Thomas F. Holt Sr.

Thomas F. Holt Sr. died on February 21, 2013 in Boston. He was 91 years old. Mr. Holt was born in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of Albert E. Holt and Catherine Leonard Holt and brother of the late Albert E. Holt, Jr., William F. Holt and Kathleen Holt Howell. . A graduate of LaSalle Academy class of 1941, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard serving in the Pacific where he was wounded when his ship was attacked by enemy aircraft. For his service to his country, Mr. Holt was awarded The Purple Heart.

In 1947, Mr. Holt married Dorothy Brennan Holt, his wife of more than 62 years. Mrs. Holt died in 2009. One of the last of a dwindling generation, Mr. Holt was not only a warm and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, but also a successful entrepreneur. Mr. Holt was the founder and owner of Dutchland Farm, one of New England’s early convenience store chains which grew to number 60 stores employing more than 100 people at its peak. Presiding over four generations, Mr. Holt enjoyed summers in Narragansett, RI with his family and many friends.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Jane Holt of Boston, four grandchildren, Catherine Holt Kolodij, Martha Holt Castle, Thomas F. Holt III and Andrew C. Holt and their spouses. He also leaves behind the enduring legacy of his six great grandchildren, Charlotte, Hollis and Ruby Kolodij, Tobin Holt Castle, Thomas F. Holt IV, and Adelaide Dorothy Holt and extended family members, Joana Jesus, Nathaniel Lopes and many nieces and nephews.

Family will be receiving guests from 9:30-10am at the Boston Harborside Home, 580 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02109 on Saturday, Feb. 23, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Cecilia Church, 18 Belvidere St., Boston, at 11AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to LaSalle Academy, 612 Academy Avenue, Providence, RI 02908.