Keith S. Holden

ORANGE- Keith S. Holden, 78, of East River Street, died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Athol Hospital after being stricken ill at home earlier.

Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, on May 14, 1947, he was the son of Harry and Thelma (Green) Holden and moved to Orange in 1948 where he grew up and graduated from Ralph C. Mahar Regional School in the Class of 1965.

On February 7, 1966, Keith enlisted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged on February 6, 1969.

Keith married Arlene (Gates) on July 21, 2001 and enjoyed their 24 years together.

Employed by Wachusett Lumber in Hubbardston for a number of years before retiring, Keith had also worked at Van Huffel in Gardner.

Keith was an accomplished fisherman and enjoyed the time fly fishing. He was also a huge sports fan which included the New York Giants and Yankees, and attended Mahar football games.

Survivors include his loving wife, Arlene Holden of Orange; his children, Rachael Holden (Jeremy McHugh) of Phillipston, Tina Riddell of Greenfield, Paula Lavoine (Sean) of Greenfield, and Sheila Deane of Fitchburg; grandchildren, Dustin Holden of Athol, Kelsi McHugh of Athol, Karlee McHugh of Phillipston, Kaitlin Lavoine of Greenfield, Matthew Lavoine of Greenfield, Audriana Deane of Leominster and Leah Deane of Leominster; three great grandchildren, Melody Dolan, Norah Scricco, and Jaxson Holden.  Keith also leaves his sisters, Karen Truehart (Richard) of Athol, Kay Holden of Athol, and Kerry-Lynn Grimes (Mark) of Orange; and many nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, Keith was predeceased by a son, Ron Holden, a granddaughter Hope Dolan, a grandson Dakota Holden, a brother Harry “Kenny” Holden and his wife Jane Prescott Holden.

There are no calling hours.

A graveside service will be held on August 18, 2025 at 2 p.m. in South Cemetery, 585 South Main Street, Orange.

A celebration of life will follow at the Orange American Legion 40 Daniel Shays Highway, Orange.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Town of Athol, memo- NQ Animal Shelter, c/o Athol Police Dept., 280 Exchange Street, Athol, MA 01331 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.

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

WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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