Joseph Fairfield "Joe" Holdridge Jr.

1945 - 2022

Mystic - Joseph "Joe" Fairfield Holdridge Jr., 76, of Mystic, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family March 14, 2022. Joe was born in New London, April 20, 1945.

He was known for his occasional high-spirited shenanigans, never saying "no" to a dare, and taking a pie to the face during his time at Stonington High School where he graduated in 1963. As a young man, his love for his country led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of sergeant and proudly served from 1963 to 1967.

Joe owned and operated Holdridge Painting and Holt Brother's Septic Service. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family (especially his grandchildren), being in nature, reminiscing with old friends and frequenting construction sites. He was most known for his peculiar sense of humor, his kindheartedness, standing up for his beliefs, as well as the sparkle in his eyes and a light sprinkle of mischief. He was always one to take the back roads, not being caught in the mainstream of life.

Joe will be remembered with a smile by his wife, Michele Leventhal Holdridge; his children, Joseph Holdridge III, Duane Holdridge and his wife Aileen, Monique Crouse, Alden Holdridge and his wife Jenn, Amanda Holdridge and Rebecca Holdridge; his beagle Lucy; his grandchildren: Ray and his wife Jenny, Chelsea and her husband Kyle, Katelyn, Connor, Dillon, Haley, Wyatt and Preston; and his great-grandchildren, Ray-Ray, Jaxon and Grace. He is also survived by his siblings: twin sister Jay Burdick and Shirley Greene and her husband Noyes, Donna Lamphiere and her husband Leroy, Edward Holdridge and John Holdridge; along with his large extended family. Joe is predeceased by his parents, Joseph Fairfield Holdridge Sr. and Priscilla June Tift Holdridge; sisters, Priscilla "Ruthie" Holdridge Riffle and Rosie Holdridge Antognoli; and his beagle Doyle.

There was only so much time that a body could hold onto a soul like his. "Semper Fi, Dad!"

In lieu of the Viking funeral that he always thought he would have, calling hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. Funeral services and his burial will be private. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org). Joe believed that our veterans deserve better.