Thomas Clyde Hollocher

Thomas Clyde Hollocher, Jr., 91, of Sudbury, MA, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2022. He was emeritus professor of biochemistry at Brandeis University, where he taught for 38 years. Tom's love and enthusiasm for science inspired students, family and friends to treasure the universe in which we live.

Born in Norristown, PA, to Thomas Clyde Hollocher and Catharine Emma (Bernhard) Hollocher, Tom graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in chemistry. In Worcester, he met his beloved wife of 69 years, Pamela Ann Moon of West Springfield, MA, while she was earning her nursing degree at Memorial Hospital of Worcester. Tom went on to graduate from the University of Rochester with his PhD in biochemistry and completed a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in biochemistry at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Tom was passionate about travelling, mountain climbing, gardening, paleontology, and supporting his community. He traveled to many countries, including Sweden, Slovenia, Iceland, China, Australia and Argentina, where he immersed himself into local cultures and grew to love the people he met. Tom led groups of friends and family on mountain climbing trips, particularly to Mt. Monadnock, as he gave lessons on the geological history of the areas. His knowledge of biochemistry enabled him to handsomely nourish his gardens, from which copious harvests of vegetables, fruits and nuts were shared. Tom and Pam participated in dinosaur digs in San Juan, Argentina, Montana, Utah, and North Dakota. Tom shared fossils and facts of the majestic prehistoric animals in inspiring presentations that included visits to elementary schools. Tom was passionate about local organizations, especially those involved with local politics, history, education, arts, and environment.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Moon Hollocher; his loving children, Kurt Thomas Hollocher and his wife, Janet, of Schenectady, NY, Susan Hollocher Kirby and her boyfriend, Peter Tristan, of Tewksbury, MA, Bruce Coleman Hollocher and his wife, Cheryl, of Staunton, VA; his cherished grandchildren, Coleman Hollocher, Emily Hollocher and her husband, Andrew Feeley, April Farmer and her partner, Nicholas Martucci, Alexandra Farmer, Robert Hollocher, Alice Hollocher, Jane Kirby, and Julia Kirby; his many delightful nieces and nephews; and pre-deceased by his brother, William Clifford Hollocher.

A Memorial Service for Tom will be held at the First Parish Church of Sudbury, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA, on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Family, friends and colleagues are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to The First Parish Church of Sudbury, The Musicians of the Old Post Road, The Sudbury Historical Society or The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).