Thomas F. Holden, 80, of Worcester, died Friday, March 26th in St. Vincent Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean R. (Bizzarro) Holden; his daughter, Caroline R. Makowiecki and her husband, Michael of Holden; two sisters, Johannah Anderson and her husband, Paul of Shrewsbury and Mary-Esther Hannon and her husband, Edward of Greensboro, NC and his beloved grandson, Michael Dane Makowiecki.
Tom was born in Worcester, the son of Francis J. and Mary (O'Rourke) Holden; and earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the College of the Holy Cross and his Master's Degree in Education from Worcester State College in 1966. Mr. Holden had served in the United States Army Reserve. In 2006 Thomas retired from the Worcester County House of Correction as Director of Education. He previously had worked as an elementary school teacher in Worcester and in Sutton, as a claims representative, Supervisor and Liability Unit Head for Travelers Insurance, an ABE and GED teacher for the House of Correction. After retirement Tom had worked as a clerk for Home Depot, and as an English tutor, an adjunct professor of developmental math at Quinsigamond Community College and as a GED Examiner and Accuplacer proctor. He also served as a volunteer for St. John's Food Pantry and at St. Vincent Hospital. Tom had been a member of the Knight's of Columbus. He will be sorely missed by all who new and loved him.
His funeral is Tuesday, March 30th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with his funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. His calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 30th from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of lowers, please make memorial contributions to St. John's Food for the Poor Program, 20 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604.