John R. Holt

John R. Holt, 88, of Rockport (formerly of Lexington), passed away on January 4 with family by his side.

Born in Newton and raised in Arlington, John joined the U.S. Air Force in 1954, serving proudly in South Korea. After completing active duty, John joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve, serving for decades and retiring as a chief master sergeant. He continued his service as a volunteer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Many knew John as the owner and principal of John R. Holt Insurance in Lexington, a business he built and ran for 39 years before retiring in 2012. In his later years, he enjoyed splitting his time between his homes in Rockport, Mass., and Boynton Beach, Fla. He was also a proud member of the Simon W. Robinson Masonic Lodge in Lexington and the Aleppo Shriners in Wilmington.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia Holt; his daughter, Celeste Laak; his son, Robert John Holt; daughters Jessica Holland (husband, Joe), Gayle Bates (husband, Chad), and Kathleen Paradis (husband, Justin); stepsons Brian Hart (wife, Ericka) and Craig Hart (wife, Stephanie); 17 grandchildren; and his sister, Barbara Palermo (husband, Bobby). He was predeceased by his wife, Claire Holt, as well as his parents, Chester and Helen Holt, and brothers Edward, Charles, Chester, and David. He is also survived by his former wife, Ann Ugolini.

John had requested no fanfare upon his passing, but his family would be remiss not to share the news with the community. They would also like to thank the staff at Day by Day Adult Care in Gloucester and Bridges by EPOCH at Andover for their care and compassion for John.