Charles Augustus "Charley" Holden, 82, formerly of Melrose, passed away at his Middleton home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Charley was born on October 5, 1943, in Melrose to the late Charles Holden Sr. and Florence (Risteen). Survived by his wife and best friend, Kathleen (Cunningham) Holden. He was the proud father of his children: Jennifer Burke (Joseph) of S. Burlington, VT, Charles "Chad" Holden III (Victoria) of Windermere, FL, and Sean Chandler of Weymouth. Charlie took great delight in his five grandchildren: Shane and Kiley Burke, Charles IV, Patrick, and Ryan Holden. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Scott of Reading; his nephews, Garth and Andrew; his niece, Amy; and their children.

There was passion in Charley's voice when he spoke about his family, hockey, Norwich University, or his company, Cap World. An honest, warm quality that was immediately likable.

Charley graduated from Melrose High School, class of 1962, but not before securing the New England State (NE) Championship with the hockey team. He attended Kent's Hill Preparatory School in ME before entering his freshman year at Norwich University (NU), in VT, where he played hockey and was a member of the ROTC. Charley rose to the rank of Cadet Major, serving as class officer for four years, chairman of the honor committee, president of the varsity club, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1967. Melrose High and NU later inducted him into their athletic Hall of Fame for his hockey prowess.

He served in the US Army, assigned to Fort Knox, TN, and in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged as a Captain in the early 1970s.

In 1974, Charley formed Charles Holden Associates Inc., which would become the largest independent manufacturer's representative for recreational vehicles in New England. He also opened retail sports stores and co-owned a nursing home before venturing into truck accessories and founding Cap World Inc. in 1985, with multiple locations in MA, NH, MD, and FL.

His winning attitude and work ethic were infectious. Charley's business ventures allowed him to be involved in other activities; many revolved around an ice-hockey rink. Over a decade of coaching youth hockey and serving as Commissioner of various hockey leagues at the regional and state levels, Charley always kept his skates on. From 1972 to 1985, he was an ice hockey official with the ECAC, officiating seven Bean Pot Tournaments, 10 Division I and II playoffs, and three national championships. He then served 12 years as the NCAA hockey officials coordinator. Charley was instrumental in the fruition of NU's Kreitzberg Arena, which he deemed the best Division III arena in the country.

As a board member or president of numerous clubs, including the Friends of Mel Foundation, Norwich University Board of Trustees, and President of the Blue Line Club at NU. He was proud to be a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. His spirituality was enhanced when he became a Knight in the Order of Malta, where he enjoyed annual pilgrimages to Lourdes, France.

While business and hockey played major roles in his life, Charley was a true friend. He loved spending time with friends, some of whom dated back to elementary school. Charley's family was his greatest pride and joy. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and spent as much time as he could with his family. Charley loved traveling, boating, attending sporting events, concerts, and satisfying his sweet tooth with his loved ones.

Charley was a person of the utmost integrity, dignity, and humility, with a keen sense of what was right and decent. He contributed his talents and financial support to numerous acquaintances, friends, and charitable organizations.

Always in our hearts, Charley's legacy lives on through the many people he touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather in Charley’s memory during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, March 22 from 2-6pm, and again on Monday, March 23 at 9am, before leaving in procession to St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., for his Funeral Mass celebrated at 10am. Interment with military honors by the US Army at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Charles A. & Kathleen M. Holden Scholarship, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield, VT, 05663 or the VA Boston Healthcare System, c/o Home Based Primary Care online here.