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HOLLIS, Martin Christopher
Martin Christopher Hollis, 64, of Granby, formerly of West Simsbury, beloved husband of Catherine "Terri" (McNamara) Hollis, passed away on Wednesday, (June 8, 2011) at Hartford Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in England, son of Marguerite (Parker) Hollis and the late Frederick L. Hollis, he lived in West Simsbury for 21 years before moving to Granby six years ago. Martin was employed as an accountant for 32 years with the State of Connecticut Department of Education, retiring in 2009. He was a devoted member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Simsbury and sang in their church choir for 16 years. Music was a big part of Martin's life and he was a founding member of The Down County Boys, a highly renowned bluegrass band in England and had his own band, The Back Street Affair, amongst others, in the United States. He also won many awards as a musician, vocalist, and entertainer as well as serving as President of the Connecticut Country Music Association. Very active in the sports community, Martin coached soccer in Simsbury for 24 seasons. Besides his wife and mother, he leaves his son, Jason C. Hollis and his wife Melissa A. Hollis of Clive, IA; a daughter, Sinead C. Hollis of Boulder, CO; a brother, W. Jeffrey Hollis and his wife Maxine of England; a sister, Amanda Hollis Johnson of Bloomfield; a special aunt, Auntie Sylve; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and sisters and brothers in-law. His family will receive friends on Sunday, June 12, 4-7 p.m., at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, June 13, 10 a.m., at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Rd., West Simsbury. Burial will follow in Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Martin may be made to the Angel Food Ministry at St. Catherine of Siena Church, PO Box 184, West Simsbury, CT 06092 or Doctors Without Borders USA, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD, 21741-5030, or to Hartford Hospital, c/o Fund Development Dept., PO Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102-5037. For online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.
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joe D'Esopo
June 5, 2021
Martin, always remember your quick wit and gentle manners.
Joe DESOPO
June 5, 2020
Martin was a remarkable man. It was my pleasure to have known him and called him a friend.
Joe D'Esopo
Catherine Hollis
December 4, 2014
Hi Sweetheart, you left us 3 1/2 years ago, we miss and love you every day, we will NEVER forget you.
With love Terri, Jason, and Sinead xoxoxo
Charlotte Mottram
July 21, 2011
Terri, Sinead and Jason,
I am so sorry to hear of Martin's passing. My condolences to all of you. My prayers are with you. I often think of all of you and regret that we lost touch after the girls grew up!
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Kim Mottram
July 21, 2011
Terri/Sinead/Jason
I'm sooo sorry for your loss. I just found out today...I had no idea he had been battling cancer. My thought and prayers are with you through this difficult time. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. I have many wonderful memories from growing up with you.
June 17, 2011
Terri and family,
Paul and I are so very sorry for the loss Martin who was such a great friend of ours. I can't think of any words to say that would make any difference in your grief except that he was so loved by everyone, and will be solely missed. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers and hope that you will find comfort in the memories of all the people whom you both met throughout Martin's music career. He always made us laugh and we will really miss him deeply.
Love, Cindi & Paul Gagliardi
Larry Goulart
June 17, 2011
I was very sad to hear of Martin's passing. A "smoking buddy' at the S.O.B., we had many interesting conversations. Of an age, we swapped stories of growing up, he in England, I in the US. Not a fan of Country, he jarred open a door for me that had previously been closed. His football rabidity was also eye-opening to me. Some of his stories that at the time made me laugh out loud, today still bring me a smile when I think of them. The world is definitely a lesser place with his passing.
Juliann Lapollo
June 17, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. He was a kind and friendly person at the State Dept. of Education.
Pete Prowda
June 15, 2011
Terri
I just heard about Marty's passing. I am so sorry for your, Jason's and Sinead's loss. He was truly one of the good guys. I will miss him. My best to you and the family.
Pete Prowda
Pat Murray
June 14, 2011
So sorry to hear of Martin's passing. I have so many fond memories of his Country singing and requests for him to sing at every function I attended for CCMA.
He was a true gentleman, a loving family man and had a keen sense of quick wit.
So glad his suffering is over and he is at peace.
Steven Morson
June 14, 2011
It is still difficult to believe that he has left us.
My thoughts are with Terri, Jason and Sinead. As has been said, truly a man who could light up a room, as I saw on too few occasions. I was deeply proud that he was my cousin.
June 13, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am a co-worker at the Dept. of Education and have known Martin all these years. He was such a kind and happy person. May God grant your family His peace! Avis Kelly
Elaine Snyder
June 13, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I worked with Martin at the Dept of Education.
Joseph Cravero
June 13, 2011
Terri,
So sorry to hear of Martin's passing. All of us in the extended Smith family have appreciated your friendship, help, and support over the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ginger Gaynor
June 12, 2011
We are deeply sorry to hear about your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
The Gaynor Family,
Tim, Ginger Morgan and Evan
Marjorie (Midge) Becker
June 12, 2011
Dear Terri, Mandy and family....I was so sorry to read about Martin's passing. I didn't know him but I have such fond memories of you and the kids. Please know that I am thinking of you at the very difficult time and I certainly would love to see you sometime....I'm still at Best Dressed Kids and you all became such good friends. Again, my prayers and thought are with you all
Patricia Hollingsworth
June 12, 2011
Terri, Jason, Sinead,
We are so sorry to hear about your husband and father Martin. Not only was he a nice and generous man, he touched the lives of so many people with his kindness and with his beautiful voice. His humor would light up a room with laughter. He will be greatly missed. Martin and your family are in our prayers,
The Hollingsworth Family
Eva, Patty & Wayne
Joseph D'Esopo
June 11, 2011
I am very sorry to hear about Martin's passing. He was a good friend and a wonderful person. He will be missed.
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364 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT 06035
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