Former U.S. Congressman Tim Holden, a St. Clair native whose decades in public service included serving as Schuylkill County sheriff and chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, died . He was 69.
Holden, a Democrat, represented Pennsylvania in Congress for 20 years, serving 10 consecutive terms from January 3, 1993, through January 3, 2013. His passing brought tributes from local leaders across party lines, who remembered his commitment to the people and communities he represented.
Local Leaders Remember Tim Holden
Congressman Dan Meuser
Congressman Dan Meuser praised Holden’s willingness to work across the aisle.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Congressman Tim Holden. Respected across party lines, Tim was a champion of bipartisanship who believed in finding common ground. As one of the original Blue Dogs, he encouraged cooperation across the aisle and served our region with honor and integrity,” Meuser said.
“He will be missed, but his legacy of service will live on in the communities he represented. My prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.”
State Rep. Jamie Barton
State Rep. Jamie Barton said Holden remained closely connected to Schuylkill County throughout his career.
“This is a very sad and dark day for Schuylkill County. Tim Holden was loved and respected by everyone. Whether he was the County Sheriff, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board or a U.S. Congressman, Tim Holden never had to be reminded who he served or where his home was. He will be sorely missed,” Barton said.
State Sen. Dave Argall
State Sen. Dave Argall remembered Holden’s service in county, federal and state government.
“Tim Holden served Schuylkill County well for many years, as our Sheriff, our Congressman, and as the PLCB Chairman,” Argall said. “He helped a lot of people, whenever he could.”
Schuylkill County Democratic Committee
The Schuylkill County Democratic Committee also paid tribute to Holden, calling his death a significant loss for the county.
“Today Schuylkill County lost a lion. Former Congressman Tim Holden served from 1993 to 2013. He was a proud blue-dog Democrat and respected by all parties. Additionally, he was elected as county Sheriff from 1985 to 1993. We are grateful for your service,” the committee said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”
Former Schuylkill County Sheriff Joe Groody
Former Schuylkill County Sheriff Joe Groody remembered Holden as a close friend and mentor whose encouragement helped inspire his own run for sheriff.
“It's a very sad day in Schuylkill County, we lost a very close friend with the passing of Tim HOLDEN. I had known Tim for many, many years. Our Friendship started when he was first elected Sheriff, I was a Police Officer at the Time and he would work hand in hand with our Department, especially with the Drug awareness program we sponsored with the Ashland Elks,” Groody said.
“Tim was more than just a Friend to me, he was a mentor and helped inspire me into running for the Office of the Sheriff along with my predecessor, the late Sheriff McANDREW. And after winning my first election, he continued to support me in every way, making me the longest serving Sheriff in Schuylkill County history.”
Groody described their friendship as a brotherhood and recalled how they continued to address each other as sheriff throughout Holden’s career.
“Our friendship grew into a brotherhood, he would have done anything for me and he knew the feeling was mutual, that I was always there for him. Whenever we called each other or met in public or at any functions, I would always refer to him as SHERIFF. and he would call me SHERIFF as well, For all the titles he earned through his lifetime, he knew SHERIFF was the best.”
“He will be greatly missed by everyone as he did so many things for the people of Schuylkill County and the Citizens of the Commonwealth of Penn.”
State Rep. Tim Twardzik
State Rep. Tim Twardzik remembered Holden’s public service, willingness to help constituents across party lines and personal guidance.
“Another sad passing,” Twardzik said.
“Chairman Tim Holden served our community with distinction in every role he held: Probation Officer, Sergeant-of-Arms of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Sheriff of Schuylkill County, U S Congressman and Chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.”
“He’ll be remembered for his coal region work ethic and ability to help all his constituents regardless of their political party. His late wife Gwen was my cousin, and Tim was generous with advice on how I could best serve my role as a legislator too.”
St. Clair Roots and Service as Schuylkill County Sheriff
Born Thomas Timothy Holden on March 5, 1957, in St. Clair, Holden graduated from St. Clair Area High School in 1975. He attended Fork Union Military Academy and the University of Richmond before earning his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg State University in 1980.
Before his election to Congress, Holden worked as a Schuylkill County probation officer and a sergeant-at-arms for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He served as Schuylkill County sheriff from 1985 until his move to Congress in 1993.
Twenty Years in the U.S. House of Representatives
First elected to Congress in 1992, Holden represented Pennsylvania’s 6th District before moving to the 17th District following redistricting.
During his congressional career, he served as vice chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and chaired its Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research. He also served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Service on the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board
After leaving Congress, Holden continued his public service on the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Gov. Tom Corbett first nominated him to the board in June 2013, and Gov. Tom Wolf named him chairman on February 17, 2015.
Holden was subsequently renominated in 2016 and 2020, receiving unanimous confirmation from the Pennsylvania Senate each time. His tenure on the board ended when his term expired on November 21, 2024.