Bradford – William G. “Bill” Holby, 97, passed away August 23, 2019 at Penacook Place in Haverhill.
“At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.” Phil. 2:10-11
Born in Atlanta, GA, he was the son of the late Worrell H. and Irene E. (Tucker) Holby. Raised and educated in New Rochelle, NY, he attend U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point in New York and received a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. He earned the advanced degree in organ proficiency from the American Guild of Organists. Bill served his country honorably in the United States Navy, serving in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. At the age of 21, he saved the lives of men on his ship when it sunk. With his family, he lived in Canton, OH for 35 years. Bill moved to Palm Desert, CA where he lived for 14 years before moving to Bradford in 2014. He was a church organist and choir director in Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio, retiring at the age of 85. He became a school teacher and also worked for many years in the home insulation business. H was well known for his handyman skills. Bill was a charitable man, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. He gave many pints of blood to the Red Cross and at the end of his life donated his body to science.
Bill is survived by his children, Timothy T. Holby and Marilyn J. Ebinger; his three grandchildren, Joanne Considder, Christian Ebinger and Calvin Ebinger, one great grandchild, Beatrice Considder. He was predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor (Ross) Holby and his second wife, The Reverend Patricia (Wight) Holby and two brothers, Frank S. and Worrell Holby.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Long Island, NH. Arrangements are by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Donations may be made in his memory to King’s Point Merchant Marine Academy, 300 Steamboat Rd., Kings Point, NY 11024, Westminster Choir College, 101 Walnut Lane, Princeton, NJ 08540, Habitat for Humanity, 72680 Dinah Shore Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92211 or St. James Episcopal Church, 121 Washington St., Groveland, MA 01834. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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Martha Meadows says
September 5, 2019 at 2:35 pmDear Eric and Mern and family,
We read in the Canton paper about your father’s passing. What a special man he was and so talented. We trust that you are doing well and your family too. We think of you but had lost any contact so wanted to let you know that we will keep you in our prayers. Out best to Betty and John. Call if you are ever back to NC.
blessings, Martha and Dan Meadows
Martha L Jones says
November 1, 2019 at 9:08 pmDear Marilyn,
We would like to express our belated sadness in learning of the passing of your great “pop”. We so enjoyed knowing him and Eleanor. He did such nice work for us in giving us our 2 1/2 car garage, back porch, and many other things. His strong faith, friendliness, and great work ethics were all wonderful traits. We didn’t know where he had moved to, so we were so glad when you put the article in our paper. Hope you and Eric and your family are doing o.k. If you are ever in Canton, would love to see you again. Our belated prayers and blessings, Pat and Martha Jones