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BORN

1921

DIED

2016

Joseph Holland Obituary



Joseph Edwin Holland November 3, 1921 - March 4, 2016 Joseph ("Joe") Edwin Holland of Baltimore, MD, age 94, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2016. Joe was born in Lewistown, PA on November 3, 1921. He attended public schools in Langhorne, PA. While in high school he won several medals in cross-country and was awarded the "Lion's" medal for Outstanding Athlete, Class of 1940. During his senior year, he participated in the famous Penn Relays at Philadelphia's Franklin Field, completing a 54 second quarter mile time on the cinder track. In the summer of 1941, Joe hitchhiked to Baltimore, MD in search of a job in the shipyards. He soon found a job as a helper on the night shift, working on Liberty Ships. He was proud that he worked on the first Liberty Ship, the S. S. Patrick Henry. Joe joined the U.S. Merchant Marine in 1943 and spent three years sailing on Liberty Ships carrying supplies throughout the world during World War II, serving as a third officer in his last year. In 1949, he married and two years later began a 37 year career with C. R. Daniels of Ellicott City, MD. After starting as a field salesman, he became Vice-President and director of their conveyor belt sales division. In the 1970's, Joe renewed his lifelong interest in running and participated in several Boston Marathon races. He co-founded the Baltimore Road Runners Club in 1971. The next year, Maryland Governor Marvin Mandel appointed him Chairman of the Maryland Marathon Commission and charged him with bringing a major race to the city of Baltimore. He served the commission for six years, eventually building the Maryland Marathon to 2,000 finishers. For his efforts on behalf of runners, and for serving as chairman of the first and second Maryland Marathons, Joe was presented with the C. C. Jackson A. A. U. Award. Joe also served eight years as a member of the Maryland Senior Olympics Commission. Over his running career, Joe participated in 42 marathons, including 13 Boston Marathons, with a best time of 3:13:34 at age 60. Joe liked to say that he found $1200 in coins and paper money while training over many long roads. After retiring from C. R. Daniels in 1989, Joe did volunteer work at the National Aquarium in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. To the astonishment of everyone, he returned to merchant marine service in 1990-94, (age 69-73) working for the Government of Kuwait on their naphtha tankers in SE Asia. He also served on ships supplying helicopter fuel for Desert Storm. Joe had a passion for traveling and visited far corners of the world throughout the Middle East, China, South America, and points in between. A favorite place was Ireland where he had many memorable and happy times traveling with his daughter Jan. Joe is lovingly remembered by his sons: David and Scott, daughters: Meg and Jan, special grandchildren: Leah, John, and Blaire, and wonderful great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Aiden, and Dylan. Also, by other family members and many friends. Joe requested that his body be donated to the Maryland Anatomy Board to support research and education. Dad persevered through difficult times in his youth. Later, he followed many paths in his full life, sometimes overcoming obstacles and rising to achievements that no one could imagine for him. We will always admire and remember those times.

Published by Baltimore Sun on Mar. 9, 2016.
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Amanda Day

October 25, 2018

Amanda Day

October 25, 2018

Amanda Day

October 25, 2018

Amanda Day

October 25, 2018

Amanda Day

October 25, 2018

Amanda Day

October 25, 2018

Amanda Day

October 25, 2018

I never got to meet Joe in person but he reached out to me years ago through mail. We became pen pals for a bit. We live in the home he and his brother lived in for a while. Joe told me stories and a few pictures about himself and the home here in Coatesville. When we stripped the paint and wall paper off of the kids room, I found all kinds of drawings, scribbles and signatures by Joe (and probably his brother). Each time I was in Baltimore and stopped by his condo, he was out but I left some cookies our kids had made. He seemed like a special man, consistent with all I've read. I'm sure you all were thankful to have him as a dad. All the best, Byron

Byron Straughn

Acquaintance

December 27, 2017

To our kids, he was "Grampa Joe". I only met him a couple of times, but I have NEVER met anyone with his joie de vivre. He was a very strong man, and he loved my Jonathan's mother very much. My condolences to his family.

Melissa Ehrlich

October 25, 2016

One of my most meaningful memories as a runner was meeting Mr. Joe Holland in the last few miles of the Maryland Marathon in 1981. This kind gentleman encouraged me, as well as other runners that were struggling down Perring Parkway, to finish our 26.2 miles proudly. He was and has continued to be an inspiration to many in the running community.

March 15, 2016

Joe was one of the giants of the Baltimore running scene, a friend and mentor to all who knew him. As with so many of us who met through running, it takes an obituary to learn of the many other aspects of his life. It was my privilege to have shared many roads and many miles with Joe. What a wonderful life!

Michael Hill

March 14, 2016

Jan and Meg - I'm so sorry to hear that your Dad is gone. I did so enjoy reading the story of his life and all his accomplishments. I'm thinking of you and your family.

Craig Douglas

March 13, 2016

I met Joe during the winter of 1983 at the 15k in Westminster. He was wearing just a singlet and shorts while the rest of younger folks were sporting the new running invention, lycra tights. He always remembered me even when we had crossed paths in years. He was cheery and welcoming to new members to the running community. What a testimony for a just turned 62 year old woman that life is not over until God calls her home, until embrace the days He has gifted to all.

March 9, 2016

Victoria Glose

March 9, 2016

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and hope in God's Word the Bible during this most difficult time.

March 9, 2016

God has given us a life span of 70 and 80 years if we are strong, Psalms 90:10. May you celebrate a life well lived. Annie C. Ga.

March 9, 2016

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