Jeffrey Charles Holdsworth

Jeffrey Charles Holdsworth, 37, loving husband of Jessica (Pieri) Holdsworth and dog dad to Peanut, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, CT. Jeff was born on January 29, 1987 in Columbia, PA to Robert and Tammy (Frey) Holdsworth. Jeff had a love of sports that began at an early age and carried on throughout his life. While in high school he played football and baseball for Columbia High School. Jeff also had a love for music from an early age, even earning him the nickname Jeezy from many co-workers. It was that love for music that led him to play the trumpet in concert band growing up. Growing up in Columbia you could also often find Jeff working at Smith’s.

After graduating high school Jeff moved to Philadelphia where he attended Drexel University. Jeff graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Information Technology with a concentration in Database Management. During his time there he developed lifelong friendships as an active member of the fraternity, Alpha Pi Lambda. He later went on to earn Drexel’s 40 under 40 award.

Jeff loved his role as Senior Software Engineer at ESPN, dedicating his talents to enhancing the sports viewing experience for millions. Throughout his illustrious twelve-year career, he earned five Emmy Awards for his outstanding contributions, a testament to his talent and innovation during his tenure at ESPN. His passion for his craft and love of sports was evident in every event and project he worked on.

Jeff’s love of travel and work took him around the world, achieving million miler status with Delta. He and Jessica loved going on adventures together visiting many international countries and both traveling to 49 U.S. States. Jeff thoroughly enjoyed trips to Stone Harbor, NJ, where he had a vacation home, and cherished the time spent down at the shore with family.

Jeff always looked forward to trips to England to watch his favorite “football” team, Manchester United. The highlight of his 2023 was attending the League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium where Manchester United beat Newcastle. He also passionately loved the Phillies, Eagles, and Sixers. Jeff went back to Philly whenever he could to catch up with his Pi boys. One of the ongoing conversations was always who had the best Philly cheesesteaks. If you asked Jeff, he would always say John’s Roast Pork.

Jeff had a love for food and incredible culinary skills, gaining him the nickname “Chef Jeff,” among family and friends. Jeff also had a love for craft beer. You could often find him beer in hand laughing with friends and enjoying life. Jeff was an avid golfer and could often be found golfing with friends and Jessica after work in the summer at Tunxis or Rockledge.

Jeff loved taking trips to Disney with Jessica and his family. Jeff even had the chance to travel to four of the six Disney theme parks including Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland. If Jeff was at Disney, you could find him with a dole whip in hand enjoying rides like the Three Caballeros or battling it out with his wife on Toy Story Mania for the high score.

Jeff is survived by his parents, Robert and Tammy (Frey) Holdsworth; sister, Rebekah Lutz and her husband Jason and their children, Danielle and Noah of Mountville, PA; and sister, Lisa Gingerich and her husband Chris and their children, Georgia and Grantley, of Mount Joy, PA. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Theresa Pieri, of Canton and his mother-in-law, Deborah Spooner, of Bristol.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024 between 4 and 8 PM at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave Bristol, CT. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 11 AM at Funk Funeral Home. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Please visit Jeff’s memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jeffrey C. Holdsworth Memorial Scholarship Fund and sent to the Main Street Community Foundation, P.O. Box 2702, Bristol, CT 06011-2702 or online at https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/jeffrey-holdsworth.
 

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