David A. Holmden Jr.

David Antell Holmden, Jr., age 79, died peacefully at home on February 8, 2026.  He is preceded in death by his mother Joan Holmden, father David Holmden Sr. and his nephew Christopher English. 

David leaves behind his wife of 44 years Lee Ann Shedleski-Holmden, sister Pamela Holmden, nieces Jennifer Wright and Juliana English, brother-in-law Paul Shedleski and chosen family members including Sandy and Alan Dyment, Matt Reinsma, James Shupe, Tanya Dyer and his service dog Daniya. 

David was born December 25, 1946 in North Tonawanda, New York. He loved to joke that he ruined his mother’s Christmas dinner. In 1964 he enrolled in the Navy ROTC and enlisted in the Navy in 1966. He served his country for six years including two tours of duty in Vietnam. After returning from the service, he attended Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. He was a member of their speech team, competing in oral interpretation and oratory. He formed friendships with his team members and several professors that lasted for over fifty years.

Forever a rebel and a child of the 60’s, he was pictured in a 1972 New York Times article titled “First long hair then earrings for someone men”. He proudly wore his ponytail and earring well into his 50’s.

David effortlessly built strong and lasting friendships. His ability to bring joy to others with a joke or a compliment quickly earned him favorite customer and patient status with restaurant waitstaff, doctors, nurses, and other caregivers.  He was generous with his time, talents and money. He always kept a few dollars tucked into the sun visor of his truck just in case he saw someone in need during his travels around town.

David worked at a variety of jobs including lumberjack with Georgia Pacific in northern California, restaurant manager with Continental Restaurants, welder, semi-truck driver, and home builder (which he loved except in the winter). In his youth he spent time racing Raven sailboats with his father in Western New York which fostered a lifelong love of the Niagara River and Niagara Falls. He enjoyed woodworking, telling stories of his many adventures, traveling and camping with his wife and spending time with family and friends. 

Thank you to his Elara Caring hospice care team including Janae, Joberta, and Kevin. 

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. If you choose to celebrate his life, he suggested you watch an episode of The West Wing, buy the highest quality tool you can afford, say “Welcome home “to a Vietnam veteran or correct someone’s grammar (if he ever corrected yours, he loved you very much). 

Until we meet again. 

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