Robert Alfred Holden

Robert Alfred Holden, “Capt. Bob”, 90, of California, MD, passed away on February 19, 2025, in Callaway, MD. Born on September 17, 1934, in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Basil Holden and the late Gertrude Smith Holden. Bob married the love of his life, Gail McIntyre Holden of Pawtucket RI on November 10, 1956. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Robert Holden and wife Michelle, Ellen Mangiafico and husband Paul M., Margaret Kelnberger and husband David, Daniel Holden and wife Donna, Joann Kohut, Janet Lynch and husband Conrad and Evelyn Nastos and partner Terry. Bob (aka Pop) is also survived by his grandchildren, Bonnie, Jeff, Adam, Sean, Josh, Julia, Sarah, Michael, Paul R., Christopher, Gina, Jackson and Brett and his great grandchildren Sophia, Logan, Isabella, Grace, Max, Grant, Orin, Holly, Henry, Nolan, Mateo and Leo. He was preceded in death by his 9 sisters and 8 brothers. Bob grew up in Piney Point, Md where he spent his time taking apart car and boat engines, running his skiff up and down the river and tagging along behind his older brothers. After a tour of duty with the United States Navy he returned home to St. Mary’s County to work as an auto mechanic at Bell Motor Company in Leonardtown. It was there that his love for the iconic “bow tie” vehicle and the Dale Earnhart Number 3 was solidified. He moved onto a career at Patuxent River Naval Air Station supporting Public Works and retiring as a mechanic from the Search and Rescue Boat house. He enjoyed nothing more than taking his children and grandchildren out fishing, oystering and crabbing on his boat “Laura”. The family enjoyed sitting around the plywood table in his garage, shucking oysters, picking crabs and drinking cold Miller beer. In his “spare” time he also ran a charter fishing boat service with his good friend Capt. Bob Bowes. He was very proud to have his grandsons as his first mates on his charters. Bob’s other passions included both auto and boat racing. He was a founding member of the Southern Maryland Boat Club driving the “Elsie D”. The family enjoyed many weekends at Swan’s in Piney Point for the races. His mechanical and racing skills put him on the podium quite often, much to the excitement of his family. He was an avid pitch and poker player often found around the dining room table with his kids and grandkids teaching them the nuances of the games and challenging their bids and bluffs. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of St. Mary’s or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.