Herbert J. Holl
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Published in December 2024
Feeding Hills- Herbert J. Holl Jr., 70, beloved husband for 46 years to Teresa (Brueno) Holl, passed away peacefully, November 29, 2024, with his loving family by his side at Baystate Noble Hospital, following a courageous battle against ALS.
Herb was born on January 26, 1954 in West Point, NY, the son of Herbert J. Holl Sr. (deceased), and Shirley L. (Knoeppel) Holl. He attended Southwick Schools and graduated from Southwick High School in 1972. During his time there, he was actively involved with the gymnastics team, track team, and ski club. He continues to hold the record for the 100M Hurdles since 1972. During his high school years, Herb worked at Nestrovich Orchard in Granville, MA. He was also on the Ski Patrol at Southwick Ski Resort. In 1972, he started his engineering career as a Draftsman at Hi-G Inc., in Windsor Locks, CT. He continued his career at Magnetec Corp, in Bloomfield, CT, as a Chief Draftsman. Herb spent the remainder of his career at Hamilton Standard, currently Collins Aerospace. He retired in 2020 as a Manager in Draft/Design Services for Propulsion Systems Enterprise. During retirement, he enjoyed volunteering at the New England Air Museum restoring airplanes for a short time as well as attending Romeo Luncheons.
Herb taught his children life’s most valuable attributes by example. He was dependable, supportive, and reliable. He was resourceful and creative. Herb was generous and kind. He enjoyed designing and working on various construction projects. “If Papa can’t fix it, no one can.” A loving father, he participated in many activities with his children including coaching soccer, baseball, and as a band parent. Herb enjoyed vacationing with family and spending quality time with his grandchildren. When he was working outside, Herb was always accompanied by his “granddog,” Roxie. Their favorite activity was playing fetch.
He is predeceased by his father, Herbert J. Holl Sr.(2019); brother in law, Robert L. Brueno (2019).In addition to his wife, Herbert is survived by his mother Shirley L. Holl of Southwick, devoted son and daughter: Christopher J. Holl and wife Kristie of Chicopee, Alicia (Holl) Ropeter and husband Matthew of Westfield; 6 cherished grandchildren, Gabreana, Liam, Olivia, and Madelyn Ropeter, Charlotte and Ethan Holl; a brother in law, David Brueno and wife Amy of Suffield, CT; nieces Sarah (Brueno) Vara and husband Lance of Halifax, MA, Rachel Brueno of Suffield, CT; a great-niece, Emily Vara; and many treasured friends and family. Herb will be remembered for his profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by all.
Calling hours will be held on December 8, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick. Final calling hour will be on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 9:30 AM at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will follow at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 127 Holyoke Rd., Westfield at 11:00 AM. Following mass, a graveside service will be held at New Southwick Cemetery, 330 College Highway, Southwick.
Herb’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Compassionate Care ALS for their support and supplying equipment to make his life more accommodating during his battle. They would also like to recognize the Nurses, Personal Care Technicians, and the Respiratory Team at Baystate Noble Hospital for their heartfelt care of Herb during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 or online at ccals.org.
