The caretaker of a New Hampshire mobile home trailer park in Hinsdale lived a humble life, but upon his recent death, shockingly donated $3.8 million to his community.
For years, Geoffrey Holt was known as a mobile home park groundskeeper in a small New Hampshire town. Now, he's being remembered as a millionaire who gave his fortune to the community. pic.twitter.com/6RP4bUPJRZ
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 21, 2023
According to the Associated Press, Geoffrey Holt did not own a car; he drove his lawn mower to the town store.
He owned little to no furniture and did not have a TV or a computer. He often did odd jobs for others.
When he died, his neighbors were shocked to learn that he chose this lifestyle and had the means to live however he wanted. He was a secret millionaire.
Upon his death, he left his entire fortune to his 4,200 neighbors. His instructions were short and simple, he wished for his $3.8 million to be donated to the community’s health, education, culture, and recreation.
His best friend and former employer, Edwin “Smokey” Smith, noted, “He seemed to have what he wanted, but he didn’t want much.”
Smith explained Holt had confided in him that his investments had done very well and didn’t know what to do with all of it. Smith said he suggested that Holt think of the town.
“I was sort of dumbfounded when I found out that all of it went to the town,” Smith admitted.
Steve Diorio, Holt’s acquaintance and chairman of the town select board, stated, “I don’t think anyone had any idea that he was that successful.”
“I know he didn’t have a whole lot of family, but nonetheless, to leave it to the town where he lived in … It’s a tremendous gift,” he concluded.
Holt’s 81-year-old sister, Alison Holt, said that she had no idea about his fortune but that saving money and investing was important to their father.
Kathryn Lynch, the town administrator, said Hinsdale will “utilize the money left very frugally as Mr. Holt did.”