Photo courtesy of Chambers Funeral Homes - North Olmsted
North Olmsted, Ohio
Aug 5, 1931 – Jan 8, 2023
DONALD HOLLENBECK, age 91, retired Cleveland Firefighter, beloved husband of the late Margaret A. (nee Hutchinson); loving father of Mark (Patty), Tom (Mary Pat), Chris (Nikki), Donna Frimel (Steve), Matt (Kim), and Lynn Schultz (Darren); proud Papa of 15 and great-Papa of 3 and one on the way; son of the late Helen Jackson (nee Haney) and Cletus Hollenbeck; brother of Noreen Boyce (deceased), Charlotte Vall and Lynn Hollenbeck Keunnen (deceased); uncle, great-uncle and dear friend of many. Passed away January 8, 2023 surrounded by his family. Relatives and friends are invited to meet for his Memorial Mass Friday, January 13, The Church of St. Clarence (30106 Lorain Rd.) at 11 A.M. with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions are suggested to MetroHealth Foundation (Burn Center), P.O. Box 74107, Cleveland, OH 44197-9932 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192.
Don was a man of great integrity who loved his wife and family with great intent. He believed in having a strong work ethic, to work hard and honestly, and to do the best of your ability in any situation. He was a very selfless man that lived his entire life always serving and caring for others first. He believed that having a sense of humor could get you through some of the toughest times in life.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, history, landscape, building model airplanes and anything and everything that would include spending time with his family and friends. He cherished his weekly visits with his sister, Charlotte.
He loved reminiscing about his days he spent on the Cleveland Fire Department and the comradery that came with it. He was extremely proud that so many of his family members followed in his footsteps and shared his love of serving the people of Cleveland.
Don lived in peace and loved and served the Lord by serving others.
Read MoreMy Condolences to the Hollenbeck family. I worked with Don on L4 back in the 70s. Courageous firefighter, great mentor, and absolute gentleman.
Reynaldo Tovar
January 18, 2023 | Leesburg, FL | Coworker
Dear Hollenbeck Family,
So sorry for your loss. I had the great pleasure to work with Don and know your Mother well. Such beautiful people.
Don led by example on the foregroundjust like it should be.
Rest in peace.
Kevin Cooney
January 16, 2023 | Cleveland, OH
My thoughts are with the entire Hollenbeck family. I spent much of my childhood at their house, as neighbors and friends with Lynn. Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck were two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. They built a beautiful family. Both will remain a part of my heart forever. I am glad they are together again. Rest in peace.
Melanie and Tate Strickler
January 13, 2023 | Avon Lake, OH | Friend
Dearest Uncle Don,
I will always remember your smile and laughter. The angels have you now.
My heart goes out to your entire Clan.
Much Love to My Cousins,
Carey Ellen Boyce
Carey E. Boyce
January 13, 2023 | Redmond, OR | Family
Condolences to the Donald Hollenbeck family.
Edward Whatley
January 11, 2023 | Baltimore, MD | Coworker
I knew Mark, Don's oldest son, before I knew Don. We got on CFD in "81" together. I met Don when we were working at St.Ignatious H.S. doing landscaping and such. Don was the old pro, and was as nice as could be. I remember thinking what a great Dad the Hollenbeck boys had. When I met the rest of the Hollenbecks, Marge, Tom, Chris, Donna, and Lynn, I realized they were a great family. Don and Marge must have had some great times with those kids.
Rest in Peace Don. Nice job. Put in a...
Mike Heil
January 10, 2023 | Strongsville, OH | Friend
Our condolences to the entire family. I loved spending time and talking with him at all those family gatherings.
Walt & Tracy Sumerauer
January 09, 2023 | Parrish, FL | Friend
He sounds like a wonderful man, no wonder my Dad and he were friends through the Cleveland Fire Dept.
May he now be embraced in God's loving arms.
I know the passing of someone so loved is hurtful, and I send my sincere condolences to you all.
Kerry Fink-Aslanis
January 09, 2023 | North Olmsted, OH
My condolences to the beautiful family he left behind
It was truly an honor and a privilege to know and get to work with Don!
May his Soul rest in Peace
Tom KEHOE
January 09, 2023 | Ormond Beach, FL | Friend
