John E. Holland, 84, U.S. Navy Veteran

He was born in Lorain on July 29, 1939, and remained a life-long resident of the city. John was a 1957 graduate of Lorain High School.

He enlisted into the United States Navy in 1957 and fulfilled duty assignments as an Electronics Technician Second Class aboard the heavy cruiser USS Northampton. John was presented with the Good Conduct Medal at the time of his discharge from active duty in 1961.

Following his separation from the military, John became a Communications Technician at Lorain Telephone Company and its successors for over 45 years.

John was a long-time member of Communications Workers of America Local 4370 and had served as the organization’s President for a quarter century. He was also a 20 year member of the Lorain AFL-CIO where he held the office of Treasurer. John was one of the original organizers of Lorain’s Labor Day Celebration and worked tirelessly to acknowledge and perpetuate the role and value of the working person in America. Ironically, he passed away on Labor Day.

He was an active parishioner of the former St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church (current St. Frances Cabrini) and served as an Eucharistic Minister there.

In his free time, he enjoyed O-Gauge model railroading and was an accomplished amateur photographer starting with 35 mm format and ultimately transitioning to digital media. Through this hobby, he received great enjoyment from chronicling the athletic highlights of his grandchildren. Additionally, John displayed a deep interest in genealogy, collected matchbooks, and was an ardent Star Trek Trekkie.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Kathy (nee Lee), children Jill Ballard (Terrance) of Louisville, Kentucky, Thomas Holland (Raquel) of Lorain, and Amanda Holland also of Lorain. In addition, he leaves grandchildren Jacquelyn, Andrew, Victoria, Alexis, Amara, T.J., Jalen, Jolene, Jaron, and Erik, and great grandchildren Jayden, Jaxton, Sydnie, Bryson, Preston, and Westlin. Additional survivors include brothers Michael T. Holland (Alice) of Amherst and Russell P. Holland (Jovie) of Lorain.

John was preceded in death by his father John M. Holland in 2005, mother Hazel Holland (nee Hambley) also in 2005, sister Hazel Leonard in 1996, and brother Richard Holland earlier this year.

Friends may call Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 pm. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Additional visitation will be observed in St. Frances Cabrini Parish – 2143 Homewood Drive on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Neil G. Walters, Pastor of the parish will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery – Lorain where military honors will be conducted by Amvets Post # 32 of Elyria.

Contributions in John’s memory are encouraged to either the Wounded Warrior Project or the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Please share your memories and condolences by visiting www.gluvnashimohromada.com.