Mr. David E. Holley

                                                                     BELOVED HUSBAND AND FATHER

WATERTOWN – David Early Holley, age 55, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on the 22^nd day of May, 2024 at Vitas Innovative Care Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital after a courageous battle with Melanoma Cancer.  Dave is survived by his loving wife Joelyne (Jody) Plant Holley for almost 30 years, by his three beautiful daughters, Abigail, Morgan, and Rowan (Ella) Holley, and his dog (aka- son) Mocha.

Dave was born on May 1, 1969, in Waterbury, and is the son of Betty (Heath) Holley residing in Milton, WV and the late David Clay Holley.  Dave was preceded in his death by his two siblings, Robert and Jaimee Holley.

Dave grew up in Prospect and spent his last 28 years living in the Watertown community. He graduated from Wolcott High School and from Mattatuck Community College. He served with the U.S. Army, National Guard, Military Police and was employed as a Security Officer for St. Mary’s Hospital for over 32 years and for the past two years, was employed as a Driver for the Department of Children and Families, Centralized Transportation Unit. Dave has always been a hard worker and enjoyed his time spent with his work families.

Dave has touched the lives of many. He has been referred to as a “big teddy bear” with a great sense of humor who has always lent a helping hand to others.  He was far from selfish.  He enjoyed kayaking, baking, fixing snowblowers, always looked forward to daily phone conversations with family, going for ice cream runs, taking rides with Mocha, watching sunsets, sitting by campfires, tractor rides, getting together with family and friends, and taking yearly trips to West Virginia and Maine to visit relatives and friends during vacation.

Dave’s world revolved around his family and celebrating milestones. He adored his three daughters and enjoyed spending time with them. He mostly enjoyed having special moments with his high school sweetheart and long-time best friend and spouse, Jody.

Left to cherish his memory and honor his legacy are his siblings, including spouses John Holley (Beth), Michael McDonough (Heather), Sonya Gode (Ken), Lisa Holley, Lorie Holley, Cindy Geddes (the late Roddey, Jr.), Joshua Holley (Nicole), Matthew Holley (Jessica), Loriessa Holley, Kathy Adams, (Johnathan), Kristy Holley, Daniel Alves, Williams Holley, Michele Holley, and Jacob Holley. Dave has many surviving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, cousins, extended family, and close friends who are considered family members who will miss him dearly.

A “Beautiful Farewell” Service for Mr. Holley will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT, followed by a Military Honor Service at the funeral home. Relatives and friends may visit with the Holley family from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 6:00 p.m.  A gathering of friends and family will follow the service at the American Legion, Post 195, Bunker Hill Rd in Oakville. In lieu of flowers and to honor Dave’s memory, donations can be made to a children’s cancer foundation of your choice. The family wants to thank the medical staff at Vitas, St. Mary’s Hospital and the Melanoma Clinic at Smilow Cancer Yale Hospital for their support throughout the last four years.  Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the Holley family, please visit our Sympathy Store.