North Reading Obituaries

Outdoorsman, U.S. Navy veteran whose passionate advocacy preserved Bristol Bay watershed

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Thomas Scott Pebler of Anchorage, Alaska, died January 27, 2026 at his home.

He was born March 10, 1962 to Carl and Anna Marie (Beck) Pebler in Jackson, Michigan. He moved with his family to North Reading, Massachusetts in the…

Published in the North Reading Transcript on March 5, 2026

The quintessential caretaker who had a gift for making others feel special

NORTH READING — Bernadette J. (Correlle) Sorrenti, 78, of North Reading, died on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Beverly Hospital, after a gallant and excruciating struggle with kidney disease.

Born in Stoneham, Mass…

Published in the North Reading Transcript on March 5, 2026

Valued his family and sharing his enthusiasm for cars, boats, motorcycles and snowmobiles with them

NORTH READING — Albert Joseph Caproni, 85, died peacefully at home on February 23, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Karin L. Caproni (Anderson) who predeceased him in 2022…

Published in the North Reading Transcript on February 26, 2026

Accomplished carpenter, devoted family man who was always willing to help others

NORTH READING — 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…

Lived a life defined by her kindness, determination, and love for others

Published in the North Reading Transcript on February 19, 2026

NORTH READING — Maya Ortiz, age 20, peacefully passed into God’s loving arms and into eternal life surrounded by loving family, on February 12, 2026, after a courageous and grace-filled battle…

Prolific home builder, avid skier and tennis player who was devoted to his family

Published in the North Reading Transcript on February 19, 2026

BOXFORD — Well-known architect and builder Roger Harris passed away on January 17, 2026 after a brief illness. He was 95 and a nearly 50-year resident of Boxford and a 20-year resident…

Renowned antiques dealer; family was the cornerstone of her life

Published in the North Reading Transcript on February 19, 2026

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

Born on July 9, 1943, in Winthrop, to John E. and Mary Gertrude McFarland, Susan was…

Published in the North Reading Transcript on February 12, 2026

A woman of deep faith and creative spirit who was the heart of every gathering

NORTH READING — Carol A. (Johnson) Swanson, age 89, a woman of deep faith and creative spirit, passed away on February 5, 2026. A longtime resident of North Reading, Carol’s…

Published in the North Reading Transcript on February 12, 2026

Boston sports fan and Harley enthusiast who enjoyed gardening and dancing

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

Born in Malden, Mass. on March 25, 1954, he was the son…

Longtime, well-admired WHS boys’ soccer coach whose legacy will live on forever

WAKEFIELD — Richard G. “Dick” Kelley, 81, formerly of Wakefield and North Reading, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2026 in Concord, N.H. surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 27, 1944 in Boston. Richard was the son of the…

Known for his unsinkable good nature, kindness, and helpfulness to all

NEWTON, N.H. — William G. “Bill” Steph, 63, of Newton, N.H., formerly of North Reading, an award-winning auto body technician, passed away January 23, 2026 at Tufts Medical Center following a brief illness.

Born in Malden, he was the son of Rosemarie (Coviello) Steph…

Successful in business ventures, stock car enthusiast and consummate tinkerer

PLYMOUTH — Fred Hitchins, 76, of Plymouth, formerly of Abington and North Reading, passed away following a dignified battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Fred was born on March 22, 1949 in Chelsea, Mass. to the late Arthur and Philomena (Greico) Hitchins and grew up in…