Obituary of Alvin Donald Holden

A. Donald Holden, 84 of State College, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at Juniper Village of Brookline.  Born August 10, 1933 in Greensburg, PA, Don was the son of the late Alvin T. and Ida Mae (Stocker) Holden.  On August 13, 1955, Don married Joyce Burrell who preceded Don in death.  Don is survived by his three sons, Dale A. Holden of Delmont, PA; Barry L. Holden and wife, Vanessa, of State College; and Todd A. Holden and wife, Lisa, of Port Matilda.  Don was a devoted grandfather to his six grandchildren, Renee A. Holden of Ford City; Olivia M. Holden of Portland, Oregon, Sara E. Holden of Richmond, VA, Brett A. Holden of Herndon, VA, Joseph B. Holden of Port Matilda, and Anna M. Holden of Port Matilda. 

Don was a graduate of the Greensburg High School class of 1951.  In 1955, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineer from Penn State University. He was employed by Marsh & McLennan for more than 30 years in the area of Fire Safety.  Don was an active member of his community in Delmont; he coached his sons’ sports teams and had many lifelong friends in the area.  After retirement, Don relocated to State College.  Throughout his life, Don was an avid Penn State fan, attending all types of Penn State sporting events. He enjoyed being a Penn State Master Gardener during his retirement years.   Don found pleasure in his beloved dog, Tasse, gardening outdoors, and spending time with his family.  The family would like to offer our special thanks to the staff at Juniper Village for their excellent care of both Don and his wife, Joyce, during their stays, as well as to Houck Home Care and Family Hospice and Palliative Care for taking such excellent care of Don these past few months. 

A celebration of life gathering will be held at 11:30 am on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at the Vaia Funeral Home, 463 Athena Dr., Delmont, PA.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Centre County Master Gardener Program online at:  Giveto.psu.edu/CentreCountyMasterGardeners  or by check payable to:  Penn State University, Memo: Centre Master Gardener Endowment. Mail to: Tammy Connelly, Penn State University, 323 Ag Administration Bldg., University Park, PA 16802.  Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.