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Joel Hollingshead Obituary
July 10, 1941-
March 21, 2014
Joel Hollingshead died at home Friday, March 21, 2014. Born in Piqua Ohio, to Mary Ellen and Frederick Hollingshead, he was the oldest of three sons. He attended Brookville High School and then Manchester College in Indiana. He attended medical school at Ohio State University where he met and married Judy Robbins, September 5, 1965. Joel was awarded a Smith Kline and French Fellowship that sent Joel and Judy for 10 weeks to work at the regional hospital and leprosarium in Garkida, Nigeria. In 1966, Joel and Judy moved to Los Angeles where Joel began his residency in general and vascular surgery at University of Southern California's Los Angeles County Hospital. Upon completion, he served two years as a military surgeon at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. He and his family then moved to Rancho Santa Fe where he began his private practice at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, CA. In 1974, he moved his practice to San Pedro Hospital. He later joined forces with 7 other surgeons to form the Association of South Bay Surgeons serving other hospitals the area. In addition to his private practice, Joel enjoyed donating his time as a teacher physician at the Los Angeles County Hospital and abroad operating at regional hospitals in Ayacucho, Peru, Managua, Nicaragua, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in Deschapelles, Haiti, and Ethiopia as a member of Doctors without Borders. Joel and Judy have lived in Rolling Hills for 40 years where they raised their four children: Robyn Hollingshead, Todd Hollingshead (Jill), Christopher Hollingshead (Cheryl), and Matthew Hollingshead (Annette). He was always devoted to his family, nurturing and guiding his children and grandchildren, Marley, Zoe, Parker, and Sloane. His presence and legacy will not be forgotten. In addition to his wife, Judy, their children, and grandchildren, Joel is survived by his brother, David Hollingshead (Melanie), of El Sobrante, CA. His brother, Bernard, predeceased him. A memorial service will be held at the Neighborhood Church, in Palos Verdes Estates, Thursday, April 24 at 11am followed by a celebration of life at the Palos Verdes Golf Club, 3301 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joel Hollingshead
Jill Hollingshead
March 21, 2022
We all miss Joel very much. He was the smartest and funniest person around and he made everything better. We were so lucky to have him.
Claudia Slayman
February 18, 2016
Dr. Hollingshead was such a special person, such a caring doctor, and such a gifted surgeon. In the 1980's when my mother was told she had three weeks to three months to live, her primary care physician suggested she contact Dr. Hollingshead, who brought her case before a group of his peers, got an idea, and ended up performing a new procedure which gave my mother three more years of life. I will never forget that he was with us on the day she died, speaking words of comfort to her, and later speaking to us, her children, encouraging us to be strong and to carry on. I believe that throughout his connection with our family we saw him as an angel of God. I remember he said before Mama's surgery "I am not God, but pray that God will be in my hands today". We did, and He was. We were and continue to be blessed by Dr. Hollingshead's presence in our lives at a time of uncertainty and grief. He was the best of men. I am deeply sorry for your loss, Mrs. Hollingshead, and for that of your family.
Sincerely,
Claudia Rabut Slayman
February 18, 2016
Rob Rutherford
December 15, 2015
Dr. Hollingshead was my resident when I was an intern on a surgery rotation at LAC-USC Medical Center, 1968-69. We spent many hours together in the OR, sometimes with me holding a retractor at 3am trying not to fall asleep and him magically repairing a knife or gunshot wound. He had a great influence on me and I became a surgeon. He taught me to "think surgical" which helped me often during my professional life. He said never to buy a car new - a waste of money; he drove a used Cadillac. He was the best surgeon-teacher in my career and I've thought of him often over the years. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Ann Sidler
July 20, 2014
Sadly, I have just stumbled on a news article regarding the recent passing of Dr. Hollingshead. I was a patient of his 23 years ago, a mother to a toddler at the time. Dr. Hollingshead made a remarkable impression on me, as a physician and as a father who spoke with great love for his children; it was such an honor to have crossed paths with him. I hope that he did not suffer. My sincere condolences to the family.
Allen Shockney
May 30, 2014
Dear Judy and family,
Those in attendance at last years Manchester College 50th reunion mentioned Joel as classmates were seeking information. This year we were surprised at Alumni Days to hear of his passing. His name was read during the memorial service yesterday.
The prayers of the MC class of 1963 are with you.
Allen Shockney -- Plymouth, Indiana
Rosemary Barnhart
May 22, 2014
Dear Judy and your family--I just learned of Joel's passing today when I read the current Manchester Magazine. May I express my sorrow and condolences to all of you. We lost contact since our OSU years, even though I still live nearby in West Los Angeles. Yet I knew where you were and when meeting up with old MC friends over the years, Joel's name would inevitably come up as one of our more memorable classmates. Again you have my sincerest condolences.
faatasiga (Sina) Pele
May 4, 2014
Dear Judy and family,
So sad to hear of the passing of a great man/surgeon. He's one doctor I called my friend, He's a great brilliant surgeon, a gentle giant. Our thoughts and prayers.
Ted & Charlene (Eyler Clark) Foster
April 28, 2014
Judy & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you with the passing of Joel. I remember him when his parents were at the Brookville COB.
I also remember when Fred and Mary Ellen made it possible for Robyn and Todd to attend Woodland Altars when they were visiting Grandparents in Trotwood.
May memories help to sustain you at this time.
We are praying for you.
Joe Clark
April 25, 2014
Judy, Robin, Todd, Chris and Matt.. your husband and dad was a very special person to me and my family. The wonderful memories will always be present and passed along. I wish I could remember them all but there are so many. What a great man to have shared life with and to have known.
bern galvin
April 23, 2014
I shall always remember Joel with great affection. I looked up to him from the day I met him. He was a friend, a neighbor and a true inspiration to me (and I suspect to many others). He made me a much better person than I otherwise would be. Who could ask for more than that? I feel honored to have known him.
Beate Kirmse
April 23, 2014
Dear Judy and Family,
although I only knew Joel for a short while, I always enjoyed chatting with him when we met on our morning walks and could get a glimpse of the great man as he is described in the many entries here and by my husband who has known him for all the years he has been in Rolling Hills. Bern and I are saddened by the news of Joel passing. Our condolences to all of you.
Nancy Clarke
April 23, 2014
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Hollingshead's passing. He was indeed a good man and leaves a legacy to be proud of. I coached Robyn on a club soccer team many years ago and have fond memories of the Hollingshead family and parties at their house. May he rest in peace in the arms of the angels. Nancy Gledhill Clarke
Chris Jessen
April 23, 2014
Judy,
Long ago,but still so many wonderful memories of a great friend, colleague,
and times together. He is in my prayers, as are you and your family.
Kadi Woolman
April 23, 2014
Judy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold the memories close for they will forever be with you.
Elizabeth Nelson
April 19, 2014
Dear Judy and family,
I was so blessed to know Joel - the fun-loving prankster, the kind and patient doc, and a man who loved his family above all. My heart is with you.
Byron Nelson
April 19, 2014
a remarkable man, a remarkable life, well known and loved by many, my time in his company are treasured memories,...
April 14, 2014
So very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family- Sherry Ellis
April 9, 2014
Joel, Judy, and their 4 children were good friends and neighbors in Rancho Santa Fe in the '70's. We shared a lot of good times together. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sincerely,
Mike Dorazio and family
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Lisa Monsaas Jimenez, RN..BHH & SPPH
April 5, 2014
Sending condolences and caring thoughts. Dr. Hollingshead was a incredile surgeon and person. My surgical skills were enhanced by working with him and I enjoyed doing OR "time" with him. Big hugs to Judy and the family
Lawrence Robbins
April 2, 2014
A genuine loss to both his family and community. He will be missed.
April 1, 2014
Dear Judy and family,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Joel. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Our husbands go back many years. I have many fond memories. My love and best to all.
Sincerely,
Janet Fogle and family
Pat Kennedy Donovan
March 31, 2014
I did not know your husband, father and grandfather but I believe that my brother, Mike Kennedy MD , knew him since I read his obituary on my brother's facebook page. They were both at USC at the same time. Dr. Hollingshead was an exceptional man! God bless his noble soul. My sympathy to you.
John Billimek
March 31, 2014
I'll miss him dearly. He has inspired so many to do their part to care for the underserved and never to accept when someone tells you a goal is unattainable. His work in Peru and elsewhere sets a lofty example for us all. Blessings to Joel, Judy and all who love him.
Loretta R
March 31, 2014
Miss you Joel
Loretta Rihbany
March 31, 2014
Dear Judy and family. I am heartbroken to hear of Joel's passing. I have such wonderful memories of working in Ayaucho with both of you. Joel is a special man and surgeon. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you and your family,
Grover Shrader , MD & Debbie Cockroft
March 30, 2014
Grover & I are deeply sadden to hear of Joel's passing. He was a outstanding surgeon, colleague and friend. We will truly miss this wonderful man. Our prayers are with you & your blessed family.
Matthew Thornton
March 29, 2014
Joel was an amazing man who raised a wonderful and caring family. We that knew him are fortunate to have him in our memories.
March 28, 2014
may he rest with the angels and fly high --susan christensen md
Candace Moore
March 28, 2014
To the Hollingshead family.....the world has lost a good man who was also a caring, compassionate, skilled surgeon. May you all find comfort in your memories and in knowing how many lives Joel touched.
Terry Webster
March 28, 2014
Dear Judy, Michael and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Gwendolyn Williams
March 28, 2014
What a great surgeon. I am glad I had an opportunity to work with him in surgery. He was a Gifted surgeon. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Myra Walz
March 27, 2014
This is such sad news. My mother was one of his patients and he was very patient and kind. He was a brilliant surgeon. I send my sincere condolences to his family.
---Myra Steinauer Walz
Jenny Rooney
March 27, 2014
Joel will be deeply missed by many. Our family considers ourselves incredibly fortunate to have known and shared so many wonderful times with your family. I am quite sure Joel and my dad are in Heaven already discussing the upcoming football season in regards to Ohio State's and USC's chances! Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve.
Jody Murdock
March 27, 2014
Our family has been blessed by having the Hollingshead family as next door neighbors for 40 years. Joel has been a mentor, advisor, practicing physician and surgeon to us, party animal, and incredible friend during all those years. We wish he could be here to repair the hole in our hearts that his passing has left. He fought a brilliant and valiant fight against incredible odds. Though we will miss him terribly, we will try to find comfort in knowing he has gone home and found peace and rest. Our thoughts and prayers are with the wonderful family he leaves behind.
Lori Nolan-Mullenhour
March 27, 2014
What an incredible special man and surgeon. So enjoyed working with him for many years at San Pedro Hospital. And, enjoyed the many times I ran into him in our community. He was such a generous and kind soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you Judy, and your family.
Debbie McIntyre
March 27, 2014
I worked with this kind and compassionate man for 19 years via Bay Harbor Hospital. God Bless.
March 27, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of dr hollingsheads passing. He was the kindness man I had ever met not to mention an amazing doctor. My condolences to his family you should all be very proud. God's speed.
Debbie Bergner
Maryann Langley
March 27, 2014
Dear Judy and Family: My heart was broken this morning when I read the paper. Dr. Hollingshead was a great Doctor, Surgeon and Human Being. I had the honor and pleasure of helping him at Bank of America..He was a jewel...He also operated on my sister 31 years ago and also operated on me. He will truly be missed. May he rest in peace with no more pain or suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lea Champion
March 27, 2014
Joel will be truly missed, I worked at SPPH for 10 yrs. and it was never dull. He always had an answer accompanied with a smile. He will surely be missed, always keep him in your heart with all the happy thoughts and memories.
Debbie Vuoso
March 27, 2014
The world has lost a great man. Probably one of the best surgeons ever! A gentle, compassionate man. Made his patients feel secure , safe and assured . Our family is sadden by the news of Dr. Hollingshead's passing. We will never forget you ! Our thoughts and prayers ! The Mattera / Vuoso Family
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