James P. Reaney, 75, of Salem, N.H., formerly of Haverhill, passed away Sunday, Jan. 11, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston after being stricken ill suddenly at his residence.
Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Haverhill Police officer, James P. Reaney and Dorothy (McCusker) Reaney of South Groveland. Raised in the “Acre” section of Haverhill, he was a lifelong member of St. James Parish. He was a graduate of St. James grammar School and St. James High School, class of 1957. Upon graduation, Reaney enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and after training was completed he was honorably discharged. His memberships include the Haverhill, VFW Lorraine Post 29, AMVETS Post 147, and Haverhill Elks.
Reaney was employed as an executive in the electronics industry for his entire career.
He leaves his two sisters; Patricia D. McNaughton, of Atkinson, N.H., and Mary Catherine Kelleher, of Easton, Penn., nieces and nephews; James Kelleher, of South Carolina, Maureen Kelleher and Eileen Kelleher, both of Penn., Peter J. McNaughton, of Hudson, John S. McNaughton Jr., of Bradford, Dr. Mary F. McNaughton-Collins, of Newton, Mass., and several grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas J. Reaney and brothers in law, Arthur Kelleher and John “Jack” McNaughton.
Friends and family are respectfully invited to call on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. (route 125) Haverhill. Funeral services begin at 9 a.m., Friday, from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10: at St. James Church, Winter St. Haverhill. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery, Winter St. Haverhill. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Reaney’s name to the Haverhill VFW Post 29, 64 Kenoza Ave. Haverhill, MA 01830.