Edward M. Holden

edward holden
Edward M. “Bud” Holden, Jr. passed away Monday, May 11, 2020, at Beverly Hospital from complications of Covid-19. He was the husband of Debra Malionek Collins. He was 69. Son of the late Edward M. and Geraldine G. (Russell) Holden, Bud was born in Augusta, ME and raised in Danvers. As a child he spent many treasured summers with his family in Augusta, ME, and as adult, enjoyed his peaceful escape on Mousam Lake in Acton, ME, where he shared many years of wonderful memories with his family and friends. Bud graduated from Danvers High School, Class of 1968, and Lesley College. In high school he started working at the former Hunt Hospital until it sadly closed. He then transferred to Beverly Hospital where he worked until his retirement, leaving as Director of Facilities in 2016. Bud was also a proud and beloved member of the Topsfield Police Department for 33 years, a familiar face seen working in that town and at the Topsfield Fair. Bud was very involved in his hometown community. At the time of his death, he was a long serving, governor-appointed member of the Board of Directors at the Hogan Regional Center, and was President of Walnut Grove Cemetery. He was a large presence in the Lahey Healthcare Organization. Bud was owner of Holden Consulting. Bud’s greatest joy was his daughter Kiely Rebecca Holden, his “Traba”, to whom he was totally devoted, and of whom he was incredibly proud. In addition to his daughter and wife, Bud is survived by his sons John, Kevin and Brendan Collins, all of Danvers; his sister Susan Sullivan of PA, several nieces and nephews, and many in-laws. The family would like to thank the staff at Beverly Hospital for their care and kindness, for ensuring that Bud was not alone during his illness. He will always be remembered fondly by many friends and colleagues. Due to the restrictions of coronavirus, funeral services are private. A celebration of Bud’s life will be held at a later date. Donations in Bud’s memory may be made to The Topsfield Police Department Relief Association, 210 Boston St, Topsfield, MA 01983, or to The American Nurses Foundation Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses, P.O. Box 504342, Saint Louis, MO 63150. Arrangements are under the direction of C.R. Lyons and Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.

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  1. Dear Deb and family, my sincere condolences at this difficult time.
    Sincerely
    Ginny Gallant Sidmore

  2. Kiely, I wanted to send you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad. Please know that I am thinking of you. Please take care and hope to see you soon.
    Diane Ricciardelli – Bass River

  3. As member of the Hogan Board of Trustees Bud was was a tremendous support to me in many ways – I will never forget his kindness, humor and honesty.

  4. I am so sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. He was so kind, caring and always there to lend a helping hand. He was a great friend and colleague to so many. He will be so very missed. Love to you all.
    With Deepest Sympathy
    Pam Gagnon

  5. There are few people in life that can bring a smile to your face just with their presence, and Bud was one of them. Working with him years ago at Hunt Hospital will provide me with fond memories of his quick wit, ability to diffuse volatile situations and calm manner at all times. My sympathy to your family who will feel a loss I can only imagine.

    Debbie McManus

  6. Heaven is getting a true angel. My deepest condolences to the family of this truly remarkable man! May God bless you. I will remember how much you made me laugh while we worked together at Topsfield PD. Never a dull shift. May you rest in eternal everlasting peace. šŸ™šŸ’™
    Caroline Guarino

  7. Hoping find memories will give you and Kiely comfort. I loved his stories and hugs. He will be missed by manyā£ļøļø

    Judy Bean Neitzel
    DHS Class of 68

  8. I am so very sorry. Buddy gave me my first job at Hunt Memorial Hospital in the security department after i got out of the marines. His kindness and leadership set my life’s course in EMS and positioned me to be where i am today. Over the years our paths would cross and Bud always had time for a smile and conversation. I am so sorry.

  9. Knew Buddy for 18 years at the old Hunt, a good guy who kept an eye on everything, including us. My condolences to his family.

    Ed Hutchins- St. Augustine Beach, FL

  10. Kiely,
    I am very sorry for the loss of your father. Know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time.
    Love,
    Lauren Anderson
    Great Oak School

  11. Deb and Kiely, I am so sorry for your loss. Bud and I both worked for Beverly hospital (lahey) and both police officers. He was a wonderful man and father. May God welcome him with open arms. He will be missed by many. God bless and watch over you and the family in this trying time.
    Stan Trocki

  12. To Debbie, Kiely and family, I am so sorry for you loss. I have known Bud since 1975, my whole professional life. We were young and learning at the Hunt and so happy to work together the last 14 year at Beverly. I was so fortunate to talk to Bud a week ago before he went to the unit. We were laughing about being old, rivals from August and Gardiner Maine. He shared how much he loved his family. Always funny, fresh and positive, you were all so lucky to have him, my prayers and hugs go to all of you. Fay Curtis

  13. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy at such a difficult time as this. Love and prayers
    Alice Lipinski Tierney

  14. My deepest condolences to all of you . Bud was a friendly guy always with a good story on a fun memory of his life . May he Rest In Peace šŸ™šŸ»šŸ™šŸ»

  15. My time at Beverly was short, but Bud made a big impression. His kindness was what made him a great asset to all

  16. I’m so sorry to hear of this great loss. I so enjoyed seeing Bud’s posts especially with Kiely. What a great person. I’m sure he has received a great welcome😢

  17. Bud was my student at Holten Richmond junior high in 1963. He was kind and delightful and we remained friends for all these years. Most sincere condolences to family, but to the rest of us as well. We have lost a truly lovely man, and I will miss seeing him.

  18. My deepest condolences to Bud’s family. You were his greatest love. Buddy was a truly kind, giving, and compassionate man. A true ā€œGentle Manā€. Our hearts are heavy now, but in life Buddy brought joy to everyone around him. My best memories from the years I worked for TPD, were shifts with Bud Holden, and Donnie Walsh. So much laughter!! The muscles around my jaw would ache at the end of an eight hour shift! I last saw Buddy at Donnies funeral where I found out how Bud cared for Donnie, while he was battling cancer. Not shocking, and so comforting to know Buddy was there for Donnie. Just like he’s been there for everyone who was lucky enough, and blessed to know him. We’ve lost a great man. My sympathy to the members of the Topsfield Police Department, past and present, and to the Hospital Community. Godspeed Buddy.

    Jeff Liacos

  19. Buddy was my neighbor growing up. Both our parents were good friends and did a lot together. We went up to their camp. Both Buddy & his sister Susan use to babysit me. My condolences to your family.

  20. My deepest condolences. Bud and I had a lot of laughs and good times. So sad. I pray for you all.
    Sandy Normand

  21. To Debbie, Susan and Kiely—-
    Bud and I had some great times –and laughs — many many moons ago. I will always cherish them– and all the good Bud did in the. world,.

    Gary Larrabee

  22. Dear Deb, Kiley and the boys,

    As a Centre Street neighbor, we enjoyed watching and enjoying his avid gardening skills and racing with his lawn tractor with our son, Marc to cut everything in their paths. Sometimes their smoke alarm would go off and he would apologize saying he wasn’t the one cooking! When Kiley came to live with Deb and Bud, he said it was the best decision he ever made….a truly devoted father. He was a presence wherever he went and was very instrumental in our son, Marc, Joining him on the Danvers Cemetery Board. We know he will enjoy the sun and another kind of Man Cave. He was one of a kind, a terrific neighbor, always ready with a wave and smile. We will continue to pray for Deb, Kiley and the boys.
    Warmly sent,
    Paul and Marcia Sidmore

  23. I first met Bud when I was working for the Topsfield Board of Selectmen in the early 1980’s. He would stop by office when he was at town hall. Lots of talk about the Fair and how the Selectmen were always trying to get more money from the Fairgrounds šŸ™‚

    I connected with him again when I started working for the Town of Danvers. I worked with him and the Preservation Commission on a rehab project at the Walnut Grove Cemetery.

    Bud was a funny, dedicated man and a force of nature. So sorry that he is no longer with us.

  24. Debra, Kiely, and family
    Buddy and Susan were very dear cousins. Stan, Peter and I spent many happy moments with them, all family holidays and some crazy trips to Boston during vacations. One year at the Ice Capades. Buddy disappeared to Aunt Gerry’s dismay. That was Buddy from the beginning. he was the leader of us..
    We got older and he was working for the police department and entertained with sense of humor with his stories. We lived in Topsfield for many years so spent even more time together. So many many wonderful memories.
    I am so grateful that when visiting Mousam Lake last summer at a college friends that Bud picked me up in his party boat and took me to visit with Debra , Kiely and the 2 dogs.
    This will be a wonderful memory of the last time together.
    He was a wonderful cousin and dedicated to the many boards he served on.So much energy for giving his time.
    He will be missed.
    My deepest sympathy to Debra , Kiely and family. This is a tremendous loss for you..
    My all your memories bring you peace.
    Carol Cole LaClair and Stan and Peter

  25. I had the pleasure of getting to know Bud while working at both Beverly Hospital and Lahey. It was great to work with Bud. What I will remember most are the funny conversations of life and family. Truly a good man.

    My thoughts and prayers to the Holden family.

    Rest in peace my friend.

  26. We’ll miss Bud’s quick wit and his eagerness to help out a friend in need. Our heartfelt condolences to you, Kiely and the boys.
    Jan, Ed, Sam & Julie

  27. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

    Ken and Gloria Harrison

  28. Upon joining the Danvers Kiwanis Club of Danvers, Bud was among the first of many “new” friends to welcome me to and get involved in service to the Danvers community. That was in 1988 and as a rookie I learned a great deal from him; Danvers has lost a wonderful person with his untimely passing. Rest in Peace my friend and comfort to those you have left behind.

    Alan Hartnett

  29. My Condolences for your loss.
    At 25, I first met Bud at the Hunt Center and had worked for many years in Plant Ops with him. I’ve know him my whole career of 20 plus years at Beverly Hospital. His sense of humor and warmth has been missed in our halls. I loved running into him occasionally over the last few years. With a quick hug and few minutes of catch up, he would be running off to help out. He will be terribly missed.
    Julia


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