Richard W. Holroyd Jr.

GARDNER- Richard William Holroyd Jr., more fondly known as "Rick", "Ricky", or "Moose," 68, of Gardner, MA, passed away peacefully after a three year battle with cancer Friday, December 5th, 2025 at the Rose Monahan Hospice facility in Worcester, MA, surrounded by family and friends.

Rick was born on Monday, March 25th, 1957 in Fitchburg, MA, the son of Richard William Holroyd Sr. and Valerie C. Holroyd (Boucher) and was raised in Westminster, MA. In 1975, he graduated from Oakmont Regional High School. He attended Fisher College and received his certification in Information Technology in 1998. In his earlier years, he worked as a Warehouse Manager for the Hope Group in Fitchburg, MA. He drove tour buses for the entertainment industry including various bands, popular musicians, and broadway theatrical tours. He was the IT Director for the Advanced Science and Math Academy Charter School in Marlborough, MA. He was an IT technician for the Great Brooks Valley Healthcare Center in Worcester, MA. He drove tractor trailers for a variety of companies including E.J. Wyson, Spuria & Sons, AR Logistics, Dee Transportation, and Puffer Transportation. Rick's current Employer was E.J. Wyson, where he shared a bond with his Drivers and friends.

Rick had an adventurous spirit and a vast array of interests. He could light up a room with laughter with a joke, a story, or even just a slow, dry wave of his hand. He loved the outdoors, be it exploring on land or in the water, and he had a fondness for and a deep connection with his animals – his horses (especially his horse Lyle), goats, dogs, and cats – all of them rescues. None were spared from being given a loving or silly nickname.

Other passions included Dirt and Trail-Biking as well as Four-Wheeling, Hiking and Camping, and Diving (Rick was certified in Basic, Advanced and Rescue). Rick also participated in different triathalons at least ten times in his lifetime including the Boston Monster and Livestrong Triathalons.

He leaves behind his sister, Joyce Holroyd-McGuire and niece, Megan McGuire, his former wife and friend, Michelle Bianco, as well as many cousins, relatives, and friends. He was predeceased by his Father, Richard W. Holroyd Sr. and Mother, Valerie C. Boucher, and brother in-law Ronald E. McGuire.

From the bottom of their hearts, the Family would like to thank the Bone Marrow Transplant Team under the direction of Dr. Jan Cerny at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center as well as the dedicated and compassionate staff of the Rose Monahan Hospice Center in Worcester, MA.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UMASS Memorial Health in memory of Richard (Rick) W. Holroyd Jr. to support patient care at: UMASS Memorial Health Office of Philantropy at 365 Plantation St. Biotech One, Suite 301, Worcester, MA, 01605. Contributions may also be made to the Rose Monahan Hospice House in memory of Richard (Rick) William Holroyd Jr. to support patient care at: VNA Care Fund Development, 67 Millbrook St. 500 North, Worcester, MA, 01606.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 17th, at 11:00am in St. Edward the Confessor Church, 10 Church Street, Westminster, MA. There will be no calling hours, and burial will be held at a later date at the discretion of the family.