Hinsdale, New Hampshire – The small town of Hinsdale, New Hampshire was shocked to discover that their unassuming caretaker, Geoffrey Holt, was actually a multimillionaire who left behind a $3.8 million fortune following his death at age 82 in June. In a surprising turn of events, Holt donated the entirety of his wealth to the 4,000-person community where he lived.
Geoff Holt’s close friend and estate executor, Edwin “Smokey” Smith, revealed that Holt was a private and low-key person who preferred to blend in with the crowd rather than stand out. Although Smith knew about Holt’s wealth, he was not aware of Holt’s plans until he became caretaker.
Holt’s fortune was entrusted to the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, with the intention of supporting projects, programs, and organizations that provide health, education, recreation, and cultural benefits to the residents of Hinsdale.
This act of generosity is reminiscent of a similar incident that occurred in Brattleboro, Vermont, just 7 miles away from Hinsdale. In 2014, Ronald Read, a janitor and gas station attendant, passed away at age 92, leaving behind an $8 million fortune that he had quietly amassed through smart investing and frugal living. Upon his death, Read bequeathed $6 million of his wealth to Brattleboro’s local hospital and library.
It is unclear whether Holt was inspired by Read’s example, as Smith maintains that Holt never mentioned it. However, given that Holt read newspapers regularly, he may have been aware of Read’s philanthropy. Read’s act of generosity was particularly significant because of his regular visits to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s cafe, where he enjoyed a simple breakfast every day.
The stories of Holt and Read serve as a reminder of the impact that unassuming individuals can have on their communities through their acts of philanthropy and generosity. In both cases, these charitable acts were only revealed after their deaths, highlighting the quiet and understated nature of their giving.
I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years. I have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers, and my goal is to help them navigate the ever-changing world of cryptocurrencies.
