John E. Mole

HOLDEN - John Edwin Mole (81) died peacefully and in the company of his loving wife at their home in Holden on the morning of Friday, July 25, 2025. He was a resident of Holden for forty-three years.

John was born in Macon, Georgia on May 14, 1944 to Marvin and Roberta Mole. He graduated from Warner Robins High School before attending Berry College, where he majored in Chemistry and Biology. John earned his PhD in Biochemistry in 1972 from North Carolina State University and began his career as a Research Scientist and Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. John made several important contributions to research science and the medical field before retiring from the University of Massachusetts – Worcester. John received numerous awards and honors from The New York Academy of Sciences, The American Heart Association for his cardiovascular research, and letters from United States Congressmen and Senators, thanking him for his contributions to science. Despite his accomplishments, John was never a proud man, except when it came to his family. He admired and supported his wife as she accomplished her own educational and career goals, and he was a great source of strength and encouragement for his daughter, who was able to pursue her dreams of becoming a concert organist.

John met Jackie in the summer of 1970 when they worked together at NC State University. John quickly realized that he had met his life partner and the two were married on May 13, 1972. He continued to admire and hold affection for her until the day he died, and his commitment to her was unwavering through their marriage of fifty-three years. Though John was soft-spoken and reserved, he wouldn’t hesitate to tell friends and family what a wonderful person Jackie was.

John became a father in 1986, when his daughter, Amanda, was born. He was never more proud of anyone than he was of his daughter. He took the time to teach her everything he could – from life experience to how to build a successful career – and, in doing so, he instilled a love of hard work and drive in her while still showing her how much she was loved. John devoted most of his time in retirement to supporting Amanda’s goals and dreams and ensuring that she would have a full and happy life.

Family was always important to John, but he took a special interest in genealogy and personal family history. He acquired letters, old photographs, antiques, and other memorabilia associated with his family, and built an extensive family tree that contained more detail than any other family documents had accomplished in prior years. He formed relationships with extended family members, attended reunions, and frequently told fascinating stories about his life as a child. John especially enjoyed long chats with his siblings, with whom he was quite close.

To discuss John’s hobbies would be inexhaustible, as he took an interest in anything and everything that needed repair. His broad knowledge of home improvement, automobiles, and carpentry was constantly expanding as he regularly learned and mastered new skills. When it was time to relax, John enjoyed yardwork and gardening with his wife, berry-picking with his daughter, and exploring nature. John also enjoyed exercise in many forms. In the last few years, he found a wonderful group of people at the Holden Senior Center and enjoyed exercising with them every Tuesday and Thursday. He frequently spoke about his friends from exercise class and how much he looked forward to seeing them.

John lived his life with integrity and kindness. He helped many people in a variety of quiet ways to add positive contributions to their lives. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, his daughter, Amanda, his brothers Leonard and Roland, his sister, Gayle, and their families. Calling Hours for John are from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Miles Funeral Home (1158 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520). Donations can be made in John’s memory to the American Heart Association.