Michael Holden

Niantic — Michael L. Holden, “Pater,” 76, of Niantic, passed away June 17, 2018, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London.

He was born Feb. 20, 1942, in Wichita, Kan., the son of the late Charles and Dorothea “Dody” (Trent) Holden. He graduated from George Washington High School in Guam in 1960, and attended college in Wichita, Kan., before joining the U.S. Navy in 1961.

Mike began his military career in the Navy on submarines, and then was a sonar technician on surface ships. He was based at Pearl Harbor and San Diego during the early years. He also spent some time at Subic Bay in the Philippines. Mike retired after serving his country for more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy.

Mike then worked as an engineer for Sonalysts, Vitro and Electric Boat until he retired in 2014.

He enjoyed playing golf, attending his grandchildren’s baseball, softball, football, soccer and field hockey games, and was undoubtedly the Patriots’ biggest fan. He had a special place in his heart for German shepherds, especially his beloved Hannah. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Janet A. (May) Holden; a son Scott Holden of Clearwater, Fla.; four daughters, Audrey M. Cullen and Suzanne M. Clark, both of Boca Raton, Fla., Molly Quiles and her husband Roberto of Waterford, and Nicole Holden of Bradenton, Fla.; two brothers, Thomas Holden and his wife Layla of Waialua, Hawaii, and Timothy Holden and his wife Carol of Honolulu, Hawaii; and seven grandchildren who gave him great joy and PopPop bragging rights, Charles M. Davis, Jacqueline M. Davis, Ryan A. Clark, Bridget A. Clark, Kelsey C. Clark, Molly Sierra Quiles and Thomas B. Quiles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic.