John Francis Holland

John Francis Holland, age 72, passed away peacefully in his Walpole, Massachusetts home on Monday, May 7, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 6, 1945, he was the son of the late Joseph G. and Mary M. (Dooley) Holland. He was raised in the Roxbury area of Boston and graduated from Mission High School. After graduation, John joined the Army National Guard and shipped out to basic training. Upon his return home, he quickly found work with the New England Telephone Company.

John married his beloved wife, Mary T. Leone, on April 18, 1970 in Brookline, Massachusetts. The young couple initially made their home together in Norwood before settling in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1972, where they raised their family. After purchasing their home in Walpole, John found his passion for working in his yard, ensuring that his grass was always perfect. He continued working as a special service technician with New England Telephone, through the name change to Verizon, retiring in 2002, after 38 years of dedicated service. In his retirement, John enjoyed catching up with old friends from Verizon over breakfast.

Throughout his life, John was a classic car enthusiast. In his younger years, he regularly could be found driving around in his Corvette and as he got older, he loved attending the car shows at Bass Pro Shop in Foxborough. He was an avid Boston Bruins fan and would catch a game whenever he could. Most of all, John was a dedicated family man, who adored spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed helping his sons with home improvement projects. As a devoted grandfather, John loved watching his grandchildren at their events and athletic competitions. During the summer months, he could be found poolside watching his grandchildren swim. John was a man with a great sense of humor and an infectious smile. He made friends where ever he went, and was loved by all who knew him.

Beloved husband of Mary T. (Leone) Holland.
Loving father of Susan Holland of Franklin, Julie Levesque and her husband Christopher of Franklin, John Holland and his wife Michelle of Bridgewater, Stephen Holland and his wife Jamie of Franklin, Joseph Holland and his wife Heather of Walpole, and Carolyn Haddigan and her husband John of Mansfield.
Cherished grandfather of Allison, Noah, Erin, Owen, Megan, Joshua, Tyler, Lauren, Addison, Macklin, Gwenyth, Kaitlyn, Sarah, Andrew, and April.
Brother of J. Charles Holland of Billerica, the late Denise Bussiere, and the late Rosemary Burke.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend John's Life Celebration on Monday, May 14, 2018 from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Mission Church) 1545 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120 on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.