Nils Holmquist

Nils Allan Solomon Holmquist passed away peacefully, with family at his side, at the age of 99 on November 3, 2017, while at Masonic Healthcare in Wallingford, CT. He was a longtime resident of Glastonbury, CT. Al was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Ruth Christine (Greenhalge) Holmquist. He leaves behind his daughters: Janet Bono and her husband Walter, and Susan Chaloux Oliver and her husband Paul. He also leaves his grandchildren: Lynne Mehlman and husband Jeff, Sara Pagano, Robert Chaloux and wife Stacey, Amy Churyk and husband Stefan, Lori Bono, and Lisa Chaloux. He had seven great grandchildren: Phelan Pagano, Jacob Mehlman, Julia Mehlman, Alana Pagano, Cody Chaloux, Jack Gilnack, and Dylan Churyk. He also had many nieces and nephews and his friend Victoria Williams. He will be missed by all. Al was born to Gustav Holmquist and Julia (Nelson) Holmquist, both Swedish immigrants. He was preceded in death by his brother, Clifford. He was very proud of his Swedish heritage and attending church which is where he met his future wife, Ruth. She lived in Worcester, MA, and he would often ride his bicycle from West Hartford to Worcester to see her. One of his many talents was handcrafting and painting traditional Swedish decorations. He personally designed and built four homes. He remodeled homes for his family, built furniture, restored a 1930 Chevrolet, and assisted his family, and often his church with any project presented to him. Most were done with his wife by his side. He was also an avid gardener. Al was very physically active all of his life. He also had a brilliant mind with an aptitude for mathematics and recalling dates and events. Al and Ruth had a warm and loving home, and they were joyful to have their family come for visits and holidays. Al was employed at Pratt and Whitney and later retired from Kaman Aircraft. He was a longtime member of Emanuel Lutheran Church of Manchester, Masonic Lodge No. 73 for 68 years, and Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Many thanks to Masonicare and Hospice, and especially to his caregiver Regina who loved and cared for him. A private Memorial Service is to be held at a later date.