William F. Holland

Middlebury- William F. Holland, 58, a man devoted to his loving family, died at his home on August 8, 2022 after a long and courageous fight against cancer for over 17 years. Bill was born in Buffalo, New York on September 13, 1963, the son of the late Francis K. Holland, Sr. and Mary Ellen Fitzgerald Holland. He graduated from George Washington University earning his B.A. degree in Political Science.
After being awarded his J.D. degree by the University of Michigan School of Law in 1988, Bill began his career at Carmody and Torrance and subsequently practiced as a trial attorney specializing in insurance defense, most recently at Farmers Insurance Co. Bill also made time to help people in need with their legal issues and mentored many colleagues.

Bill, always the life of the party, was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. A great writer and storyteller, Bill loved to tell tales of his escapades, especially those with his brothers. He brought true delight to the many people who were lucky enough to know him. He enjoyed gatherings with his family and friends and approached life vivaciously. The Fourth of July, Christmas Eve, pumpkin carving, sporting events, music festivals and the Goshen Fair were some of his favorite occasions. He was an
avid fan of the New York Mets and enjoyed baseball road trips.

Bill was a music archaeologist and shared his musical knowledge with others by introducing them to different types of music, enhancing the joy of music for so many people. For several years he hosted a Sunday morning jazz program on WZBG FM. In fact, he was dubbed the “Picture of Perfection “ in the article “All that Jazz” published in the Waterbury Republican because of his ability to juggle his law practice and host a weekly radio show.

Bill was a lover of animals and served as a board member of the Southbury Dog Park, where he could be seen with his faithful Irish Wolfhound, Kaya.

Bill is survived by his wife, Maryanne Nigro Holland, his daughter, Francesca Holland, and his son, Luke Holland, who made him immeasurably proud and were by his side throughout his illness. He is also survived by his brothers, Francis K. Holland; Jeremiah Holland and his wife Michele of Berkeley California; and James Holland and his wife Alycia of Woodstock, Connecticut; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 10 a.m. at St. John of The Cross Church, 1263 West St, Middlebury, CT 06762. Burial will follow at Lake Elise Cemetery. Friends and family may gather on Sunday, August 14, 2022 at the Munson Lovetere Funeral Home 2 School Street, Woodbury, Connecticut from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The family would like to thank Iris and Bea who were most helpful to Bill and the nursing staff of Hartford Healthcare Hospice.

Donations in Bill’s honor may be made to the Leever Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, Connecticut and The Friends of the Dog Park, P.O. Box 58, Southbury, CT. Family & friends are encouraged to share a memory of comfort for his family at www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

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