HOLLAND, JACK

HOLLAND, JACK
Jack Holland was a regular at Mulligan's Bar and Grill on Friday nights when “Name That Tune” was featured as the evening's entertainment. He would gather with family and friends each week to test their collective musical acumen. It is not difficult to imagine, then, that once he passed from this life on September 12, 2024, he may have been greeted at Heaven's gates by a celestial soundtrack of Jack Holland's Greatest Hits.
“My Eyes Adored You” by The Jersey Boys:
“My eyes adored you/ Like a million miles away from me you couldn't see how I adored you/So close, so close and yet so far”
The gas shortage of 1979 was in full effect, so because Jack did not have enough gas to drive to work that day, he went to the Barefoot Bar in Diamond Beach. He met Karen for the first time and a year later, they were married and then remained married for forty-four years.
“Easy” by The Commodores:
“That's why I'm easy I'm easy like Sunday morning.”
Jack was the quiet presence amidst the hustle and bustle of family and work life. He enjoyed life's simple pleasures that are often taken for granted in youth but treasured later. Early on, he was a loyal listener of Jerry Blavet, a Philadelphia disc jockey who promoted oldies music and then later of Bob Kelly, a traffic anchor on Fox 29 Philadelphia. One can imagine his easy listening in the early morning hours while drinking a cup of Wawa black coffee.
Once he became a grandfather, his mornings and afternoons were sometimes interrupted by “The famous Holland naps,” where Jack would position himself on his easy chair with Olivia or Addison on his lap, and both would nod off together. Jack always had a hand to lend and an ear to listen.
“The Family Song” by Smokey Robinson:
“In one love that's strong/Singing that family song”
Born in Philadelphia on August 21, 1949, to the late John and Kathryn Holland Sr., Jack graduated from Father Judge High-school in 1967 and entered the US Air Force Reserve, his first introduction to a brotherhood beyond his immediate family.
After the Air Force the Holland family decided to make their summer vacation spot of Wildwood Crest their permanent home. This is where the Holland boys would open an auto repair business that has serviced the island for 50+ years, a true testament to the power of brothers.
Jack would also go on to become a community fixture as he served as a member of the Wildwood Crest Volunteer Fire Company for 47 years. He proudly wore the titles of Chief, Captain, Lieutenant and currently served as Assistant Chief (4-1). The firefighters at the Wildwood Crest Firehouse became a second family to Jack, celebrating the highs and supporting him through the lows. Jack was a family man in every sense of the word.
Jack was a loving husband, father, pop, brother, uncle and friend. He is predeceased by his daughter and princess Amanda “Roo Roo” Holland, his brother Frank, brother-in-law Jack and sister-in-law Marilyn Clayton, sister-in-law, Donna O'Brien, and nephews Mickey Healy and Ryan Slusarczyki. He is survived by his loving wife Karen, sons Jack (Ashley), Kevin and Nicholas. Grand-daughters Hailey, Addison and Olivia. Brother Tom (Jackie), sisters Kathi (Mike Healy), Pat (Tom Stocker), and sister-in-law Peggy Holland. Many nieces and nephews, and so many, many friends. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the “Amanda's Wish Foundation” c/o Nick Holland, 110 E St Paul, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260.
Services to celebrate Jack's life will be held on Thursday, September 19th. Viewing is from 9:30 12:15, with a mass to follow at 12:30. Church of Assumption on Rambler and Seaview, 7110 Seaview Ave. Interment at Cold Spring Cemetery immediately following the service. Condolences at
www.radzieta.com