John E. Holston

ORANGE- John E. Holston, lifelong resident of Orange, died December 6, 2023 at the age of 94.

He was born in North Orange on March 24, 1929, the son of Leslie and Mary (Blackmer) Holston.  He graduated from Orange High School in 1946 and enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1946-1950 as  an electricians mate aboard the USS Nanantahala and spent time in occupied Japan teaching civilians to wire houses as part of the post WWII reconstruction effort.

He married Ruth Brunelle in 1951, who he had known since early childhood, and they raised 6 children.

Upon returning from the service, John went to work at Union Twist Drill and enrolled in the Apprentice program. After graduating, he advanced through levels of responsibility and became the Director of Manufacturing. He founded a spin off company, Athol Cutter and Carbide in Lord Pond Plaza in Athol, in 1985, which today is owned by Arch Cutting Tools, KEO Cutter.

He served the Town of Orange on the Orange Airport Commission in the 1960’s, and as Chairman, and served on the Town of Orange Board of Selectmen from 1973-1975 and was a founding member of the Town Planning Board.

John was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and was a past Chairman. He was a member of the Camp Cheneo Association and the Athol/Orange Lodge of Elks.

In the 1960’s, John cofounded a Model Airplane Club for youth in the towns of Athol and Orange, teaching youth 12 years old and up to build and fly their own model airplane. Classes were held in his home basement, later moving to the Athol Fire Station.

In his younger years, John enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and building and flying model airplanes. He was an accomplished harmonica player. He took up golf and was a member of the Petersham Country Club and played in the Twilight League. He became a passionate motorcyclist and went for many joy rides around New England. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, cooking and made many Sunday dinners for the family. He was a devoted husband and family man.

John and his wife Ruth enjoyed vacationing along the Maine coast.

John became a dedicated caregiver when his wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and subsequently suffered a stroke  in the 1970’s, and was able to keep her at home until a few years before her passing in 2004.

John was a communicant of St Mary’s Church in Orange, was a lector and the parish’s first Eucharistic minister.

John leaves sons John (Diane) of Athol, James (Nancy) of Scarborough, ME, daughters Julie Holston of West Boylston, and Jody Langlois (Darrin) of Athol, four granddaughters, Amelia, Olivia, Grace, and Claire, two great grandsons, Carter and Reid. Three sisters Mary Jane Dwelly, Irene Walsh and Francis Lind.

 He was predeceased by his parents, wife Ruth, daughter Janine, son Jeffrey, half-sister Dorothy Beroth, and half-brother Leslie “Pete” Holston

There are no calling hours.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Dec 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Orange, followed by burial in Gethsemane Cemetery in Athol.

John was a member and passionate supporter of the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Owls Head Transportation Museum, PO Box 277, Owls Head, ME 04854 (owls head.org)

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and  directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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