James T. Canty, 83, of Holliston, passed away Jan. 25 at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham. Born in Somerville, he was the son of the late Mary (McCarthy) and Cornelius Canty. He was the husband of 55 years to  Lorraine (Gargan) Canty of Holliston.

James was drafted into the Army and served in Germany. He was a retired colonel in the Massachusetts State Police. After retirement, he went on to work in the banking industry for 10 years. James was a big family man and took pleasure in spending time with the ones he loved.

Besides his wife, he is survived by five children: Deborah Canty and her husband, Michael Howlett, of Moultonborough, New Hampshire; James Canty and his wife, Rebecca, of Hopkinton,; Cheryl Obid and her husband, Sano, of Holliston; Richard Canty and his wife, Amy, of Natick; and Kevin Canty of Holliston. He also leaves behind his sister, Mary Canty of Brighton, and five grandchildren: Zachary, Kyle, Jake, Marie and Katherine. He is predeceased by two brothers, Frank and Paul Canty, and his grandson, Brad Canty.

A funeral mass was celebrated on Jan. 31 at St. Mary’s Church of Holliston, with burial following in the parish cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston (ChesmoreFuneralHome.com). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or cancer.org.