John H. Holland

John H. Holland III, age 83, also affectionately known as “Tiny”, passed into the glorious presence and loving arms of his greatly beloved Lord & Savior Jesus on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. John suffered a series of heart attacks and was taken by ambulance to UMass (Univ. campus) Hospital Friday April 4th. He received excellent, loving, and skilled care from a dedicated staff from the Emergency Room to the Cardiac Care ICU! He was surrounded in the ICU by His loving and devoted wife Julie of almost 66 years and his family; singing songs that Dad had loved to sing to the Lord!

John was born in Leominster, Ma. on March 14, 1942 to John H Holland Jr. and Gertrude T (Nelson) Holland. He was the second born of five children; they lived in Leominster and later in Fitchburg. John began attending Fitchburg High school but transitioned to a trade school in Leominster. While he was still young his dad left the family home. Dad showed the depth of his love and devotion for his mom and siblings in his hard work and giving most of his earnings to his mom!

While still young and only 15 yrs. of age, Dad met the long-lasting love of his life on March 30, 1957; Julia F. Anderson of Leominster, only 14 yrs. of age! They married while still so young, a couple years later on July 4, 1959 in Townsend, Ma. By 1965 they had two daughters and a son. They bought their first home in Fitchburg.

He worked for Tom’s Food World, working his way up to assistant grocery Mgr. Later he worked for years as a delivery driver for the Cain’s food Co. He was also a block mason for many years. Lastly, he worked many years as a Corrections Officer for Volusia County, Florida after he and Mom had moved to their “dream home” in 1984 to Edgewater, FL. Dad retired in 2003. They resided there for 35 years and loved Florida so much! So many of our entire family’s happiest memories were made at Mom and Dad’s house in Florida! Dad’s greatest joy was always his family and ministry, but he also enjoyed golfing, swimming and walking. Dad was also known for his contagious laughter and fun-loving personality!

Mom & Dad returned to family in Massachusetts in 2019. They’ve resided in Templeton, Ma. The greatest, most wonderful thing that happened to our Dad, (and our whole family!) was when he met Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at age 32 in 1975! In surrendering his life to Christ, his whole life changed and Dad was “truly free” for the first time in his life! He remained devoted to loving Jesus and serving Him until his “homecoming” to heaven! One of Dad’s earliest favorite Bible verses was: “So if the Son sets you free, you are TRULY free” John 8:36 (NLT)

Dad was never a “learned man”, but after his salvation in 1975 he went on to finish his H.S. diploma, attended some Bible School, studied the Word of God (Bible), and took many Bible courses. Eventually Dad became a wonderful Bible Teacher and “Lay Preacher”! Earning his “Lay Preacher” certification through the Christian & Missionary Alliance. He often said that his most joyful years were in serving as head Elder with his Pastor and dear friend Sal Siano, at the Alliance Church in Edgewater, FL. Dad led many Bible studies over the years. He so enjoyed teaching and preaching the Word! He and Mom were members of the Fitchburg Assembly of God church before moving to Florida and then members of Edgewater Alliance Church until 2019 when he and Mom returned to Ma. Presently they belong to the church family of New Hope Bible Chapel in Baldwinville where Mom will continue.

Dad did so many things in Ministry over the years and told everyone who would listen about the life-changing power and love of Our Lord Jesus Christ! Many came to know Jesus through the life of our Dad!

John leaves behind his devoted wife of almost 66 years, Julia F. (Anderson) Holland of Templeton, Ma. His daughter Lisa Marie (Holland) Morin and son-in-law; Daniel J. Morin of Phillipston, Ma. His daughter; Tina Louise (Holland) Aponte, and son-in-law; Arthur R. Aponte of Gardner, Ma, his daughter-in-law; Theresa (Perrone) Holland of Worcester, Ma. as well as his much loved 7 grandchildren, his grandsons & granddaughters-in-law, and his 7 Great grandchildren! Several Nieces and nephews, and 2 sisters-in-laws. Many, many friends and family in Christ!

John is preceded in death by his son, John H. Holland IV who passed at age 48 in 2013, and his siblings, Mary C. Quinn, Thomas E. Holland, Judith A. Holland, and Richard J. Holland.

A “Celebration of Life” Service will be held at Cornerstone Church, 122 Gardner Rd. Winchendon, Ma. 01475 on Saturday April 19, 2025 at 11am. 

No calling hours will be held.

A Graveside Service will be held at Notre Dame Cemetery, 162 Webster St. Worcester, Ma. 01603 on Tuesday April 22, 2025 at 11am (please speak to a family member for details.)

We invite you to make a donation (if you wish, in lieu of flowers) to: UMass Memorial Health (please specify Cardiac Care in memory of John H. Holland).Office Of Philanthropy 365 Plantation Street, Biotech One – Suite 301, Worcester, MA 01605, or donate.umassmemorial.org (online or by mail please specify “Cardiac Care” in memory of John H. Holland.)

Please scroll down and leave a message on the guest book!! Thank you and God Bless you! The family of John H. Holland.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420 is assisting with arrangements.