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William Holden Obituary
He was born in Hartford on April 14, 1953, and attended East Hartford High School and Howell Cheney Technical School in Manchester. He worked at Pratt & Whitney for 26 years.
He was a music lover, automotive guru, and most of all, a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the early 1970s. He rose to public attention by way of his radio personality, "Rockabilly Willy" on 88.1 FM, WESU. His lifelong passion was for his children and his automobiles, having completed many classic car restoration projects.
He is survived by his two sons, Michael Holden of Manchester, and William M. Holden Jr. of Enfield; his former wife and close friend, Louise (Havey) Holden of Enfield; his parents, Wilson Holden and Rhoda (Bragg) Holden of Oldsmar, Fla.; his sister, Cindy Chapin of Oldsmar, Fla.; and his grandchildren, Jillian Holden, Giana Holden, and Justin Koch.
A graveside military service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011, at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown.
Memorial contributions may be made to WESU Radio, 45 Broad St., 2nd Floor, Middletown, CT 06457 (www.wesufm.org). The Holmes Funeral Home in Manchester has care of arrangements. To leave a condolence message please visit
www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Holden
Jillian Holden his pride and Joy... xo
November 18, 2011
Jillian his Granddaughter...he loved so much.
November 18, 2011
Proud dad!!! xoox
November 18, 2011
Billy happy eating and drinking his soda..
November 18, 2011
Me LuAnn Louise Holden) and Billy wonderful memorie
November 18, 2011
Michael and Billy in his Garage working as always and having a Ball..
November 18, 2011
November 14, 2011
Rockabilly Willy,
Thank you for your enthusiastic and dynamic personality and love for music ! You must have passed this gift on to your wonderful son Billy. I remember how fun it was to catch your show. You will be missed greatly but you must be so proud of what you have left here on earth. Be well friend. - Tom M.
Our family with love...xo
William Holden
November 14, 2011
Doing what he always dreamed of... xoxo
William Holden
November 14, 2011
Happier times Billy
William Holden
November 14, 2011
HOLDEN
November 14, 2011
Billy you made me smile and gave me two beautiful sons. I will miss you forever and NEVER forget you. I will always love you. xoxo Good bye for now until we meet again.. LuAnn (LOUISE HOLDEN)
November 13, 2011
Willie your one of a kind, you loved what you did and made alot of people happy. My greatest memory was when you played the song " forever's much to long" We miss you.
George and friends !!!
November 7, 2011
Onward in the lead sled to that Sock Hop in the sky. Thanks Willy for turning me on to more cool music than I can listen to in a lifetime.
Psychedelic Rick
November 6, 2011
I became aquainted with Rockabilly Willy thru Psychedelic Rick when they did the WESU booth at the Middletown Main St. Auto Show.. He is the coolest cat for sure!!! My heart goes out to his family and friends and our extended WESU family. We'll never forget you LEADER OF THE PACK!!!
stephan allison
November 3, 2011
The Rockabilly flame will not be extinguished. Rest in peace Willy.
Holmes Funeral Home - Manchester
October 29, 2011
With deepest sympathy during your time of mourning.
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Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home - Manchester400 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040
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