Obituaries

Services for Brandon Holt, 6, Friday and Saturday

St. Joseph Parish and School in Toms River remember Holt, who was fatally shot Monday, as a 'exuberant, energetic and happy student'

Services for the 6-year-old Toms River boy who was fatally shot by a 4-year-old neighbor while the pair were playing will be held Friday and Saturday.

Visitation for Brandon Holt will be held Friday, April 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., as well as Saturday, April 13 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Carmona-Bolen Home for Funerals in Toms River.  

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Toms River, according to Holt’s obituary.

Find out what's happening in East Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The community of St. Joseph Parish and School in Toms River is mourning the loss of its “beloved student," a statement from the school and Catholic Diocese of Trenton said Wednesday.

“Brandon was an exuberant, energetic and happy student and was well-loved by all who knew him,” the statement said. “His cheerful presence will be dearly missed by his classmates, friends and teachers.”

Find out what's happening in East Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Brandon was a first grade student and a member of the St. Joseph’s parish in Toms River.

“We turn in our time of grief to the members of this school community, and to providing the support and assistance they need to cope with this loss,” the statement said.

A team of counselors is in place and has already begun to work with students and teachers. Bereavement ministers are also working with those who are affected.

“As members of a Christ-centered community, we rely on our faith as reason fails to make sense of the tragedy that took Brandon’s life,” the statement said. “We join in prayer for Brandon, and, in a very special way, for his family in this difficult time. And we ask that God gently carry and support all who have been affected by his death.”

“nice,” “well-mannered” and a “strong boy.” Family friends have said he had a “contagious smile” and loved grape popsicles.

Brandon was born in Brick but lived all of his life in Toms River, according to the obituary.

Surviving are his parents, Ronald W. Holt, Jr and Christine M (Decker) Holt of Toms River; his paternal grandparents, Ronald W. Holt, Sr. of Toms River and Donna and Ed Elefante of Berkeley Township; his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Lori Decker of Brielle; his brother, Skylar Watkins of Toms River; his sister, Amanda Pepe of Bayville; his aunts, Jill Decker, Laura Decker and Elisa Decker; his uncles, Randy Holt and his wife Nicole, Bob Slater and his wife Michelle Elefante and John Elefante; his cousins, Hailey and Chrystianna Decker, Randy Holt Jr., Cammy Holt, Nick Slater, Brianna Slater and Mason Slater.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Brandon Holt Memorial Fund, c/o Carmona-Bolen Home for Funerals, 412 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753.

All correspondences should be directed to the Funeral Home at carmonabolenfh.com


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here