Joshua Charles Holden

PORTLAND – Joshua Charles Holden 51, born August 18, 1974, passed away in Portland, Maine, on Feb. 24, 2026.

Josh grew up in Hardwick, Mass. along with his three siblings, Glen, Jason, and Amber. Hardwick, the home of America’s oldest country fair, is situated next to the Quabbin Reservoir, a place of remarkable natural beauty. Josh’s parents, Charles and Lillian Holden, encouraged a love of the outdoors in all their children. Josh grew up fishing, hunting, and camping with his parents, siblings, cousins, and beloved grandparents, Ellen and Paul Champagne, or as he called them, Mem and Pep.

At Quabbin Regional High School, Josh was a standout on the wrestling team and a gifted artist, painting large colorful portraits. He furthered his art studies at Springfield College, the alma mater of his paternal grandfather, Lester Holden. While at college, he studied abroad in England and had many memorable adventures, including a 100-mile hike with friends along South Downs Way.

After graduation, he worked for Viacom in New York City as a graphic designer and animator for television channels including MTV and Nick at Nite. He later worked as a sought-after freelancer in the industry, which allowed him time to continue his personal painting projects. The love of art came at a young age fostered by his paternal grandmother Shirley (Randlett) Holden.

Josh, who never lost his love of the outdoors, moved to Maine in the early 2000s, working remotely in television production while living in the Mid Coast area. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed hiking, spending time at the beaches on Bailey Island, and painting landscapes. He had an art studio in Bath, which he shared with the public during monthly art walks. He was the proud father of Hudson, Bryce, and Jemma.

Josh was predeceased by his parents, Charles G. Holden and Lillian (Champagne) Holden, as well as his brother Glen Holden.

He is survived by his three children Hudson, Bryce and Jemma Holden; his brother Jason Holden and his wife Donna, and their son Ty Josh’s godson; his sister Amber Muller and her daughter Jade; his sister-in-law Renee Holden and his niece and nephew, Rachel and Benjamin Holden; his lifelong friends Josh Sinkoski, Kenny Ruggles and David Fleming.

A Private Burial will be held at the family’s convenience at a later date.

To share memories of Joshua or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit http://www.athutchins.com.

In lieu of flowers,

the family asks for

donations to be made in Josh’s memory to:

The Art Walk at

Visitbath.com or to:

The Hardwick

Community Fair

PO Box 1

Hardwick MA 01037