Richard M. "Dick" HOLLINGSHEAD III

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Yale University

Richard HOLLINGSHEAD Obituary

HOLLINGSHEAD, III, Richard M. ("Dick")
Passed away at his home in Sacramento on November 23, 2009 at age 85. Survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Donna, sons Peter and Jeffrey Reed. Preceded in death by his first wife Mary Elizabeth Reed and son Richard Hollingshead IV. Dick enjoyed a full life with a large, loving family including stepsons Richard Graham and Mike Graham (also deceased), grandchildren Leah, Austin, Scott, Kyle, Ryan and Kevin as well as step-grandchildren Randa, Valerie, Courtney and Kevin.

Born April 23, 1924 in Camden, New Jersey to Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr. and Elsa Collins. A graduate of the prestigious Manlius and Lawrenceville academies, Dick received his B.A. from Yale University where he was the captain of Yale's football team in 1946.

Dick was the product of a creative, inventive and famous family. His grandfather Richard M. Hollingshead founded RM Hollingshead Corporation which was the maker of world-renowned WHIZ products, a company where Dick worked in various capacities including President of the family firm. His father was the inventor of the drive-in theater in Camden, New Jersey in 1933. In 2008, Governor David Patterson of New York proclaimed June 6-8 as "Hollingshead Weekend" to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the drive-in's inception.

Dick left the family business and struck out on his own, becoming a distributor of Sherman car wash equipment, the foundation of Hollingshead Industries, a company that survives to this day. Owner and operator of Gem Auto Wash on Freeport Boulevard in Sacramento, Dick was a co-founder of the Car Wash Owner's Association, which later became the Western Car Wash Association where he served as President. Dick also served as a Director of the International Car Wash Association. Wife Donna has vowed to continue the family legacy as surviving owner of Gem and Hollingshead Industries.

An avid golfer, Dick loved to hunt, water and snow ski, play tennis and was a licensed pilot, flying the four aircrafts owned by Hollingshead Corporation. A man who touched many lives, Dick was loved by friends, family and many others.

A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends by invitation only. Remembrances in Dick's honor are welcomed to a charity of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Dec. 6 to Dec. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard HOLLINGSHEAD

4 Entries

Mark Covel

November 3, 2010

Shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Richard Hollingshead’s death last November. I was very fortunate to be hired by Dick in October 1992, and I continued to work for the man until September 1999. Dick exuded an air of nobility and toughness, at times I felt like I was working for a member of the Royal Family. Yet, Dick could be very compassionate and warm.

Dick was a strong man who battled back from a stroke in his late sixties and returned to run his corporation as if his stroke was simply an extended vacation. I worked for Dick after his return. I never worked for a better man. He ranks as one of the best bosses that I ever had.

I wish that I had returned to Sacramento a year earlier. I was stunned during my attempt to look Dick up to find out that he had passed away less than a year ago. He will be greatly missed.

My heartfelt condolences to Donna and his family.

Domenic Cotoia

April 21, 2010

I just found out that Dick passed away last year. I am so sorry...I talked to him a few years ago as I was editing a TV package with him as he talked to me on the phone from his home to min in Mass.
We did a piece on Drive-ins & he sent me a full picture of his dad when he invented the drive-in.
May the Lord bless him & his family!

Leon Ransom, Jr

December 26, 2009

Dear Mrs Hollingshead
I am sorry to hear of Dicks Death. Your husband was a true inspiration to me. I will always keep his memory with me for as long as i live. Thankyou for the times we spent at your place and for all the conversation.
Love to all
Leon/Trish Ransom

Mark Thorsby

December 11, 2009

Donna:

I just leaned of Dick's passing -- please forgive my tardiness in expressing heartfelt condolences to you and your family. The two of you are one of the most loving couples I have ever known. It was always special seeing you at ICA Board meetings and meetings of the WCA. I read that you plan to continue to operate the car washes -- let me know if I can assist!

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mark Thorsby

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