 58 years, beginning with weekend shows in 1967 and including participation in hundreds of events and memberships in numerous antique shops. A significant highlight was hosting her successful annual “Homeworks” antique show from her home in Andover. Susan had many mentors in her Antique circles, as her success and longevity furthered, she took great pride in sharing her expertise by becoming a mentor herself to many younger dealers in the business until her retirement in October 2025.

Susan married the love of her life, Thomas J. O’Leary Jr. also from North Reading Ma, in July 1967.  At this time Thomas was a Lieutenant in the US Army stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland. Susan was named “Mrs. Lieutenant 1967 of Fort Meade” for her dedicated volunteer work in the dental clinic. Their eldest daughter, Meaghan, was born in 1969 in Silver Spring Maryland and the family moved shortly thereafter to Andover, MA, where they raised their three children: Meaghan, Ryan, and Brendan. A deeply caring and incredibly generous mother, Susan was always present for her children, supporting them in every aspect of their lives.

Family was the cornerstone of Susan’s life. One of seven siblings, she ensured her children remained close to their many cousins through countless cookouts and holiday gatherings. Susan took immense pride in the bond her children shared with her beloved nieces and nephews.

Susan and Thomas shared 58 years of marriage, with a love that grew deeper every day. Following Thomas’s retirement in 2003, the couple spent 23 years working together in the antiques business and enjoying life’s “treasure hunts.” They particularly loved “mystery rides,” exploring new roads and yard sales. This sense of adventure continued when they moved to Maine in 2021, a place Susan truly loved. Above all, Susan cherished her four grandchildren—Lucas, Olivia, Ayla, and Dylan—treasuring every moment watching them grow.

Susan is survived by her husband, Thomas; her daughter, Meaghan; her son, Brendan, daughter-in-law Melissa, and their children Ayla and Dylan of Eliot, ME; and her son, Ryan, daughter-in-law Nara, and their children Lucas and Olivia of Salisbury, MA. She is also survived by her siblings: Sandra Skulley, wife of the late William Skulley;Susan McFarland, wife of the late Jack McFarland; George McFarland and his wife Charlene; Mary Russell, wife of the late Douglas Russell; Janet and Steve MacKean; and Robert McFarland. Susan is also survived by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she loved greatly.

Services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading, MA. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church 63 Winter Street (Rt62) North Reading, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the American Heart Association.

www.CroswellFuneralHome.com

James  M.  Reardon – 71, of Sebastian, Florida and formerly of North Reading, passed away unexpectedly on February 3, 2026.

Born in Malden, MA on March 25, 1954, he was the son of the late Francis H., Sr. and Roselle L. (MacDonald) Reardon. He was raised and attended school in North Reading.

Jim was a construction worker and was a local union member. He worked on many state projects. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in North Reading. Jim was an avid Boston sports fan and especially loved the Patriots, he loved his Harley Motorcycle, he enjoyed gardening and he loved taking dance lessons with his partner Maureen.

Family members include his brother Philip Reardon and his wife Catherine and his sister Deborah Dion and her husband Paul; his partner Maureen (Fitzpatrick) Boggiato. He was predeceased by his brothers, Francis H., Jr, Robert D. and William J. Reardon and his niece Jaime Reardon; also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 13 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. A graveside service will be held at 12:30 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.

www.croswellfuneralhome

Carol A. Swanson (Johnson), age 89, a woman of deep faith and creative spirit, passed away on February 5, 2026. A longtime resident of North Reading, Carol’s life was defined by her devotion to her family, her community, and the quiet joy of a hand-stitched quilt.

Born and raised in Peabody, Carol eventually settled in North Reading, where she spent the majority of her life. She was a dedicated parishioner of St. Theresa’s Church, where her faith was a guiding light and a constant source of strength.

Carol was a gifted seamstress and quilter, and her family will always cherish the beautiful pieces she meticulously crafted. Her hands were rarely still; when she wasn’t sewing, she was often giving back to her original hometown by volunteering at the Peabody Senior Center. Carol also lived life with great energy—she was a regular at aqua aerobics and found immense joy in the theater, frequently attending plays and musicals with friends and family.

Above all, Carol loved her family deeply. She was the heart of every gathering and the steady hand her loved ones always relied on.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Clyde Swanson.

Carol also leaves behind her loving children: Susan Fitzgerald and her partner Michael Poltack; Eric Swanson and his wife Pam; and Lynne Day and her husband Michael. She was the cherished grandmother of Casey Fitzgerald, Ian Fitzgerald, and Dylan Fitzgerald and his fiancée Taylor O’Clair. She is also survived by her only great-grandchild, Reese Fitzgerald.

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. 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). Contributions may also be made to the Peabody Senior Center or St. Theresa’s Parish in North Reading.