Harold G. "Hal" Holst

Harold "Hal" G. Holst
of Vestal
Harold "Hal" G. Holst, 81, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 26, 2008. He was predeceased by his parents, Gustav H. and Johanna (Peters) Holst. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Muriel; two sons, Robert Holst and his wife, Maryellen, Hatboro, Pa., John Holst and his wife, Anita, DeWitt; two daughters, Barbara and her husband, Adrian Skarvinko, Endwell, Janet and her husband, William Mitchell, Vestal; nine grandchildren, Erin and her husband, Dan Steenstra, Brian Holst, Kevin Holst, Kyle Holst, Emily Holst, Jessica Skarvinko, Katie Skarvinko, Ryan Mitchell, Joshua Mitchell; and one great-granddaughter, Grace Steenstra. Hal was born in Brooklyn and joined the US Naval Medical Corps during WWII. He worked in the insurance business until his retirement in 1992 from Alexander & Alexander, Brokers, New York City. He later worked as a court attendant for the Binghamton Family Court. Hal was very active in the community and was Past President of the Vestal Lions Club. Hal was a member of the Otseningo Bodies A.A.S.R. Valley of Binghamton, a member of the Vestal-Otseningo Masonic Lodge, Vestal. He was a Past Master of the Acanthus-Hyatt Masonic Lodge in Brooklyn and the Vestal-Otseningo Masonic Lodge and Past District Deputy of the Broome-Chenango District. He also belonged to the Kalurah Shrine and the Knights of Mecca, Endicott. He was a member of Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church where he served on the Council and as a Eucharistic Minister. Hal truly loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He supported them in all of their endeavors and was very proud of their accomplishments. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and traveling. Hal was a loyal friend to many and will always be remembered for his sense of humor. His jokes and stories put a smile on many faces. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family would like to thank all of his dear friends who supported and comforted him during his illness. The family would also like to thank Drs. M. Bogdasarian, M. Gawel, A. Sheth, M. Yalamanchili and the staff of Lourdes Hospital for their care and compassion.
Funeral services for Hal will be held on Wednesday 11 a.m. at Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, 308 Main Street, Johnson City. Burial will follow at Vestal Hills Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday 4-7 p.m. at the Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home, 326 Prospect Street, Binghamton, with a Masonic Funeral Service afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hal's name to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Fla. 33607-1460 or to his church.