U.S. Coast Guard veteran who devoted years of service to town boards, commissions and youth sports
NORTH READING — Joseph R. Veno, 78, of North Reading and formerly of Revere, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 27, 2025, after a lengthy illness.
Born in Boston, Mass. on December 8, 1946, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and Lillian (Mailiette) Veno. Joe was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1964. He was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. An EN2, he served from 1965 to 1969 and received the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star.
He was a Reading Police Officer and Safety Officer and retired at age 55. Joe has been a resident of North Reading for over 70 years and was a member of St. Theresa’s Parish for many years.
Joe served on many boards for the town of North Reading. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen for 15 years, the Community Planning Commission for four years, the Veterans Affair Commission for 20 years, the Recycling Commission for four years, the North Reading Housing Authority for 10 years, the Veterans’ Memorial Commission for 20 years, the Commission on Disabilities for 10 years, the Council on Aging for 15 years and the Mystic Valley Elder Services for 15 years.
Joe was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Andover Sportsman Club, and the Knights of Columbus, where he was a 4th Degree Knight.
Joe loved gardening, traveling and was a NASCAR fan. He coached North Reading Youth Football for 15 years and was the President of the North Reading Touchdown Club.
Family members include his loving wife of 54 years, Dianna (Sargent) Veno; his sons, Joseph A. Veno and his wife Nicole and Jonathan M. Veno and his wife Elizabeth; and three grandchildren, Jessica Prenney and Alicia and Abigail Veno. He was the brother of the late Donna Veno.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 11:30 a.m. in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. A funeral procession will leave the Croswell Funeral Home at 11:15 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.croswellfuneralhome.com.