Thomas Lee Holsapple

Thomas Lee Holsapple, affectionately known as “Mots,” passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Hospital after a brief battle with Pancreatic Cancer, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in 1952 to Howard and Margaret Holsapple, Tom was a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley and a 1971 graduate of Rhinebeck Central School. As a youth, he was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and spent many summers camping at Camp Nooteeming in Salt Point.

Tom’s love for music was both profound and lifelong. A gifted keyboardist and vocalist, he played in numerous local bands over the years, including Damaged Goods, The Project, Subterranean Circus, Sebastian Davis, and his very first band, The Rhythmic 6, which he proudly formed in the fifth grade.

Music wasn’t just something Tom played; it was part of who he was. A loyal fan of WPDH radio and Sirius/XM, he was always listening, discovering, and staying connected to the sounds that inspired him. His passion extended offstage as well; he once promoted a Styx concert at the Ulster Performing Arts Center, just before the band broke onto the national stage.

He was a lifelong baseball fan and car enthusiast, especially proud of his yellow 1970 Chevelle SS396. Tom cherished the annual Memorial Day parade gatherings in Rhinebeck, where he caught up with old friends. He was also one of the few remaining “Dock Rats” still living in Rhinecliff, a proud tie to Rhinecliff's past.

Tom was known for his easygoing nature, warmth, and gift for conversation. He had a way of making people feel welcome and never missed an opportunity to share a good story.

Over the years, he held many jobs that reflected his work ethic and versatility. He worked as a machinist at WJZ Machine in Hyde Park and Schatz Federal Bearings in Poughkeepsie. He later served in maintenance and facilities roles at Hudson River Psychiatric Center, Arlington, Red Hook Central Schools, and Rehab Programs. He also ran his own successful satellite TV installation and home theater sales business, H-House Productions, as well as Squeezers, a Fresh Lemonade concession business that was featured at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds several times.

Tom was survived by his two beloved children, Jennifer Holsapple of Rhinebeck and Brooklyn, and Shea Holsapple of Rhinebeck and Hyde Park; his fiancée, Luanne Donnadio of Poughkeepsie; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his older brother, Gary Holsapple.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Rhinebeck American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the American Cancer Society, a charity of your choice, or through a simple act of kindness, something he believed in deeply.

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