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Marshall Holley Obituary

HOLLEY, DR. MARSHALL RUDD Dr. Marshall Rudd Holley, 75, beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle died at his home in New Haven on December 5, 2010 after a long battle with cancer. Dr. Holley is survived by his wife Teresita Abaya Holley, his son David Marshall Holley, his brother William Arthur (Joan) Holley Jr., sisters Vermelle Paris, and Bernice Willis, niece Holley Willis, nephews William A. Holley III, Patrick Holley (Leigh), grand nephew William A. Holley (IV), grand niece Palmer Holley, and grand nephew William Pierce Holley. Dr. Holley was born in New Haven, CT, on July 24, 1935, son of the late Dr. William Arthur Holley and Vermelle (Campbell) Holley. He graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 1953; Amherst College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957; and Howard University College of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1961. He interned in the United States Air Force Hospital at Wright -Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio and completed his residency in Obstetrics - Gynecology at Yale New Haven Hospital in 1969. He served in the United States Air Force with the rank of Captain from 1961-1965 and had duty stations in Japan, the Philippines, and Washington, D.C. He established a private practice of Obstetrics-Gynecology in New Haven and Branford, Connecticut in 1969 and practiced for more than three decades. He was the obstetrician-gynecologist at the Hill Health Center from 1969-1980 where he received the great admiration and respect of the young mothers with whom he worked. He was a Clinical Instructor and an Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics-Gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine. He was a Diplomat and a Fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He was a member of the Admissions Committee for the Yale University College of Medicine, and served on the Perinatal & Mortality Committee and the OB-GYN Executive Committee of Yale New Haven Hospital. He was treasurer of the New Haven Independent Practice Association. In 1995, he was recipient of the Stanley Lavietes OB-GYN Award presented to the community physician voted by the Yale Obstetrics and Gynecology residents as representing an outstanding example of superb patient care, devotion to resident teaching, and overall clinical excellence. Dr. Holley was a member of many professional associations, including the National Medical Association; the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology; the Connecticut State Medical Society; the New Haven County Medical Association; and the New Haven Obstetrical Society. He served on the board of directors of Community Housing Inc.; the American Cancer Society; Family Services, Inc.; the New Haven Urban League; the Women's Health Services; the Southern Connecticut State College Foundation, and Connecticut Savings Bank. He was president of the Dixwell Community House in 1977-81 and was president of the New Haven Obstetrical Society in 1980. An avid tennis player he was president of the New Haven Racquet Wielder's Tennis Club and on the board of the American Tennis Association and the New England Tennis Association (NELTA) for many years. He was president of NELTA from 1979-1983 and served as its tournament director every July at the Yale Tennis Courts in New Haven. Dr. Holley retired from the practice of obstetrics-gynecology in December 2002, so that he could spend more time with his wife Teresita and son David and concentrate on his loves of tennis and gardening. Dr. Holley had a long and distinguished career. He was loved, admired, and respected by all whose lives he touched in so many ways. His memory will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him. Arrangements under the direction of the Howard K. Hill Funeral Home are private and there are no calling hours. A memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. Holley will be held in the New Year. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following charities: The United Negro College Fund, The New Haven Scholarship Fund, or Planned Parenthood. To sign a memorial book for the Holley family, please visit the website: http://hkhfuneralservices.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New Haven Register from Dec. 6 to Dec. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Marshall Holley

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Charles L Randall, Jr

November 30, 2023

Gone but never forgotten

Olga

February 19, 2021

I met Dr Holley as a 23 year old RN on the OB unit- still in the old buidling at Yale

He was tall – his smile; bright and wide and his shuffle down the hall after a late night delivery became recognizable.—so much so that I called it the,” Holley shuffle”.
He brought sunshine in on weekend mornings as he readied for tennis; filling his water bottle at the OB unit’s water fountain just after finishing his morning rounds
He told stories about his son David; I remember one where Marshall said David was going through a food phase; only eating buttered pasta.
Marshall was kind
he was funny
he was genuine
he was skilled.

I was blessed to have Dr Holley call my babies “ just down right ugly, fugly or reallllly fugly”
he was of course- joking
I remember him getting marred to Terri--- he smiled alot.

I trusted him completely and respected him just as much.
I am grateful he bore witness to the birth of my three children and graced my life theirs with his compassion, goodness and skill as a OB/Gyn.

Thank you Dr Holley for being part of one of THE three most important parts of my life’s path. You are so very warmly thought of in my heart. I am so saddened we have lost you from this earthly life--
My condolences to Terri, David and all his family

October 2, 2011

Marshall was a friend

March 4, 2011

i counted it a pleasure and a blessing that our path crossed. He was an inspiration to me. Every visit you made me laugh, and i always look forward to seeing you. You truly lived a fullfilled life and you have touched many lives. you were passionate about what you did, and you truly care. God bless your family. REST IN PEACE.Sandra Marshall-Wray.

David Hammock MD

March 2, 2011

M Rudd was my closest friend and classmate in Med School
He with his elbow in my ribs kept me from asking challenging questions of our instructors and professors. I was not as smart as he, but he never acted superior. When he was "up", so was I. When he was "down", I also was down. I miss him and the hassles we endured. I hope that he will rest after a long journey. Never had a chance to meet Terri. That is my loss.

David Hammock, MD

Lisa Kelly

December 28, 2010

Forever in my heart to the Holley families, I met Dr. Holley when I was fifteen I had three of my children with him and his mid wifes Debra , and Linda. Truely they were all one of a kind , but he was the best Doctor I have ever met in my entire life. When he told me he was retiring I cried in his office like a little baby, but he said you'll still be seeing me around. But, I never did see him again. But I know I will see him again some day, because God now has an awesome Doctor in his presence. Humble and Holy. May God bless you all.

December 19, 2010

It was truly a blessing to have known "Doc Holley". He will always be remembered for his kindness and giving spirit. Hearing him call my name at the Yale tournament was always the highlight of my tennis season. My blessings to his family.

Charles L. Randall, Jr., Americus, GA

Kim Hibson

December 16, 2010

Dear Terri and family,

We are so saddened to hear of Dr. Marshall's passing! We truly enjoyed getting to know him and will miss seeing his smiling face around the neigborhood . You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Emmet & Kim Hibson

December 9, 2010

Marshall will always be remembered as a classmate whom I always sat next to at Troup and Hillhouse, alphabetically we were matched up. He was an up person whose enthusiasm and intelligence was inspiring.His reputation professionally and compassion for his patients was well known. My sympathies to the family,Teri and Sandi. Harold Horton Woodbridge

Loretta Jones

December 8, 2010

Remembering Doc Holley's cry during a tennis tournament, "Please report with racket in hand" will forever be emblazoned in my mind. He was a constant in the tennis circles that I travelled and will be sorely missed.

Jennifer Gerstein

December 7, 2010

Dr Holley was unforgettable. He was so kind and thoughtful with his patients and so much fun to be around. He will be missed by all.

Jill MacDiarmid

December 7, 2010

I worked at the Yale indoor tennis courts many years ago as a part time job. Dr. Holley always had a smile and a kind word each time he saw me.
My deepest sympathy to the Holley family.
Jill MacDiarmid

John Pro

December 7, 2010

I am very thankful to have had the honor of meeting Dr. Holley. My fondest memory of him was when David, the kids and I went bowling with he and Teri. We then went to Barbara's Fish Trap and he showed my kids how much he loved eating lemons whole (peel and all). We got a kick out of it. I am so glad that he left behind an AMAZING son and my BEST FRIEND in the whole world. Much respect and love Dr. Holley.

December 7, 2010

To the family of Dr. Holley,
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Holley,
he was no only my Dr. but my friend. When I lost our first child in 1982 he was the Dr. on call for Dr. Chang. He met me in the E R, held my hand, while I was going through one of the sadest days of my life. He was comforting, and sweet, he even made me smile. In 1983 he delivered our first son, it was a difficult delivery, and I am not sure what would have happened if it were another Dr. I will always remember his smiling face, and his kind words. The world has lost a great man. My love and prayers are with all of you. Antoinette Annunziata

Lori Ortoleva-Donnelly

December 7, 2010

Dr. Holley delivered my two baby girls. He was always frank with me, with an added touch of sharp humor. I adored these character traits and wouldn't have changed a thing. He will always hold a very special place in my heart.

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