Claron B. Holden Jr.

Claron B. Holden, Jr., 68, of Newark Valley, passed away very suddenly on Dec. 18, 2015following a brief illness. Clar is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 44 years, Carol (Terwilliger) Holden and their much loved sons, Joshua D. Holden (Natasha Steinhall) and Aaron M. Holden (Karrie Hojsik), several cousins and many, many dear friends.Born on Dec. 13, 1947, Clar was the son of the late Helen (Bingham) and Claron B. Holden, Sr. He was an Alumna of Newark Valley High School, Alfred School of Technology, Oswego State and Elmira College and proudly served in the US Army from 1968 1971. He began his teaching career in Technical Education (Industrial Arts) at Owego Free Academy and completed 32 years of dedicated teaching with the Newark Valley Central School District. In 1989, he was recogonized with Teacher of the Year Award. As his sons were advancing through Boy Scouts (NV Troop 30) he served as Cub Scout and Boy Scout Assistant Leader. A very kind, generous, understanding, selfless and patient man, Clar used his expert skills to assist many others following his retirement. Tioga Opportunities afforded him the latitude to connect with many folks in need of assistance and with the help of his Carol, sidewalks were shoveled, many odds and ends were seen to, and hundreds of meals were delivered for Meals on Wheels. Clar was an active member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Binghamton where he served in many capacities including the church board and also as Second Reader. He had an inate love of nature, his homestead and the many trees on it using some of those very trees to provide thelumber for the home he built for his family. He was also a Southern Tier Track and Field Official for several years. Other memberships included the Newark Valley Historical Society, NYS Retired Teachers Assoc and the NYS Forest Owners Assoc. Friends are invited to share stories and memories of Clar at a period of visitation on Tuesday from 4-7 pm at the MacPherson Funeral Home in Newark Valley. A Memorial Service will follow there at 7 oclock. In his memory, those wishing may kindly remember Wounded Warriors Project, Food Bank of the Southern Tier, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Binghamton, or consider donating time to help others or become a driver for Meals on Wheels. Memories may also be shared in Clars Guestbook at macphersonfh.com