Category Archives: obituary

Cecil R. Craig

Mr. Cecil Robert Craig, the son of the late Callie E. and Gertrude B. (Massey) Craig, was born August 24, 1927 in Waxhaw, North Carolina, and departed this earthly life on November 21, 2019 at Atria Marland Place in Andover, Massachusetts at 4:30 a.m.

Cecil, affectionately known as Brother Ces, Mr. Craig, Mr. C, Uncle Cecil, Papa and Daddy, accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a child, and was a spiritual inspiration to all who encountered him. Cecil was a member of The West Medford Baptist Church in West Medford, Massachusetts.

Cecil received his formal education through the Union County School System and attended Western Union High School in Marvin, North Carolina. He enlisted into the United States Army in 1946 and was later transferred to the United States Army Air Force in 1948. He attended Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, New York, where he earned his Associate’s Degree.

Cecil married the late Mercedes Chambers in 1953. From this union was born the late Sheryl (Blowe) and Kevin Craig.

Cecil later relocated to Roxbury, Massachusetts where he met and married Dorothy Ann Newton. From this union was born, Karen, Vincent and Theresa Craig. Cecil and his family lived in West Medford for over 40 years.

Cecil worked for Chomerics in Woburn, Massachusetts as an Engineer and later became a supervisor. Cecil later became a proud independent cab owner in the Boston Metro area from where he retired.

Cecil was a raised Master Mason in the Eureka Lodge #8 from 1982-1990 at Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Boston, Massachusetts. Cecil was a member of the AA Fellowship for 43 years. Cecil was also on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer for 12 years at the West Medford Community Center in West Medford, Massachusetts.

Cecil enjoyed fishing and loved gardening; he grew tomatoes, green beans and a variety of other vegetables, where he felt in touch with the beauty of nature and his southern roots. He loved playing horseshoes with his grandson, Robert.

Cecil was preceded in death by his sisters, Calberta Craig McManus, Theresa Craig Black, Dr. Doris Craig Wingate, Marion Craig, and Vernell Craig Stevens, and his brothers, Booker T. Craig and Clinton Craig, Sr.

Cecil leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Dorothy Ann, children Kevin Craig, Karen Craig (Charles Bennett), Vincent Craig (Latisha) and Theresa Craig, and two sisters, Virginia Carter, O’Leatha Ann Amazigo, two aunts, Margie Crockett and Bleeka Nelson, nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Andover Baptist Church, 7 Central Street, Andover on Saturday, November 30 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at 1:00 pm.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Lucille M. Veader

In Loving Memory of Lucille M. Veader
 December 13, 1928 – November 19, 2019 
 

                Lucille M. Veader formerly of East Boston residing in Reading, MA for many years, passed away peacefully in her own home on the 19th of November 2019, surrounded by her closest cousins and loved ones. She is the late sister of Gerard Veader and the late daughter of Francis and Angelina Polcari-Veader. She is survived by her cherished goddaughter Janine Sciuto and her husband Paul Sciuto, closest cousins Marie A. Rizzo, Grace A. Kennedy-Turcketta, the late Richard A. Rizzo, and John Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy. Lucille is also survived by many cousins and special friends.

                As we all know how steadfast and strong-willed Lucille was, she had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. She adored her young cousins, Analise Sciuto, Gillian Sciuto, Michael Sciuto, Leah Kennedy and Luke Kennedy. She was known to have an abundant display of all their photos throughout her home. Lucille frequently spent her time surrounded by much of her family and friends, gathered around the table telling stories, sharing laughs, and drinking Lucille’s famous Brandy Alexander.

A tremendous thank you to Carolyn M, Susan G, Paula A.K.A “Laura” and Margarita at All Care Hospice Inc. who gave Lucille the best of care right up to the end of her life. As well as a special thank you to Rochelle M and Susan D at Mystic Valley Elder Services for all their patience and kindness throughout the years.

A special message to a good friend of Lucille’s, Carolyn Cassidy, thank you for the many years of laughs and good company that you have brought Lucille. Your kindness, love, and support will always be cherished and remembered.

Graveside services will be held at Woodbrook Cemetery in Woburn on Monday November 25, at 11 AM. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers, donations to be made in Lucille’s name can be made to All Care Hospice Inc. 210 Market St., Lynn, MA 01901, Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial St., No. 19, Malden, MA 02148 and Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

John P. Richard

John P. Richard – 70, of North Reading and formerly of Arlington, died unexpectedly on Monday, November 18, 2019.

Born in Boston, MA on January 7, 1949. He was the son of the late Clarence and Dorothy (Parulis) Richard. He was a graduate of Arlington High Vocational and Trade School, Class of 1966. John was a proud U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a Corporal and served from 1969 to 1971. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnamese Service Medal.

John was a craftsman who specialized in detailed copper and slate finishing work. He performed work on thousands of homes and buildings, including historical landmarks and institutions throughout the state of Massachusetts. He was the owner and operator of J.R. Contracting.

He was deeply committed to his family, he took great pride in his accomplishments and loved everything he did. He was known for his great sense of humor, being extremely kind, loving, integrous and he was the entertainer of children.

John has been a resident of North Reading for the past 37 years. He was the Captain of the North Reading Minutemen and Militia and a member of the VFW. He appeared on the TV series, This Old House and HGTV Restore America, Restorations in Massachusetts. He was an avid Patriot Fan, he loved American and World History, old Hollywood films, war stories, classic comedies and he loved the outdoors.

Family members include his loving wife of 41 years, Wendy (Brown) Richard; his daughter, Jessica Richard; his brothers, William Richard and the late Gary Richard; his sister, Joyce McKillop and her husband Robert; and many nieces and nephews.

His Memorial service will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday, November 23 at 11 AM. Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 22 from 5 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

William E. Cohan

William E.  Cohan – 94, of Andover, formerly of North Reading and East Boston, died on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Lawrence General Hospital. He was the loving husband of the late Frances (Tobin) Cohan.

Born in East Boston, MA on August 8, 1925, he was the son of the late William A. and Theresa (Finnegan) Cohan. William was a graduate of Boston College High School in 1942, Boston College in 1949 with a B.S. in Physics, and later receiving his Master’s degree in Physics at Boston College.

He was a dedicated U.S. Army Air Corps Veteran of World War II, serving from 1944 to 1945.

William was an EVP Sales with Westinghouse from 1950-1960 and Varian Associates from 1960-1990. He owned and operated his own Real Estate Company in North Reading with his wife, Frances, for many years.  He was a resident of Andover for over 40 years.  He was an active member of St. Augustine’s Church in Andover and the Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed his family and friends. He was a loving dad of 8 kids. He had a quick wit and was always telling jokes. There are so many fond memories and great times.  William was a very loving husband and a huge advocate of education. He was an outgoing, generous and fun guy. He enjoyed skiing locally and out west with his children, and loved to vacation with his dear wife, the love of his life.

Family members include his loving sons, the late William E. Cohan, Jr., Mark R. Cohan, Michael J. Cohan and his wife Patricia (Demetri) Cohan, Christopher T. Cohan, John F. Cohan and his wife JoAnne (Krocker) Cohan, and Paul M. Cohan; daughters, Mary K. Dascoli and Tracey F. Lacroix; 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; he was the brother of the late Edna Lawlor and Dorothy Doherty.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, November 21 at 9:30 AM, followed by a 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Augustine’s, 43 Essex Street, Andover. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 20 from 6 to 8 PM. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Angela Marshall-Wantman

Angela (DeCola) Marshall-Wantman- 69, of North Reading and formerly of Medford, died Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at Winchester Hospital after a brief battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. Born in Boston, MA on July 4, 1950, she was the daughter of Nicholas A. DeCola, Sr. and the late Anna L. (Tarallo) DeCola. Angela has been a resident of North Reading for the past 47 years and she attended St. Theresa’s Church.

Family members include her loving husband of 41 years, James B. Wantman; her children, James R. Marshall and his wife Kasia, Jennifer A. Marshall and her husband Deva Parkin, Trina M. Wantman and Tyler J. Wantman; her brothers, James DeCola and his wife Catherine, and the late Nicholas A. DeCola, Jr and his surviving wife Elaine; her brother-in-law, Mark Wantman; and grandchildren, Maya and Nicholas Marshall.

A 1968 graduate of Arlington Catholic High School, Angela’s past employment included New England Life Insurance Company in Boston, Zayre’s and Pioneer Bank in North Reading, and dog sitting out of her home.

Angela loved everything about nature especially spending time at the ocean including Rockport, Halibut Point and Ogunquit, being surrounded by trees, and watching wildlife in her yard. Her favorite companions were dogs and she is happy to be reunited with Ginger, Sandy, Lucky and Snoopy, all her former furry clients and her turtle Stoney. She enjoyed the simple things in life such as holding and reading a hardcover book, watching Hallmark movies, eating Italian food, and drinking a hot cup of tea.  Angela was a kind, thoughtful, generous, and authentic person.  Above all, the most important thing in her life was her children.

Funeral services will be private and there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the MSPCA (400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844), her favorite cause of caring for and supporting animals.

Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com