Richard Joseph Holland

WORCESTER - Richard Joseph Holland, 94, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026. Born in 1932 in Albany, NY, he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Eleanor, in 2013. Richard is survived by his children, Gail Holland-Dufault and her husband, Chip Dufault; Richard Holland; and Timothy Holland and his wife, Wendy Holland. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Moira Dufault, Katherine Dufault, Adam Holland, Meghan Holland, and Deven Keady, as well as his niece, Janet Holland.

A standout all-city athlete, he graduated from the Vincentian Institute in Albany and attended George Washington University on an athletic scholarship. He later transferred to Siena College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in Economics/Finance in 1955. After college, Richard entered the U.S. Navy and served on the staff of Destroyer Flotilla Four at the Norfolk Destroyer/Submarine piers. He also played guard/linebacker for the championship “Norfolk Tars,” and was honorably discharged in 1957.

Richard retired from Norton/St. Gobain, after a career that began in 1958 as a sales trainee. He held many positions, from Salesman, to District Sales Manager, to Industrial Regional Manager, to Field Sales Manager. He loved working with people, mentoring them, and assisting their development as employees and individuals. After retirement, he worked with Washburn-Garfield Corp/Waites Company. A devout Catholic, he served Our Lady of Good Counsel Church on the Parish Council, as an altar server, as a co-facilitator of the Bereavement Group, and as a Eucharistic Minister. He also volunteered for many years at the Francis Xavier Center.

His greatest achievements, though, were the works of his kind, generous, and loving heart. When Eleanor fell ill, Richard devotedly cared for her at home. Throughout her long illness, Richard cared for her with love and patience. His devotion to his lifelong sweetheart embodied the true meaning of love. Throughout his life, he shared himself freely, whether by coaching his sons’ football teams, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic competitions, academic honors, dance recitals, career events, or enjoying countless “tea parties” he was delighted to share in every joyful occasion.

He loved golf, traveling with his family, vacationing on Cape Cod, and keeping in touch with his many friends; his charming, fun-loving personality won him fans wherever he went. He will be desperately missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with Richard’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, May 29, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, May 30, at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston. A private interment with military honors will be held at Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Veterans, Inc, Visitation House, or Abby’s House, all in Worcester.