Louis F. Oldershaw

Louis F. Oldershaw, 101, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, October 19th. The son of Louis A. Oldershaw and Anne Louise Bold, Lou was born in New Britain, CT on August 30, 1917. Graduating summa cum laude from Kingswood-Oxford School, he joined the Dartmouth class of 1939. While a student at Yale Law School, he married Virginia Wakelin in 1940. They were devoted to each other for almost 60 years. After returning to Ginny’s hometown in Holyoke, MA, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a lieutenant aboard the destroyer USS Nelson, which was engaged in the invasion of Normandy and badly damaged by enemy fire. After the war Lou formed a law practice with Russell Davenport and William Millane where he practiced law until 1964. Transitioning to the business world in 1964 he joined National Blank Book Company. He served as President until 1978 and was Chairman of the Board from 1978 through 1983. National Blank Book merged with Dennison Manufacturing Company and he served as Group Vice President and a Director until mandatory retirement in 1983. He then joined the law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas in Springfield, MA serving as Counsel. Lou’s long and successful career reaching well into his late eighties kept him an active and valued member of the business world and the greater Holyoke community. Despite a demanding business career, he always found the time and energy to help his community be a better place in which to live. He served as President of The Greater Holyoke YMCA, Holyoke Rotary Club, and he was President of WGBY-TV in Springfield, MA. He was a Director of Holyoke Community College Foundation and served as a Trustee of Mt. Holyoke College. He also served on many boards including United Way, Holyoke Hospital and the American Red Cross. Lou was awarded the Paul Harris Rotary Award, the Holyoke Community College Distinguished Service Award, and the William G. Dwight Distinguished Service Award. Also, in his honor, the YMCA established the Louis F. Oldershaw Community Service Award given annually to an individual who exemplifies tireless work and invaluable commitment to the Holyoke community. Lou and his family spent many happy summers in Biddeford Pool, Maine. For him, a perfect Maine day would include sunny skies, two sets of tennis, a round of golf, a swim in the ocean, a martini at sunset and swordfish on the grill with his family. He loved the challenge and camaraderie of golf, playing well into his nineties. The consummate gentleman, Lou was always good natured, thoughtful and never uttered an unkind word of others. His smile was infectious and ever present. People-oriented and active, he made sure he had a full calendar. He particularly delighted in family gatherings. Lou was an involved and longtime member of the Longmeadow Country Club and The Orchards locally, and The Abenakee Club in Maine. He also enjoyed participating in “The Other Club” and “Thirty-Niners Club”. He is survived by his three sons: Peter and his wife, Alex; Robert and his wife, Patricia; and David and his fiancée, Keren; seven grandchildren: Jamie, Andrew, Lindsay, Alex, David, William and Catherine; and three great grandsons, JJ, Luke and Derek. His beloved wife, Ginny died in 1999. A celebration of Louis’s life will be held in the Skinner Memorial Chapel at The United Congregational Church of Holyoke, 300 Appleton St., on Saturday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m. There will also be a service in Maine next summer. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Holyoke VNA and Hospice Life Care, 575 Beech St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Beers and Story South Hadley Funeral Home have been entrusted with arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit www.beersandstory.com.