Holland, Warren L.

Warren L. Holland of Clinton CT, our cherished G-Pa, passed away on March 18, 2022 at the age of 96.

Born at Hartford Hospital on May 22, 1925, Warren was the son of Benjamin and Minnie Holland of West Hartford, CT. He spent his childhood summers on the Clinton shoreline where he later met his beautiful wife, Rita, and then lived his last 30 years on Shore Road, the place he was always, truly, the happiest.

Warren attended Hall High School in West Hartford where he was Captain of the basketball team and Class Vice-President. While voted “Takes life most seriously” he was also voted “Class Heartbreaker." Upon graduation in 1943, Warren proudly answered the call of duty and enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country in World War II. He early-on earned his Sharpshooter Rifle Badge and quickly rose through the ranks. Just a couple of months shy of his 20th birthday, Staff Sergeant Warren Holland led his squad of infantry soldiers across the Rhine River in March of 1945 to begin the push of enemy forces back to Berlin. He was forever proud of

his Combat Infantry Badge which was awarded to those who actively took part in ground combat, and which he earned fighting with the squad he led under fire through France and Germany during the war.

Honorably discharged in February 1946, Warren enrolled at the University of Kansas and subsequently attended Springfield College, MA. He enjoyed a successful career in the insurance industry and retired

from Travelers Insurance in Hartford in 1990.

A man who loved the sea, Warren was a lifelong boater and sailor and enjoyed fishing with his family on Long Island Sound and off the shores of Montauk. For many years, he raced his Zip sailboat as a member of the Duck Island Yacht Club in Westbrook where, following in his father's footsteps, he served as Commodore in 1955. The mast from his favorite sailboat serves as the

flagpole at his beach house in Clinton.

Warren is pre-deceased by his wife of 43 years, Rita Holland (nee Dillon). He leaves behind Mary, his loving companion of 20 years, children Deborah and Scott, son-in-law Rick, and beloved grandchildren Kirsten and Ryder. Warren was a loving and supportive man who

provided a steady, gentle hand for everyone in his family. Adored by all, he will be sorely missed.

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries