Avon: January 3, 2018 at age 72 years. Predeceased by his wife Susan Holland and son Peter Holland. Survived by children; David Holland of Los Angeles, CA and Katie (Justin) Gange of Buffalo; grandson Callen Gange; siblings, Virginia (Michael) Hayes of Ashville, NY, Donald (Cheryl) Holland of Erie, PA, and SalLee Holland of Jamestown; sisters-in-law Sally McDougall and Sara (Bob) Butler all of Sebring, FL. Also survived by honorary daughters; Nga (Thong) Au of Greece, and their children Justin & Christine, and Phuong (Xuan) Nguyan of FL; many other loving family and friends, his church family at Cornerstone Baptist Church especially Pastor John & Carol Zatkiewicz, and neighbor Kelly Frazer.
Richard was born on February 9, 1945 in Jamestown, NY. He married Susan (O’Leary) Holland on March 26, 1970 and they became proud parents of David and Katie. Richard worked at Kraft Foods in Avon, NY for over 40 years and retired in 2007. He was a resident of Wadsworth Avenue for many years and always enjoyed visiting with neighbors and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 27th, at 11am at the Cornerstone Baptist Church, 4232 Reservoir Road, Geneseo, NY 14454. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Cornerstone Baptist Church – Children’s Ministries Program at the address above. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Katie and David –
Our sympathies to you both on the loss of your dad. Sorry we couldn’t be with you on Saturday however you are in out thoughts and prayers.
Sandy and Greg Warren
Our family first met Richard as a young man who had just moved to Avon and lived next door to us on Park Place. He was such a good person, eager to befriend us and help out in any way he could. We all (adults and nine children alike) enjoyed his company and interest in so many things. He was such a capable craftsman, I remember when he built a huge platform in our basement, for the train set we had received for Christmas. Of course then he met Sue, the light of his life, and married and renovated their home on Wadsworth Avenue. That Home welcomed their precious children, and David and Katie exemplify all the love and kindness that filled their lives.
As was their natures, Richard and Sue were always thinking of others, and were so generous with their time and talents. They were devoted friends to our parents and often dropped by for visits with their children. So thoughtful and considerate, extraordinary in their humility, wonderful in their expectations of themselves and forgiveness for others.
I also recall that life had dealt some very challenging times, but neither Richard nor Sue focused on the negative. Richard moved to town looking forward to his future, that would be filled with an amazing work ethic, a remarkable career at one company for over 40 years (unheard of today), and a beautiful family that would complete his life.
My sister and I visited with Richard in 2016, after Sue died, and we could see how broken-hearted he was. (We both live out of state.) I was so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing, because he always seemed so active and healthy. We knew how thrilled he was to have a grandson and we are so happy that he experienced that profound joy.
Personally, I am so grateful for Richard’s friendship so many years ago, that continued, as you always knew it would, particularly if you knew Richard. He was an exceptional person who certainly brought meaning to my life, through his example and steadfastness. As his family so beautifully expressed in the above comments, he was tender hearted but shy about expressing it. He was principled but never boastful. He was a family man in the most wonderful sense of the word. He will be missed but may he Rest In Peace.
Although we didn’t grow up together, we were finally able to meet as adults. I will be forever grateful that I was finally able to meet you and Susan and your beautiful children David and Katie. I looked forward to the Christmas cards every year and the e-mails that seemed to pop up out of nowhere just when they were needed. Thank you again for helping to bring together all of the Holland siblings. Fly with the angels big brother, you are loved and will be forever missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. It’s hard to hear when a family member passes but know that God will comfort and bless you with memories and more and more blessings.
This was such a shock, and very sudden. I still can’t believe he is gone. There are no words. May God Bless you. Thoughts and prayers to all the family and may everyone have strength through their personal grief. You will surely be missed. Sal-Lee (sister)
Oh Richard, will I miss you. You were the most generous, kind man with a heart so big. You hid your feelings well, but we all knew they were there. Although we didn’t share our childhood, you were responsible for bringing our siblings together to meet each other for the first time in many, many years. It was an awesome experience and I am so grateful. You looked out into this big world and found the perfect woman for you. Then you reached out again and choose two of the most perfect children for the two of you. You recently met your grandson. WOW.
The world sometimes confused you and wasn’t always kind. It never broke your ability and desire to give of yourself to others. I am so grateful that Susan and Peter are there to be with and help you through your next adventure. I will miss my little brother more than you will know.
Although we didn’t spend much time together when we were young, due to difficult circumstances, Richard worked very hard to get us kids together. He succeeded nearly 19 years ago and i got to meet my sister after almost 50 years and 2 half brothers and sisters that i had never met. I will always be grateful to him for that. He seemed to idolize me for reasons that will always baffle me. I was so happy when he and Sue decided to adopt those two beautiful babies and so proud of what they have become. I know he didn’t say it very often but he was just as proud as we are. It was just harder for him to say it.
We did a lot of bonding the last bunch of years including a family trip to Washington dc and most recently a 2 week trip to Florida. I managed to get him the brightest black sock sunburn you ever saw. He caught some fish and saw his first space launch.
You will be sorely missed. As will your e-mails.
I will always love you big brother.
Go now and rest with your beautiful wife Susan.
He was a happy guy & always a pleasure to talk with. I will miss them both. RIP.