Warren A. Holbrook

Warren A. Holbrook, 91, of Amston, died at home on Veterans Day, November 11, 2017, with his family by his side. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts on September 10, 1926, he was a son of the late Willard and Deborah (Fitch) Holbrook. Warren was the youngest of nine siblings. He and his brothers were proud to serve in the U.S. Military. While his older brothers all joined the Army, Warren chose the U.S. Navy instead. He would spend 10 years serving his country, including active duty as a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy in World War II and the Naval Reserve during the Korean War.  Following the war, Warren moved to Amston, Conn. in 1947, building a house on North Pond Road. He married Lucille Maclure on July 21, 1962. They reared four children, enjoying 44 years together until her death in 2006. 

Shortly after arriving in town, Warren joined St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Hebron Center. He served as custodian of the church's building and grounds, and also served on The Vestry, the church's governing board. Warren loved to sing, and was a member of St. Peter's choir. He was leader of a young boys organization within St. Peter's Church called The Order of Sir Galahad, a non-denominational group. The group met regularly in a school gym, and they enjoyed camping, and swimming at a nearby YMCA.

Over the years, Warren participated in many door-to-door fund campaigns, collecting needed donations for both cancer and heart research. When Little League Baseball was first organized in town, Warren enthusiastically helped the fledgling group as its manager.

In 1951, Warren joined Hebron's American Legion Post #95, and was active there in the Legion's many paper drives and food drives. He held many offices until his passing, serving in many capacities, including Commander. For many years, Warren organized the order of march at the town's annual Memorial Day parade, and saw to it that all veterans' graves were properly marked with crosses. When the Hebron VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) post was formed in 1979, Warren became a founding member. Later, he would serve as its Commander as well.

He worked at the Amston Post office for many years, and was its postmaster some of the time. He later went on to work for Brandrex for over 25 years in a variety of capacities.  He retired several years ago.  For 22 years, he and Lucille served as volunteers for the Russell Mercier Senior Center, to include Meals on Wheels, serving seniors and shut-ins. He also was a volunteer member of the town's Commission on Aging since 2005.

With his love of singing, Warren was a founding member of the Sunshine Singers, formed at the senior center in 2007. They travelled to other towns, performing at many regional events throughout the years.

Most importantly, in addition to all he did for his community and country, Warren’s family will remember him with love, for he was also a hardworking and devoted family man.

Warren was predeceased by his wife Lucille, his parents and all of his siblings.  He leaves behind his sons Arthur (Linda) Holbrook of Staffordville, Dennis Holbrook of Conway, NH, and Mark Holbrook of Amston; his daughter Loretta (Thomas) Randazzo of Amston; grandchildren Jacob (Amanda) Randazzo, Shannon Randazzo, Benjamin Randazzo, all of Amston, Samuel, and Emily Barone; and a great grandchild, Gabriel Randazzo, and numerous extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Warren's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).  Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 16th from 4-6 pm at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, and again on Friday at 10 am followed by a funeral home chapel service at 10:30 am. Burial will be in the New Hebron Cemetery, with full military honors.