Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
David Holland Obituary
David graduated from Jules E. Mastbaum Vocational High School in 1957 and soon after began a career at Rohm and Haas, where he worked for over 35 years until his retirement. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1965.
David and his wife, Helen, have been devoted parishioners of St. Timothy Catholic Church since 1965. Faith played a significant role in his life, as did his love and commitment to his family. David was a kind, caring, and hardworking man, cherished by his wife of nearly 63 years, Helen, and a devoted father to Kathryn H. Sementelli (Cloyd), the late David T. Holland (Susan), and Thomas J. Holland (Debi Crimlis Wilson). His proud legacy continues through his precious grandchildren Lindsay Hayes-Patterson (Douglas), Amanda Holland, Thomas Holland, Jr., Stephanie Holland, Kaitlyn Holland, and great-grandson, Christopher Krings, Jr., as well as his dear goddaughter, Jennifer Powers.
An avid enthusiast of history, particularly the Civil War and World War II, David enjoyed visiting museums and historical sites. His appreciation for art was evident in his admiration for works by W.C. Wyeth and Norman Rockwell. A true Philadelphia sports fan, he loyally followed the Philadelphia Phillies and enjoyed football with his favorite team being none other than the Eagles. David also enjoyed browsing through the books at the library, listening to classical music and being a whiz at Jeopardy. Time spent with his family meant the most.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 3rd at St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church, 3001 Levick Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19149, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in David's name may be made to The Philadelphia Protestant Home, where he spent the last 7 months of his life, or to the American Heart Association.
The family extends their gratitude to Edward J. Petner Funeral Home, 6421 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19135, for their compassionate assistance during this difficult time.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mike Tushup, Jr.
July 24, 2025
May the glorious Peace, Joy and Blessings of Christ Jesus be with each and everyone of you.....as we remember ! Love, Mike Tushup, Jr.
Denise Foley
August 2, 2024
Mr. Holland was a great guy. Always friendly and happy to have a conversation with you. He gave Kathy and I many rides when we were younger and had a lot of patience with us crazy teenagers. He will be missed. Prayers and sympathy to all of you at this time.
Susan Holland
July 31, 2024
Dad Holland was my father in law but treated me as his own biological daughter. We would love talking about historical events, mostly WWI, WWII, and the other wars the world experienced. My Dave predeceased his father but Dad always made sure that the girls and I were doing well. He would share stories to keep Dave alive in our hearts and minds and he will forever be in the hearts of Stephanie, Kaitlyn and myself. He had so much love for my mother in law and we will make sure she feels loved by us every day. Rest in Peace Dad. May you and my Dave be at each other’s side for all eternity. We love you.
Kathy Mullen
July 31, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathy mullen
July 30, 2024 | Friend
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
<br />My Grandfather was a very kind and caring man. I enjoyed our adventures to museums, watching old-time movies, The Three Stooges, and laughing at the fight scenes in Western films. What I loved most about my grandfather was that he let me pick
Thomas Holland Jr
July 31, 2024
My Grandfather was a very kind and caring man. I enjoyed our adventures to museums, watching old-time movies, The Three Stooges, and laughing at the fight scenes in Western films. What I loved most about my grandfather was that he let me pick his brain about anything. My grandfather was very knowledgeable about not only history but current events as well. He was also perfect for jokes; his favorite one to tell me was "Knock knock." Who's there? "Harry" Harry Who? "I'm fine. How are you." He loved art and always liked seeing my new tattoos when I got them. As a kid, he always got me rub-on tattoos, candy, and foam propeller airplanes every time I came over, which was pretty much every other day of the week and the weekends. What I loved the most about my Grandpop was how much he cared for everyone. I'm blessed that he saw me graduate high school, receive my associate's degree, start my career, and go back to college for my bachelor's. No matter what I decided to do with life, he showed great interest in it, whether it be music, my brief culinary career, or my interest in cars. He was always proud, and most importantly, he always remembered details. The most important thing I've learned from my Grandpop is that the little things in life mean the most. He always thought of everyone in everything he would do, and I do my best to do the same. I'm going to miss you, Grandpop. You have played a very big part in shaping the man I am today. You taught me the importance of listening and learning, an excellent work ethic, how to be a gentleman, how to be brave, and most importantly, how to care for those around me. I love you Grandpop, cheers until we meet again. -Tommy
Thomas James Holland Jr
Kathryn Sementalli
July 31, 2024
Love you with all of my heart and soul, Dad. I will miss you for the rest of my life. I could not have asked for a better Father and I know you will keep protecting all of us from Heaven. Give Dave a BIG HUG for me. See you on the other side of the stars one day. xoxo
Kathryn Sementelli
Paula Marta-Powere
July 31, 2024
To Kathy and Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Love; hugs, and prayers to help keep you. Hopefully the beautiful memories you have of this wonderful man will keep you going during this sad time. May God bless you! He is now your angel forever. Love always, Paulina Marra-Powers
Paulina Marra-Powers
July 31, 2024 | Friend
Michael Mican
July 31, 2024
MY sincerest condolences to Mrs. Holland, Kathy, Tom. and the whole Holland Family , it is never easy to lose a loved one especially one that was so special . My Prayers are with you all at this most difficult time . Michael J Mican
Michael J Mican
July 31, 2024 | Friend
Michael J Mican
July 31, 2024
MY sincerest condolences to Mrs. Holland, Kathy, Tom. and the whole Holland Family , it is never easy to lose a loved one especially one that was so special . My Prayers are with you all at this most difficult time . Michael J Mican
Paulina Marra-Powers
July 31, 2024
To Kathy and Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Love; hugs, and prayers to help keep you. Hopefully the beautiful memories you have of this wonderful man will keep you going during this sad time. May God bless you! He is now your angel forever. Love always, Paulina Marra-Powers
Kathryn Sementelli
July 30, 2024
Love you with all of my heart and soul, Dad. I will miss you for the rest of my life. I could not have asked for a better Father and I know you will keep protecting all of us from Heaven. Give Dave a BIG HUG for me. See you on the other side of the stars one day. xoxo
Kathy mullen
July 30, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Thomas James Holland Jr.
July 30, 2024
My Grandfather was a very kind and caring man. I enjoyed our adventures to museums, watching old-time movies, The Three Stooges, and laughing at the fight scenes in Western films. What I loved most about my grandfather was that he let me pick his brain about anything. My grandfather was very knowledgeable about not only history but current events as well. He was also perfect for jokes; his favorite one to tell me was "Knock knock." Who's there? "Harry" Harry Who? "I'm fine. How are you."
He loved art and always liked seeing my new tattoos when I got them. As a kid, he always got me rub-on tattoos, candy, and foam propeller airplanes every time I came over, which was pretty much every other day of the week and the weekends.
What I loved the most about my Grandpop was how much he cared for everyone. I'm blessed that he saw me graduate high school, receive my associate's degree, start my career, and go back to college for my bachelor's. No matter what I decided to do with life, he showed great interest in it, whether it be music, my brief culinary career, or my interest in cars. He was always proud, and most importantly, he always remembered details.
The most important thing I've learned from my Grandpop is that the little things in life mean the most. He always thought of everyone in everything he would do, and I do my best to do the same.
I'm going to miss you, Grandpop. You have played a very big part in shaping the man I am today. You taught me the importance of listening and learning, an excellent work ethic, how to be a gentleman, how to be brave, and most importantly, how to care for those around me. I love you Grandpop, cheers until we meet again.
-Tommy
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in David Holland's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Holland's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
