Alfred E. Sculthorpe, Jr.

HOLDEN - Alfred E. Sculthorpe, Jr., 89, of Holden, passed away August 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born and raised in Lakewood, NJ, Al was the son of the late Alfred E. Sculthorpe, Sr. and Dorothy C. (Buswell). He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, completing 4 years of active duty during the Korean War. Al then pursued his education at Rutgers University in Animal Medicine and later continued his studies in Animal Science at Michigan State University. Al also re-enlisted in the Navy Reserve in 1974 and served as a Navy Corpsman attached to the Marine Corps until his military retirement in 2000.

Following his academic years, Al lived in Oak Ridge, TN before making Holden his home in 1977, a place he embraced wholeheartedly and grew to love for all its small-town charm. Soon after, he began a long career at UMass Medical School as an Operations Manager in the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Department, where he also enjoyed teaching Microbiology.

Deeply committed to service, Al joined the Holden Fire Department as an on-call firefighter, serving his community from 1978 until 2000. He also dedicated 20 years as an EMT instructor for LOC Training. Beyond his professional and civic roles, Al was a proud member of The Rufus Putnam Lodge of Masons, the Amaranth Order, and the American Legion Post in Holden.

Al was known for his dry, witty sense of humor, which made him the funniest man you’d ever hope to meet. He had a natural gift for making friends, if you knew Al, you were a friend. His greatest joy came from time spent with his beloved wife Pat, especially their many mornings out for breakfast together. He also enjoyed taking trips to the hardware store with his grandchildren, which always involved a trip to Coney Island. He cherished the simple pleasure of sharing a meal, greeting familiar faces, and connecting with his community.

In his later years, Al enjoyed bowling with the Holden Senior League, attending Holden Senior Center events, and visiting the Morning Glory Café. A devoted family man, he will be remembered for his compassion, humor, and unwavering love for those closest to him.

He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia A. (Walling); his brother, Arthur N. Sculthorpe; and his grandson, Brian C. Sculthorpe. He is survived by his children, Linda G. Wallace and her husband John of Holden; Gregg B. Sculthorpe and his wife Donna of Holden; and Glenn C. Sculthorpe and his wife Holly of Kingsland, GA; along with his cherished grandchildren, Zachary Sculthorpe and Shea Sculthorpe, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, August 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Holden Council on Aging, 1130 Main Street, Holden, or Camden Special Steps, 112 Monticello Drive, Kingsland, GA 31548.