John I. Holden Of Lake Ronkonkoma And Formerly Of Southampton Dies October 13

John I. Holden of Lake Ronkonkoma, and formerly of Southampton, died peacefully on October 13. He celebrated his 100th birthday this past January and his 74th wedding anniversary this past September.

He was born at the family home on Hill Street in Southampton on January 17, 1921, to his parents Lester and Marion Holden. He graduated from Southampton High School, and later Cornell University with a degree in civil engineering. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in World War II as a cartographer.

On returning home from the war, he married Bernice Lewis of Southampton and pursued a lifetime career as a civil engineer and land surveyor serving the Southampton Town community while raising their three children.

He was a member and volunteer in numerous community organizations such as the Boy Scouts, past president of the Rotary Club, board member of the Rogers Memorial Library, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Southampton Fresh Air Home, and the First Presbyterian Church of Southampton. For more than 50 years he was in charge of removing and replacing American flags on Veterans Day and Memorial Day for all war veterans’ graves at local cemeteries. He was a lifetime blood donor.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Betty Nugent and Nancy Fleming, and a brother, James Holden. He is survived by his children, Mary Maran, George Holden, Lester Holden and his partner Patricia Carr; and grandchildren Paige Maran Yoder, Chad Maran, John Holden, and David Holden; great-grandchildren Elyse Maran, Grace Maran, and Sadie Maran.

A visitation, American Legion service, and funeral service were held at the Brockett Funeral Home. Interment with U.S. Army honors followed at Southampton Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Southampton at a later date.

Donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Southampton or to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.