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BORN
1935
DIED
2020
John Holder Obituary
John Lawrence Holder Jr
1935 - 2020
John Lawrence Holder Jr was born May, 1935 in Nashville Tennessee to John & Hilda Holder. His family moved to Napa after the war in 1945 where he graduated from Napa High School in 1953. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Moore, just 1 month after high school graduation - and they said it would never last! John graduated from Napa Jr College and Sacramento State University, where he received a BA & teaching credential and later received his Master's degree from San Francisco State University. During his first year of teaching, he was drafted into the Army where he served as a Chaplain's assistant. John returned to teach at Westwood Elementary after his military service and went on to serve the Napa Valley Unified School District as a teacher/administrator for 36 years before retiring in 1991. He was the principal of El Centro, Salvador, Yountville, Northwood, West Park, Snow, Wooden Valley & Capell Valley elementary schools. He loved getting to know his students and families and was later honored to have those students come back to support him during his health struggles as his nurses, ambulance drivers & firefighter/paramedics. He was so appreciative of all those who supported him these last few years as his health declined, especially Collabria Care. John & Carol celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in July and raised 4 children, Jeanne McAuliffe (Rob), Pam Perkins (Joe), Nancy Abruzzini (Bruce) & John Holder III (deceased 1986). He served for many years in church leadership at First Christian Church and later Yountville Community Church. His 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren will miss their Papa and the time they spent together camping, enjoying stories, and Saturday morning donuts. John loved the Lord and died at home the morning of October 10th, moving peacefully from his daughter's arms and into the arms of Jesus. Waiting to greet him at heaven's gate were his parents, his brother, Richard Holder, sister, Peggy Stokey, and his son, John.
Well done, good and faithful one. Welcome to the place where you belong. You have run the race, and now you are home. We love you, we will miss you...until we meet again.
A celebration of life is planned for 10/30, 1:00, at Tulocay Cemetery. We will follow all COVID protocols; limited space and seating, live streaming available.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Holder
Vivian Soderholm
October 25, 2020
I was the school secretary at El Centro and John was one of the Principals I worked with. I am so sorry for your loss. May you remember all the good times.
Georgiann Kite
October 24, 2020
I never had John as a teacher or Principal but he was in the district the same time as my Dad Russell Kite. May he Rest In Peace
Deborah Guardado
October 23, 2020
I had the honor to work with Mr. Holder at Snow Sch.. Also given a beautiful letter of recommendation for highly qualified work. God bless you Dear Man. Blessings and prayers to all.
Wendy Silva McCall
October 23, 2020
I remember back in the day before I could drive, Mr. and Mrs. Holder would pick up my younger brother and me to take us to FCC while our mom had to go to work at Napa Bowl. He was a nice man! My sincere condolences to his loved ones.
Penny Pawl
October 21, 2020
I'm so sorry about my bonsai buddy Penny
Joanne Mills and sons Jim, Jason & Bear
October 21, 2020
So sorry to hear of the loss of Mr Holder. My boys all had him as the principal of El Centro. He was such and kind and caring man. He had a true love for children and their education. We know he will be missed terribly. Our deepest sympathy to the Holder Family.
Robert Barber
October 20, 2020
Mr. Holder was my Principal at El Centro back in the 60´s. Always remember him as a kind man. Condolences to his family.....
Christie Sanford
October 20, 2020
Such fond memories of Principal Holder at El Centro. I later ran into him at the QOV when he was volunteering. His heart was so big. I consider myself blessed to have had him in my life.
Lisa (Miri) Blampied
October 19, 2020
May the memories of such a caring person so dedicated to children and young people be with you now and always.
Sally Hunter
October 19, 2020
To Carol and family,
So sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful man and a terrific principal who truly cared about the children. It was a privelege to know him and to work with him.
Mary Burrell
October 19, 2020
Carol, condolences on your loss. Thankful for your and John´s volunteer work at the hospital. Strength and blessings to you and your family.
Virginia Smith Yee
October 18, 2020
It was a privilege to work under and with John at El Centro, and to share friendship and the love of Jesus in the years since. John served all of us so well, he surely has his crown in heaven.
Bridewell Family
October 18, 2020
So honored to have called you our friend. RIP
Faye Fittipoldi
October 18, 2020
Mr. Holder was the most wonderful principal for our children when El Centro School opened. They´ve never forgotten his kindness.
Karen Jacob
October 17, 2020
My heart is so heavy for the loss of John. It was an honor and a privilege to know and serve both of you during my years in Yountville. What a humble man he was. May you have peace in your memories and God bless you always.
Lynne Hildebrant Posner
October 17, 2020
Mr. Holder was a wonderful teacher! Many years later he recognized me--I was so happy to share memories with him!
Virginia Rue
October 17, 2020
So sorry for the loss of your husband and father. May peace continue to be with you as you say your final goodbyes to John. He was a good man.
Beth Katzner
October 17, 2020
Carol, Nancy and family, we are so sorry to hear about John. What a wonderful family you are. You are in our prayers. Beth and Greg
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