Suffield Obituary: Harold Holly, Jr., 91

Harold C. Holly, Jr. (Ted), husband of Betty-Anne (Morse) Holly, went to heaven on October 29, 2015 to join a group of angels who were looking for a tenor.

Ted was born in Shanghai, China, on February 25, 1924, the son of Harold C. Holly and Clara Sonnekalb of Schenectady, NY.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, he leaves behind two wonderful, caring “kids”, Amy S. Holly of Suffield and Rolf M. Holly, his wife Diane, and grandson, Nicholas, of East Longmeadow, Ma., sisters Lori Van Auken of Olmsted, Ohio, Martha Loew, of Jamestown, New York; a brother, John Holly of Freeport, New York and several nieces and nephews.

Ted grew up in Schenectady, NY graduating from Nott Terrace High School, where he participated in many activities, including Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout. After High School, he went to Pennsylvania State University. Midway through college, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became flight instructor.

When the war ended, he returned to Penn State, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at college, he enjoyed wrestling and skiing. After college, Ted worked at Hamilton Standard for 39 years, retiring in 1986. At Hamilton, he was able to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and received a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He was a resident of East Granby for many years, and sang in the choir at the East Granby Congregational Church and later became the choir director. Ted also served on many church committees. Some of his town activities included serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Friendship Club, the Historical Society, and along with Betty Guinan, and others produced the book, “Barns of East Granby, Our Heritage.”

Ted was a loving husband and father, “Mr. Fix It”. Ted enjoyed family fun, travel, skiing, tennis, golf, running, hiking, old cars, and singing, especially with “The Gospel Guys”, John Colbeck, Dick Daggett, and Cliff Gibson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Suffield by the River, River Watch, and The Suffield House for all the wonderful care and support Ted received while living there.

A Memorial Service will be held at the East Granby Congregational Church on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ted’s memory may be sent to the East Granby Congregational Church (music fund), P.O. Box 390, East Granby, CT , 06026 or to the East Granby Historical Society, Inc., P.O. Box 188, East Granby, CT, 06026.

Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home has care of arrangements. To leave on-line condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com