Union electrician, Army veteran of 101st Airborne who loved gardening
NORTH ANDOVER — Ernest J. Claughton, 85, of North Andover and formerly of Bethel, Vt., and Gloucester, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the High Pointe House in Haverhill.
Born in Boston on January 4, 1940, he was the son of the late Stephen and Louise (Camuso) Claughton. He was raised in and attended North Reading schools. A U.S. Army veteran, he served from 1959-1962 as a member of the 101st Airborne Division.
He was a union electrician for IBEW Local 103 for over 30 years, but his hobbies were creative. He was a talented artist. He also loved gardening — he was into organic gardening long before it was popular and he was so proud of his blueberry bushes! He was a member of the Orchid Society. He also loved building and always had ongoing projects. He loved his pets; he used to say he had a farm, which consisted of Scottish Highland cows, sheep, chickens, ducks, turkeys, cats and dogs.
Family members include his loving son, David Claughton, and daughters, Pamela Claughton, Jane Barbagallo, Teresa Booth (Jonathan), and June Claughton-Channen (Matthew); sister Louise Jordan; sister-in-law Carol Claughton; grandchildren: Nicole Barbagallo, Taylor Hall (Jared), Olivia Booth, and Cody and Travis Claughton, and his dog Huckleberry and his cat Donald. He was predeceased by his grandson Dylan Claughton, sister Dianne Gill and brother Stephen Claughton.
Visitation was held on Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a Prayer Service at 11 a.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, North Reading.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the MSPCA. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.croswellfuneralhome.com.