The Rev. John G. Holton, retired priest of the Diocese of Massachusetts, died April 21 after a brief illness. He was 78.

Fr. Holton was born in Birmingham, England. and was educated at Queens University. He was ordained priest in 1957. He served parishes in Linton and Mandan, ND; Peabody, MA; Des Moines, IA; Ocean City, Cornersville, and Salisbury, MD. Fr. Holton is survived by his wife, Joan, and four childre