Holley M. Gaskins, 66, of Middletown peacefully departed this life on Monday, November 3, 2008 with his adoring family by his side. He is survived by his devoted wife Bertha (Hickman) Gaskins.
Born August 13, 1942 in Merry Hill, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Pearl Holley Gaskins and James H. Gaskins.
He was educated in the Windsor, NC School System.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Valencia Johnson and Evelyn Gaskins both of Middletown, Connecticut and Kimberly Gaskins of Derby, Connecticut; an honorary son, Donald (Erica) Graig of New Britain, Connecticut; a special great-niece, Tyasia Graig and a great-nephew Elijah Graig. He is also survived by sisters, Rosie (Robert) Gaines of Brooklyn, New York, Elsie Gilliam of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Faye (Thomas) Lightfoot of Hertfort, North Carolina, Erma (Jasper) Smallwood of Windsor, North Carolina, Delzora Ward of Hampton, Virginia and Karen (Ricky) Roberson and Sharon Johnson both of Raleigh, North Carolina; a sister-in-law, Louise Gaskins of Middletown, Connecticut; brothers, Clarence Gaskins and Edward Gaskins both of Middletown, Connecticut and George Welch, Jr. of Washington, D.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was predeceased by a step-mother, Catherine Gaskins; brothers, James Gaskins, Willie Welch, Kaye Welch and a sister, Melinda Gaskins.
He was a dedicated member of Shiloh Baptist Church.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Marino Crane Service as a Truck Driver. He was a proud member of Teamsters Locals 559 and 671.
A celebration of Mr. Gaskins' life and legacy will be held Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 9 a.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 346 Butternut Street, Middletown, Connecticut. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown, Connecticut. Friends may call at the church from 8-9 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut, 2139 Silas Deane Highway, Suite #208, Rocky Hill, Connecticut 06607.
