Joseph G. A. Holden

Joseph G. A. Holden, 83, of Harrisburg (Chambers Hill) peacefully passed away in the presence of family on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He was the husband of Nancy A. Holden (Alsvary) of 57 years. Joe was born in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania on December 7, 1937, the son of the late William and Josephine Holden. He was preceded in death by four sisters and a brother. Joe graduated from the Milton Hershey School, Dickinson College, and the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his Master’s Degree. Joe served in the United States Navy and the United States Army Reserve, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He retired from the Veterans Administration after more than thirty years of service. Joe was a member of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, the American Legion Post 0998, the VFW Post 15040, and the Reserve Officers Association of The United States. Joe coached youth football for the St. Catherine Royals, and was an avid Baltimore Colts, Penn State, and Phillies fan. He was also a classic movie buff and enjoyed reading a good novel by James Patterson or John Grisham. He was a wonderful and devoted father and loving and supportive grandfather. Some of his greatest joy revolved around his eight grandchildren. Joe, a friend to all, who had the good fortune to cross his path, is survived by his wife, Nancy A. Holden, a son, Matthew Holden (Michelle) of Brentwood, Tennessee, a daughter, Kristen Conway (Mike) of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, eight grandchildren, Louis, Addie, Benny and Jude Guyer of Camp Hill PA, and Claire, Joe, Bobby, and Ben Holden of Brentwood, TN, and a sister, Josephine, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A viewing will be held at Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St. Harrisburg, PA on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 8:30 A.M. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:00 A.M. at St. Catherine Laboure Church, 4000 Derry St. Harrisburg, PA, with Rev. Joshua R. Weaver as Celebrant, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine Laboure Church, the American Cancer Society, the American Alzheimer’s Association, New Hope Ministries, or a charity of the contributors choice.