Howard J. Beressi

HOLDEN – Howard J. Beressi, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Holden on Thursday, August 18, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Howard D. and Carmella (Ciccarelli) Beressi.

Howard graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School where he learned the foundations of electrical work. He would further develop his skills during the four years he spent in the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Woods Hole, MA. Howard wed his childhood sweetheart, Janice R. Pratt, and the two moved to Worcester for many years. Together, they raised their family in Rutland, moved a few more times away from Central MA before finally settling in Holden. Howard had a long and rewarding career at Otis Elevator Co. in Worcester. Through hard work, loyalty and perseverance, he ultimately became an executive before retiring after 41 years.

Howard loved cooking for his family and baking bread as a pastime. Over the years he also loved being out on his boat on Damariscotta Lake in Maine with his family and friends. Of the memorable trips he took to Hawaii and Italy, with his wife, a highlight was taking the whole family on a cruise to Alaska to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Howard enjoyed golfing, spending time in his workshop, and worked tirelessly on his garden and lawn. Nearby neighbors at the Seasons in Holden will deeply miss him and referred to him as “The Mayor."

Howard will be lovingly missed by his wife of 63 years, Janice R. (Pratt) Beressi; his children, Kim Goodnow and her husband, Ted of Princeton, Lynn Lotfey and her husband, John of Scarborough, ME, Dan Beressi and his wife, Julie of Portland, ME, Kerrie Kunde and her husband, Rick of Bucks County, PA; sixteen grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff of the JHC Hospice.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Howard’s family from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 25th, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, August 26th, at St. Mary’s Church 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate or to St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson, MA 01522. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his obituary at www.milesfuneralhome.com .