Stewart Holley

Stewart C. Holley Sr., 89, of Connecticut, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. On that quiet morning, he walked to his favorite chair, sat down, and gently fell asleep, leaving this world in the same peaceful manner he had lived.

Born on March 5, 1937, in North Carolina to the late Lily Anthony and Steward Holley, Stewart was the second oldest of twelve children. He often recalled his Southern upbringing with warmth and humor, proudly sharing stories of a childhood where, despite having little, his family was rich in love and happiness. He carried that same spirit throughout his life.

In 1956, Stewart married Mary Holley, and together they shared 70 beautiful years of marriage. He worked for 38 years at American Cyanamid in Wallingford, Connecticut, where he formed many lifelong friendships. After retiring, he devoted himself to his family, especially supporting his grandchildren at sporting events and celebrating their academic accomplishments. He was known for his warm spirit, playful sense of humor, and gift for storytelling, always ready with a joke or a fond memory that brought laughter to those around him.

Stewart was a faithful member of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, where he served as a Deacon. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children Stewart (Janice) Holley, Kent Holley (Iris) of Middletown, and Raquel (Kevin) of Florida; his son-in-law Rudy Bell; his cherished grandchildren Seegee, Quentin (Elaine), Brittney, Robert, Brandon, Kiari (Melissa), Kareece, Ryan, Kevin, and Taylor; and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings William Anthony, Burt Anthony, Barbara Holley, Marie Hardy, Jessica (Bruce) Watford, Shirley Tomlin, Cora Anthony, and sister-in-law Delores Holley, along with many loving nieces, nephews, friends, cousins, church family, and former coworkers.

He was preceded in death by his son Ronnie Holley; daughters Susan Holley Bell and Carol Holley; granddaughter Tawana Bourne; great-grandson Keshawn Lewis; and siblings Clarence Holley, Thelma Jones Holley, James Holley, and Marvin Lane (Mollie), along with brother-in-law Theodore (Joe) Holley and sisters-in-law Pheobe Holley and Pam Anthony.