Joseph M. Esley

HOLDEN - Joseph M. Dresley, 89, of Holden, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his loving family on Tuesday, September 5, 2017.He was born on January 30, 1928 in Syracuse, New York, the son of Joseph M. and Mary (Jackoski) Dresley, and lived in Henrietta, NY before moving to Holden 41years ago. He was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School and Siena College in Loudonville, NY earning a Bachelor's degree in Economics.Joseph proudly served his country from 1946-1947 in the U.S. Army in post World War II Japan.  He spent his career working for insurance companies, most recently, 18 years with Hanover Insurance in Worcester.He was a member of St. Mary's Church in Holden, he was an active member of the Holden Senior Center and volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels for several years.  He was also a member of the Greendale Retired Mens' Club, he was a Third degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus in Westerville, Ohio and a founding member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Mary’s Church.  As a young man he was a gifted athlete. More recently he was a sports enthusiast and especially enjoyed golfing and bowling.His beloved wife of 49 years, Mary G. (McElhinney) Dresley, died in 2005.  He leaves six daughters, Susan C. Dresley and her husband, Lawrence Doxsey of Lexington, Kathleen M. Khirallah and her husband, Ernest of Foster City, CA, Mary Ann Pirani and her husband, Thomas of Holden, Patricia A. Dresley of Holden, Alice A. Lynch and her husband, Jeremiah of Holden and Jean M. Dresley and her husband, Joseph Seyler of Baton Rouge, LA; 10 grandchildren, Samuel and his wife, Sarah, Sarah, Grace, and Martha Doxsey, Matthew and his wife, Katarzyna, and Joseph Pirani, Jeremiah, Mary Alice, and Annie Lynch, Nora Seyler; and one great-grandchild, Matthew Skidgel.Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joseph's family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 8, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 9 at St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson.  Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Main St., Holden.  Donations may be made to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 7000, Albert Lea, MN 56007-8001; or to St. Mary's Church, P.O. Box 2200, Jefferson, MA 01522.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on this page.