Roy T. Wolstenholme—a loving and generous family man, loyal friend, and kindhearted soul—passed away surrounded by family on April 27, 2024. He was 87.

Born in Middletown on October 14, 1936, Roy was the beloved only son of the late Roy J. and Catherine (Taylor) Wolstenholme. He spent his early years in Cromwell and later grew up in East Hampton. He was a graduate of East Hampton High School, Class of 1955, a place very special to Roy for bringing him together with the woman that would steal his heart and keep it for almost 65 years—the late Elizabeth “Liz” Wolstenholme. They would marry in 1958 and spent the next half century raising their family in the tranquil Salem countryside. As a proud and patriotic man, Roy served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for several years.  

Roy’s career spanned many years, mostly at the Connecticut Department of Transportation where he would work in management until his eventual retirement in 1991. Roy enjoyed his time at DOT and returned to the department to offer his expertise as a consultant until 1993. Following his consulting service, Roy filled his days with things he truly enjoyed such as gardening, relaxing in the pool, painting with acrylics and watercolors and traveling. He thoroughly enjoyed being a part-time caregiver to his grandchildren where, from an early age, they formed a long-lasting and unique bond. Golfing in couple’s leagues with Liz and their good friends, Lenny and Delores, his buddies and children gave Roy immense pleasure.

Despite a long and fruitful career, there is no doubt that Roy was a dedicated family man. There was no place he would rather be than in the comfort of his home with the company of his wife and children. A quiet and gentle man, Roy was purposeful in his daily pursuits. He was a “fix-it” kind of guy who spent many hours working in his cellar workshop on numerous projects. He was extremely proud of the home he and Liz were able to provide their family, and it showed by his continuous upkeep and meticulous attention.

Roy lived to give his family the absolute best in this life, and the fact that he was also a sweet, extremely patient, fair, and loyal husband, father, and grandfather only serves to enrich his legacy. He will always be respected, loved, and cherished, and his memory will live on for eternity.

Roy is survived by his beloved daughters, Cathleen Wolstenholme, Susan Salecky and her husband, Zenko, and Lisa Stowe and her husband, Burton; his dear son, Ross Wolstenholme; his cherished grandchildren, Joseph Salecky and his wife, Kristen, and Timothy Salecky; his sisters-in-law and their families, and many close family friends. In addition to his parents and his wife, Elizabeth, Roy was predeceased by his faithful golden retriever, Captain.

Roy’s family will receive friends from 2-4PM on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester, CT 06415. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following morning at 11AM on Monday, May 6 at St. Andrew Church, Guardian Angels Parish, 128 Norwich Ave., Colchester. Guests are asked to arrive directly at church in the morning. A private burial ceremony will be held at a later date at the Salem Green Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Roy’s honor may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 791598, Baltimore, MD 21279 or online at fisherhouse.org. 

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