Edward Holda

Edward Paul Holda, 84, passed away after a long illness on January 29, 2023, in Norwich, Connecticut. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Dolores (Hebert) Holda, and their children Karen (Holda) Vanzura of Trenton, Maine, her husband Pat Vanzura and Jeffrey Holda of Canterbury, Connecticut and his wife Jennifer Holda; four grandchildren, Seth Vanzura of Hermon, Maine, Sean McNamara of Chaplin, Connecticut, Edward Vanzura of Charlotte, North Carolina, his husband James Hanna and Dane Vanzura of Ellsworth, Maine, his fiance Alexis Hennigan; brother Felix Holda Jr, his wife Katherine Holda and sister Christine Bates along with many nephews and nieces.  Edward was predeceased by his parents Felix Sr. and Julia Holda.

Edward was born in Putnam, Connecticut on July 27, 1938. He graduated from Putnam High, Class of 1956 and received his JEMA apprenticeship at Pratt Whitney in 1959.  He attended Manchester Community College in 1983 and completed a vocation teaching program at Central Connecticut State College.  He was a vocational teacher in the Connecticut Technical School System for 30 years before retiring in 2001.  Edward was also co-owner of Windham Sheet Metal.  He served in the U.S. Coast Guard reserves as a Damage Controlman 2nd class and as a Coxswain at USCG Station New London, CT.  Edward was a member of the Windham/Willimantic volunteer police force, member of the Fish and Game Club in Windham Center, on the Board of Directors of the Polish American Citizens Club and a member of the K of C Council 14. Edward loved to golf with his family and close friends.  He was a talented craftsman of metals and wood and much of his works are in many homes of family and friends. Dolores and Edward enjoyed many dances and events at the Polish American Club along with multiple travel adventures. In his later years Edward enjoyed sharing many special moments with his family and grandchildren.

Edward was a devoted Christian with a very strong faith in God that never wavered and was able to pass his positive attitude onto everyone he met with his infectious smile and unique sense of humor.  He never complained and was very grateful to all involved in his care. 

Edward’s family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic.  His Funeral Mass will be held Monday, February 6, 2023 at 10:00am at St. Joseph Church, Willimantic. The family would like to thank the staff of Windham Oncology, Windham Hospital, Villa Maria Rehab and Backus Hospital. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Corpus Christi Catholic Parish Local Charities. 

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