WESTFIELD – Holden C. “Bud” Harlow, Jr., 93, of Westfield, died Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at Governor’s Center Nursing Home in Westfield. Born in Cambridge, MA, June 3, 1920 he was the son of the late Holden C. and Eva (Wright) Harlow. He graduated from the Ayer High School and also Lawrence Academy.
Following his graduating “Bud” enlisted in the US Army where he served from 1941 until 1945 with the 1030th Signal Company and was discharged at the rank of Sergeant. Following his service, Bud resumed his education and received a B.S. degree in business management from American International College in 1950. It was while he was a student at A.I.C. that Bud met his wife of 64 years, Norma (Borrner) Harlow. They married on April 8, 1950 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Springfield. Bud was a retired stock broker. He began his career with the former Barrett-Herrick and Company investment firm and also worked for 26 years with Tucker Anthony and had been branch manager of Burgess and Leith in Springfield. Bud worked until he was in his eighties.
He had been a member of the Westfield United Methodist Church for many years and was a soloist there. He had also been a professional soloist at the Chicopee Federated Church and at First Church of Christ in Longmeadow, MA. He was a member of the Indian Orchard Lodge of Masons for over 50 years. He also was a strong supporter of the American Red Cross and in particular of their blood drives. He was recognized for his many gallons given over the years. He also was an avid skier, belonging to the Over 80 Ski Club and had participated in competitive skiing with the Senior Games in both the Slalom and Downhill events. Bud’s love of music extended to Jazz as a member of the Jazz Society of America and he was known to have had an extensive collection of jazz recordings.
He is survived by his wife, Norma; their children, Virginia “Ginny” Harlow of Easthampton and Holden C. “Hap” Harlow, III of Springfield; two grandsons, Daniel and Kristopher Harlow; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephew. He was predeceased by his brother, Frank Harlow in 2009.
A private committal service with military honors will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church chapel at a later date. Dickinson-Streeter Funeral Service of Springfield has been entrusted with his care and arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital.
