Condolences on the Passing of Thomas Joseph Holland

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Thomas Joseph Holland, the devoted husband of the late Veronica "Ronnie" Holland for 55 years. Thomas was a beloved father, grandfather and good friend to many; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Joseph Holland was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up with a loving family that had recently immigrated from Ireland. After graduating from college in 1959, Thomas married Veronica, the love of his life, and together they built a beautiful life in Rhode Island while raising their three daughters, Marybeth Holland O’Hearn, Patricia Holland Draves, and Margaret Holland McDuff. Throughout his life, Mr. Holland strongly embraced the principles and values of family, education, and hard work; and

WHEREAS, Tom worked tirelessly throughout his life to provide for his family and loved ones and was able to do so thanks to his highly successful career in sales and marketing for specialty chemical companies. He took great pride in assisting and advising his clients to successfully bring their visions and ideas to fruition; and

WHEREAS, In retirement, Tom and his wife enjoyed the snowbird lifestyle, as they divided their time between Cape Cod and Fort Myers, Florida. Both homes became gathering places for their children and grandchildren, where many living room “musical shows” were held, along with joyous th of July lobster celebrations; and

WHEREAS, After his wife’s passing, Mr. Holland devoted his life to the Secular Franciscan Order, living out the Gospel through charity, humility and kindness within the nurturing communities at St. Columbkille Church in Fort Myers, later at St. Patrick Church in Grand River, Iowa, and most recently at the Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, In his final years, Mr. Holland settled in the Midwest with his daughter Patricia and her husband, Jeffrey, where he shared his New York humor and sensibilities with his new-found friends; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his children, Marybeth Holland O’Hearn, Patricia Holland Draves, and Margaret Holland McDuff, Mr. Holland leaves behind his six grandchildren, Kati, Kara, Benjamin, William, Thomas, and Matthew, his sister, Peggy, and two sons-in-law, Jeffrey and Michael. Mr. Holland was preceded in death by his wife, Veronica, his granddaughter, Alison, his son-in-law, Tom, his brother, Edward, and other family members; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Thomas Joseph Holland; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Marybeth Holland O’Hearn, Patricia Holland Draves, and Margaret Holland McDuff.