Services Set For Massachusetts Marine Killed In NATO Training Exercise

LEOMINSTER, MA — Funeral arrangements have been planned and set for the Marine from Leominster who was killed in Norway during a training exercise last month.

Capt. Ross Reynolds, 27, of Leominster, was among three others who were all killed in a plane crash during a NATO exercise called Cold Response 2022 on Friday, March 18.

The body of Capt. Reynolds will be returned to his hometown Saturday afternoon with a police escort from Boston Logan International Airport. Anyone who wishes is asked to honor and welcome Reynolds home by lining the streets as the procession arrives, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella said.

At 1:30 a.m. Saturday, March 19, police found the aircraft had crashed in Graetaedalen, Beiarn, south of Bodoe. The men were assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing stationed on Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina.

In addition to Reynolds, the bodies of Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz, of Indiana, the other pilot; Gunnery Sgt. James Speedy, of Ohio; and Cpl. Jacob Moore, of Kentucky, are expected to arrive in their respective hometowns on Saturday.

According to his LinkedIn page, Capt. Reynolds was a Leominster High School and Worcester State University graduate, with honors from both schools. The Marine Corps says he earned decorations including the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

The procession route will run from Mechanic Street near Johnny Ro Park through downtown via West Street, then continue to Anderston Funeral Home via Maple Avenue, Merriam Avenue, South Street, and Electric Avenue to Clarendon Street.

In addition to the procession, a candlelight vigil will be held in front of Leominster City Hall on Sunday, April 3, at 7 p.m. If it rains, the vigil will be held inside City Hall.

On Monday, a public wake will be held at Leominster City Hall from 3 to 7 p.m. in the John R. Tata Auditorium, and parking will be available downtown.

A funeral Mass will be broadcast live at City Hall and only family will be allowed for the private funeral on Tuesday, April 5 with a private burial to follow with full military honors at the Massachusetts Memorial Veterans' Cemetery in Winchendon.