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David Hollis Obituary
Holden - David Hollis, 67 of Holden, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2015 in his home with his family at his side. He was born in Worcester on January 7, 1948, the son of Stanley M. Hollis and Phoebe G. Hollis. David leaves his loving wife of 32 years, Diane. He is also survived by a son, Matthew Hollis and his spouse, Shawnee of Rutland; two brothers, Rick Hollis and his spouse, Patricia of Millbury and Peter Hollis and his spouse, Linda of Worcester; a grandson, Camron Hollis; nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. He leaves his best friends, Donald and Janet Richardson of Millbury.
David graduated from West Boylston High School in 1966 and Northeastern University in 1972. He earned a Master's degree in History from Northeastern and a Master's degree in Social Work from Boston College.
David worked as a clinical social worker for 34 years. Most recently, he worked for 15 years as the Director of Child and Family Counseling for the Jewish Family Service/JF&CS of Worcester. David derived great satisfaction from his work with his clients. He was privileged to work with many talented and caring colleagues/The Team.
In 1999, after the deaths of the 6 firefighters in the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse Fire, David joined the American Red Cross Central MA Chapter as a volunteer. In September, 2001, following the terrorist attacks, David helped organize the local Red Cross plan to assist families of those killed in Central MA. In October, David was called to Ground Zero to assist families in NYC. David considers his 2 weeks in NYC to be the most intense yet rewarding experience of his life. Since 2001, David has responded to local and national disasters, including the RI Nightclub Fire, Hurricane Katrina and the School Shootings in Newtown, CT. In 2013, he was appointed to be the first American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Advisor to MA.
In his free time, David enjoyed reading, staying fit, discussing the state of the world with Matthew, spending time with/going to movies with Diane, family vacations on the Cape, walks with his dog, Charlie, experiencing the indescribable joy of being a grandfather to Camron, watching/talking sports with Matthew and Rick, and playing dominoes with Diane, Rick, Pat, Don and Janet.
As an activity, David's passion was running. He was a competitive distance runner for many years, raced for the Central MA Striders Team, and completed two sub-2 hours 40 minutes Boston Marathons.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with David's family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 17 at the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main Street. Memorial donations may be sent to the American Red Cross Central MA Chapter, 2000 Century Drive, Worcester, MA 01606. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit
www.milesfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Hollis
May 11, 2015
As with others, Genie and I just learned of David's passing yesterday (Mother's Day) from our son, Michael! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Diane and Matt, as we first got to know your family when David coached Mike in his first soccer season (the Colts!).....way back when! Although we hadn't connected recently, David was always held in the highest regard when we thought of him and spoke of him. He was the consummate gentleman, a wonderful coach, and certainly a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend! We didn't know of all of his Red Cross involvement! God bless him! May the love of family, the treasured memories, and the love, comfort, peace, and assurance that only He can provide, be your portion in the days ahead. He was a wonderful inspiration to all who made his acquaintance! You and yours will remain in our thoughts and prayers, Diane and Matt!
Love and blessings,
Dennis & Genie Lindblom
Lax- Browning Family
May 9, 2015
Dear Diane
Nancy and I have been thinking of you a lot lately, and we are mourning David's passing. I didn't know David well, but I always liked him and saw him as one of the good guys, a decent, ethical, sensitive man and therapist who always connected to things that matter in this world. We will miss him and remember him for a long time to come. We regret missing services for David.We were in California meeting our new (and first) grandchild!
Love to you and the rest of the family
David
Dear Diane
Although David and I saw each other infrequently, we always had very unique and honest talks. I will miss him and always admire him for everything he did to make this a better world.
Love
Nancy
April 28, 2015
WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DAVID. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHT AND PRAYERS.ALWAYS TREASURE THE MEMORIES; THEY WILL HELP YOU GET THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
LAURIE FRYKHOLM AND FAMILY
Betsy Weiss
April 28, 2015
Diane and family, I never see these notices anymore so I apologize for reaching out so late. David was clearly an amazing man who touched hundreds and hundreds of lives. I hope his memory is a blessing to you all in the months and years to come.
Richard Lindo
April 24, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of David's passing. We worked together for 12 years at Fallon Clinic and I always valued both his clinical expertise and supportive personality. He was hired right after me and I remember the panic people had that we might lose him to another job. We were all fortunate we did not. He was a great therapist and a valued colleague. My sincere condolences to his family.
April 22, 2015
Dear Linda , Peter and family: I am so sorry for your loss, I am sure it has been heartbreaking for the whole family. I pray that you may find solace in the many fond memories you hold dear of David. By all accounts he was a wonderful man. Doug Tufts
Fran Mandeville
April 20, 2015
Ricky and Peter, I was so saddened to hear of David's passing. Please accept my condolences. Much love and respect to your families.
April 16, 2015
Condolences to the Hollis family. Amy Pasquale and Corey Pasquale
April 16, 2015
To the Hollis family...My sincere condolences for your loss. David was very helpful to my family during some difficult times.
Ginny Julian
Ruth Lutts
April 15, 2015
We are truly sorry that we cannot come to the viewing or memorial service. (Recent surgery prevents us.) Our prayers are with you all.
Hank and Pam Christiansen, and family
April 14, 2015
David has been a great friend and from time to time a colleague for nearly 35 years. There were many good, honest times, David was always steady and dependable. He loved his family and his work and was very good a both. Diane, Matt and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and David now and over the years to come.
Lisa Kamean-Silva
April 14, 2015
Dear Hollis family,
I am so sorry for your loss. David was a wonderful friend and colleague and he will be missed. His care, dedication and love for his family, friends/colleagues and clients is a model for all of us. May G-d help you navigate these difficult times.
Elaine Waters-Daverio
April 14, 2015
I was very saddened to hear of David's passing. He was a valued member of the steering committee for the Worcester Institute of Loss and Trauma for over a decade, sharing his knowledge and expertise to help ensure each year's conference was a huge success. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
Ron Law
April 14, 2015
To Rick and Peter, condolences on the loss of your brother. RIP, David.
Danielle Connors
April 14, 2015
I only knew Mr. Hollis through his counseling work, but I've always said that he was the only one who really got me. He was authentic,; remarkable in that way...in that role It's odd to think that I can't call and ask for an appt. w/ him anymore. Such a loss for all of those close to him. Mr. H.: you heard me all along, and I Thank You.
Lisa Holland
April 13, 2015
I'm very sad to hear of David's passing. His friendship, compassion, empathy and support guided our local Disaster team through some of the biggest, traumatizing disaster operations in our country's history. I was lucky enough to call him my friend. RIP David.
Anthony & Debra Maddox
April 13, 2015
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Maureen Valois
April 12, 2015
To David's family and friends; I am so sad to hear of his passing. I knew David through Red Cross; he and I were two of the first respnders at the Warwick Night Club Fire. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this most difficult time. May the wonderful memories you have of David bring you peace.
Nicole Valentine
April 12, 2015
My heart is heavy, yet forever appreciative to have had been blessed with David's support, counseling and compassion during some of our darkest hours over our 15 + years together at the Red Cross. He was the beacon of hope for some and the solid rock foundation for families, including my own ...families not only here in Worcester, but across the country. I am forever grateful and wish you all the peace and comfort that he had bestowed upon others. Shine on David, shine on!
Ken Epstein
April 12, 2015
It saddens me to hear of Davids passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Roger Trahan
April 12, 2015
Worked with David in the early 90's at Fallon Clinic. Just a nice, all around great guy. Peace, my friend.
Bob and Jody Jerszyk
April 12, 2015
Diane and Matt and family, so sorry for your loss. We had a lot of fun playing Poker years ago. Good times remembered.
James Delage
April 12, 2015
A more caring person could not be found, Thank you David the world has a hole in it with your passing
Jean DeSantis
April 12, 2015
Dear Pete and Linda and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this time.
Lots of Love Ron and Gig
Ken Epstein
April 12, 2015
I feel your pain and understand your loss. David was a gracious man that I had the fortune to meet professionally. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Serena Zumpano
April 11, 2015
I feel your loss and hope that fond memories help to heal your pain and loss ! Ryan and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers
Sue Connell
April 11, 2015
So very sad to learn of David's passing. He possessed such genuine kindness and remarkable courage. It is a blessing to have known David. To his family and close friends: May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
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