[2] He was valedictorian of the Boston Trade High School for Boys class of 1949 and worked as a sales representative for a wholesale plumbing business for many years.

He owned Slade's restaurant from 1960 until he and his partners sold it to Boston Celtics player Bill Russell in 1964.

[3] Holgate also sold mutual funds and was a director of the Unity Bank & Trust Company.

During his time in office, Holgate participated in several organizations, including the Boston chapter of the NAACP, the local Chamber of Commerce, and the Citizens Urban Renewal Action Committee.

[2] Holgate started having eye problems in 1964, which caused him to spend a considerable amount of time in the hospital in 1966.