HAMPDEN — Robert H. Holt, 82, passed away Oct. 6, after a long illness at his home in Hampden, surrounded by his loving family. 

Robert was born in Auburn, April 17, 1930, to the late Sherman J. and Mildred (Carver) Holt. Robert grew up in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1948. In 1952, he joined the Auburn Fire Department, where he served 39 years, before retiring in 1991.

Robert was dedicated to the community he served and was ready to work on any function of the fire department where a fire fighter was needed. On July 3, 1950, Robert married Alice Emma Capen and started their family of three, Nancy, Debra and Marc. After retirement, Robert and Emma moved to Sacramento, Calif., and lived for seven years. They then moved back to Sabattus, where they were active members of Holy Family Church. Robert and Emma worked at church fairs making lobster sandwiches and working in the field.

In 2004, they moved to Hampden to be closer to their daughter, Debra and family. In Hampden, Robert was an active member, volunteer and vice president of the Hampden Senior Citizens, went to exercise class twice a week, attended the weekly senior meals at Roe Village as well as at the weekly Kiwanis senior meal. Robert will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. 

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Alice Emma Holt; his three children and their spouses, Nancy Ann Heroux and husband, Raymond, of Citrus Heights, Calif., Debra Lou Tardif and husband, Dana, of Hampden and Marc Gene Holt and wife, Phyllis, of Hartford; five grandsons, Michael, Scott and Sean Tardif and Jas and Jonathan Holt; five stepgrandchildren, Kim, Craig, Laurie, Jenifer and Julie; great-grandchildren, Allayna, Charlotte, Darcy, Daphne, Brooke, Levi, Katelynn and Zepplin; stepgreat-grandchildren, Dameon, Mathew, Ryan, Jacob, Andrew, Alexander, Nathan, Grace and Jillian; and a brother, Richard W. Holt of Petaluma, Calif.

Robert was predeceased by his parents; a son, Donald Robert Holt in 1952; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Holt.

Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdgengilpatrick.com.