Deacon Alfred O. Balestracci – 89, of North Reading and formerly of CT, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Marjorie M. (Burdick) Balestracci.

Born in New London, CT on September 10, 1930, he was the son of the late Alfred and Evelyn (Matthewson) Balestracci.

Al was a graduate of Fitch High School in Groton, CT, Class of 1948 and then joined the Navy serving 4 years. He became a Hospital Corpsman and served during the Korean War. After the Military he obtained a Registered Nursing Certificate from Mass. General and McLean Hospitals. He later earned a BSN from St. Anselm’s College in New Hampshire and then his Masters Degree in Education from Salem State College.

He helped reopen the Butler Health Center in Providence, RI. Years later he was involved in opening a facility in North Reading for special needs children ages 18 to 20. Some years later he worked for the North Reading program trying to rehabilitate first offenders out of the Boston Juvenile Court. Then later he became the Director of Medical/Nursing Services at Regina Cleri serving elderly and sick priests. He returned to the state system and became the on-site Administrator for Hogan Regional Center and North Reading Rehab working for the State of Massachusetts for 28 years. Last year, Al was inducted to his high school hall of fame for his football career.

Al had been very active at Saint Theresa’s Church in North Reading as Deacon, performing numerous baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings and funerals. He just celebrated his 40th year as a Deacon. He was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus serving as the Grand Knight in 1972. He was a member of the Christian Community Service, a member of the V.F.W., a Parish Council member and a member of the Financial Council at Saint Theresa’s Church.

Al played slow pitch softball in the North Reading Men’s Softball League until he was 50 years old and then became an avid golfer. He played in the Hillview Senior Golf League.

Survived by loving sons, Victor Balestracci and his wife Jane of Fredericksburg Virginia, Mark Balestracci of Sebastian, FL and his late wife Michele Balestracci and the late Alfred Balestracci (little Al); loving daughters, Sheri Rogers and husband Mark of Webster MA , Kathy Balestracci of North Reading and Lisa Kellermen and her husband Rick of Haverhill. Nine grandchildren, Jennifer Payne and husband Will, Karen Howarth and husband Jake; Colleen Heselton and significant other Jorge Solisfraire; Kristina Woods and husband Bobby; Justin Rogers and wife Rachel Stacy Rogers and fiance Kiernan O’Neill; Crystal Spaide and husband Jeff; Ryan Balestracci and Katie Kellerman; 12 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his only sister Jacquelyn Delaporta. Al jokingly told people that he was a failure because as a child he wanted to be a priest or a doctor but ended up a nurse and a Deacon. A successful full life lived well.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading on Friday, August 7 at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be held at the Church Hall on Thursday, August 6 from 2 to 8 PM (enter from rear of parish hall). Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to St. Theresa’s Church and the Regina Cleri Residence, Attn: Steven Gust, 60 William Cardinal O’Connell Way,  Boston, MA 02114. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Darlene Ruth Welch – 62, of Gloucester, formerly North Reading, passed away unexpectedly at the Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA on Monday, July 20, 2020.

Born in Winchester, MA and growing up in North Reading, Darlene was a graduate of North Reading High School (1977).  She was a caring person with a big heart who truly loved family and friends, and spent as much time as she possibly could with her precious granddaughter Malyiah. She would do anything possible to help someone out in a time of need.

Darlene was a witty, funny person who enjoyed a good laugh and having fun.  She was an avid gardener and always had the talent and artistic ability to make beautiful flower arrangements and could tackle any household project making something out of nothing. She enjoyed cooking and was adamant about not following recipes; she would just make it up as she went along and her meals and desserts were always delicious.  Holidays, birthdays and all special occasions to be around family and friends were especially important to her.

She was a waitress for many years at different restaurants and all her customers loved her and would request her tables because she was good at what she did. Darlene was a true people person and had the special ability to connect with and read people very well.

Her family is heartbroken and she is already missed dearly.  Darlene leaves her parents L. Donald and Ruth Welch of North Reading, MA; daughters Alycia Welch-Kuykendall and Amber Eaton of Gloucester, MA; granddaughter Malyiah Welch-Menicocci of Gloucester, MA; brother Bradford Welch and his wife Cheryl of Stoneham, MA; sister Sheila Welch-Miller and her husband Donald of Townsend, MA, nieces Nicole Welch, Arielle Williams; nephews Stephen Welch, Shane Miller, Bradford Welch, and Andrew Welch. Along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.  Darlene was predeceased by her brother Stephen D. Welch.

Darlene’s family will receive visitors practicing social distancing at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA 01864 on Sunday, July 26^th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. All current Covid-19 protocols and restrictions are in place and funeral home capacity will be limited to a maximum of 50 people at one time.  A funeral service will be held at the Trinity Evangelical Church, 105 Haverhill Street, North Reading, MA 01864 on Monday, July 27th at 11:00 am. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Agnes J. (Miles) Foster – 85, of Chester, NH and formerly of North Reading for many years, died at her home on Wednesday, July 15, 2020.

Born on July 24, 1934 in Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She was the daughter of the late  Albert and Agnes (Craine) Miles.

Agnes was a member of Union Congregational Church in North Reading for many years.

Family members include her loving son Brian Campbell and wife Denise Campbell; she was the mother of her late beloved daughter Debbie Fournier; loving brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews from Canada;  grandchildren Jennifer Gardner and husband Scott, Scott Campbell and fiancé Cyndie Moffett, Bonnie Hanlon and husband Paul, Shannon Fournier and fiancé Shawn Kelley, Chris Fournier and fiancé Erika Lessard; great grandchildren Eric Gardner, Kyle Gardner, Bryan Campbell, Bryce Campbell, Chase Campbell, Jordan Hanlon and Connor Hanlon.

Graveside services will be held at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody on Friday, July 24 at 11:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Etta (Humphrey) Gibbs – 86, of North Reading and formerly of Wakefield, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 4, 2020. She was the beloved wife of the late William Towle Gibbs.

Born in Silver Ridge Plantation, ME on August 16, 1933. She was the daughter of the late Vinal F. and Edna V. (Armstrong) Humphrey. Etta was a graduate of Gorham High School in Gorham, ME. She began her degree at Northeastern Business School in Portland, ME., and completed at the University of Maine receiving her Bachelors Degree, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from Boston University.

Etta began her career teaching at The Katherine Gibbs School in Boston. She then worked as an executive secretary for Nixdorf Computer (now Siemens), and Apollo Computer (now Hewlett-Packard), before leaving to become the Administrator for Trinity Evangelical Church, in North Reading, until her retirement.

Etta had endless energy and a big heart. She had a sharp sense of humor and loved to laugh and spread Joy. She enjoyed spending time with her family, church family and friends. She always had time for those who reached out to her for counsel or comfort. Above all she loved God completely. She spent 37 years married to the love of her life and dedicated her life to God after his passing. She is now happy in heaven, reunited with Jesus and loved ones basking in the love of God, who she served with all her heart.

Family members include her loving children, Susan Gibbs Saccardo of North Reading, William Alan Gibbs of Wakefield, her sister, Dorothy Ramsdell of Litchfield, NH; her grandchildren Daniel Saccardo and Dahra Pote, her great grandson, Ernest Jae Saccardo, and her foster daughter, Wendy Mason of Lisbon, ME.

Her Funeral will be held at Trinity Evangelical Church, 105 Haverhill Street, North Reading on Friday, July 10 at 10:00 AM. Calling hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, July 9 from 4 to 8 PM. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody. All current Covid-19 protocols and restrictions are in place and Funeral Home Capacity will be limited to a maximum of 50 people at one time. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be in her memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Casey, Leo Padraic, Jr.- Age 88 years, died peacefully on June 24, 2020 at his home in North Reading, MA in the loving care of his family.

Leo was born July 23, 1931 in Chelsea, MA to Mildred and Leo P. Casey. Leo and his siblings– Brian, Sheila, Donal and Carol–grew up in a household that appreciated both education and fun–literature and stickball, philosophy and touch football.

After graduating from Chelsea High School, Leo attended Boston College and graduated with a degree in Sociology.

Leo proudly served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955. After his time in the army, Leo obtained a Master’s Degree and advanced graduate certificate from Boston University in Counseling.

Leo’s first position in education was in Norwalk, CT as a middle school teacher, the start of a 37 year career in teaching and guidance. Leo spent many of these years as a guidance counselor in Melrose, MA Junior and Senior High School. Leo was a born listener and focused his energies on one student at a time. His non-judgmental presence helped many students at challenging times in their lives.

Early in his career Leo met and married Anne Hurley. The two were married on June 2, 1956 at St. Rose Church in Chelsea.

Leo always considered his greatest accomplishment to be his marriage of 64 years to Anne and his loving relationship with his 5 children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Leo believed strongly that the compassionate care of children was the key to a peaceful life, and every baby that came through Leo’s life was graced by his gentle and deep love.

Leo enjoyed his many years of golf with close friends, and especially his weekly outing with his special friend Jimmy Morse. Leo thought deeply about social issues and enjoyed lively discussions with colleagues. He treasured his time with family at the beach and around the pool and he had a long-term and consistent love for Boston sports teams.

 Leo was predeceased by siblings Brian, Sheila, Donal and Carol. Leo is lovingly remembered by his wife Anne, his daughter Kathy DiTroia and her husband Mike of North Andover, MA, his daughter Maureen Henderson and her husband Steve of Hampton, NH, his daughter Diane Shen and her husband Andy of Andover, MA, his daughter Paula Sandusky and her husband John of Stony Point, NY and his son Mike Casey and his wife Anne Marie of Newmarket, NH.

Leo was loving Papa to his grandchildren Kevin, Dan, Casey, Kristen, Marisa, Nikki, Danielle, Rosie, Eric, Erin, Clint and Kelly, and to his great-granddaughter Alice.

Funeral services will be private and are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital at www.stjude.org