Frank M. “Huck” Holby, 94, longtime resident of Noank and of late, Mystic, died February 26, 2006 at Avalon Health Care Center at Stoneridge, Mystic. He was born December 14th, 1911 in New Rochelle, NY the son of Frank A. Holby and Marion Miller Holby. Mr. Holby was a marine designer and draftsman at the Electric Boat Company in Groton for 38 years.
Huck was married to Lois “Loie” Doughty Holby for 66 years and was predeceased by her in 1992. He is survived by four daughters, Linda H. Jones and husband John F. Jones of Albuquerque, NM; JoAnn H. HellierHeinz and husband H. Peter Heinz of Waterbury, VT; Susan H. Garrison of Groton, CT; and Dana Holby and husband Richard W.F. Moore of Brattleboro, VT; a granddaughter, five grandsons, and two great-grandsons. In addition, Huck leaves his longtime friend and companion, Ellen B. Scott of Mystic. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Richard R. Garrison.
Huck was active in the community as a longtime member of the Noank Baptist Church, serving as Trustee on various committees, and as a volunteer of the Groton Long Point Fire Company. Huck is a Past Master of Charity & Relief Lodge No. 72 of Mystic where he was a member for over 50 years.
Huck grew up in the Mamaroneck/Rye, New York area where he learned a love for sailing, sailing out of the Larchmont Yacht Club. His love for the water and boating followed him to Noank, there settling the family homestead, which existed for 58 years as “Pigtail Farm”. Huck owned several boats during his sailing career and was for years an active member of the Ram Island Yacht Club and the Goose Island Cruising Club.
Huck was a 45-years member of the Mystic Seaport, supporting its programs and, following retirement, working as a volunteer in both the “Gung-Ho Squad” and Pilots. His other passions included nature and singing. He found a great outlet for his singing and fellowship as a charter member of the Mystic Chapter of SPEBSCSA (or Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America).
Huck was a beloved family member and friend to all. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 6 at 11:00am at the Noank Baptist Church. Donations in his memory may be made to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington VA 22203-1606 or the National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Weston VA 20190. The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic is assisting the family.
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