Earl E. North

ATHOL - Earl E. North, 67 of 382 Twichell St., died Saturday, November 19, 2005 in the Athol Memorial Hospital, Athol after being stricken ill at home. He was born in Orange, on July 22, 1938, the son of the late Arlan and the late Mary (Blackmer) North of Orange. He graduated from Orange High School in 1956. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served 4 years aboard the USS Tarawa CV-40 as an electrician. Upon an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he joined New England Power Company and worked on construction of high lines. He then worked for Massachusetts Electric as a first class lineman for 38 years and also served as a Union Steward. He retired in 1998. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara A. (McGuirk) North; his four children, Gail Marie North of Everett, Pamela Anne (North) Shinkle of Royalston, Tracy Anne (North) LaRose of Athol, and Robert North of Ijamsville, MD; six grandchildren, Sarah Shinkle, Emily LaRose, William LaRose and Thomas LaRose, Gabrielle North and Zachary North; two brothers, Gordon North of Fitchburg and Oren North of South Athol; four sisters, Florence Manewich of Athol, Lois Burr of Pheonix, AZ, Muriel Hunt or Orange, and Dorothy Horne of Mesa, AZ, also many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one grand daughter, Meghan Shinkle and two brothers, Arlan North and Robert North. He was an avid gardener, golfer, cribbage player, enjoyed bowling, playing darts and cooking. He also enjoyed making sausage and sauerkraut. He was the Past Exalted Ruler of the Athol-Orange Lodge of Elks from 1973 to 1974. He founded the Sunday Morning Softball Fun League, coached Little League baseball, Y.M.C.A. basketball, and Babe Ruth baseball. He was a member of the Athol Booster's Association for many years, a member of the Edward H. Phillips Post 102 American Legion, and a member of the Ellinwood Country Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family and enjoying his grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St., Athol. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol. Calling hours will be held Friday, November 25, 2005 from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. in J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main St., Athol. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Athol-Orange Lodge of Elks #1837, P.O. Box 384, Athol, MA 01331 or to the Athol Booster's Scholarship Association, c/o Treasurer, 111 Orchard St., Athol, MA 01331. J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home 137 Main St., Athol is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });