John Joseph Holland, Jr.

John J. Holland, Jr – 1937-2025

Most everyone knew him by the name of Joe. Joe was born on March 20th, 1937, in Lewiston, New York to John J. Holland Sr., and Norma Holland. He passed away on the 18th of March 2025, just a couple days short of his 88th birthday.

Joe attended Cornell University where he received his Bachelor of Engineering degree In Civil Engineering. He continued his education throughout his career, receiving Master Of Engineering degrees in Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. The latter two degrees were from Utah State University and University of Arizona.

Joe met Marianne Young while both were students at Cornell University. After graduation, they were married in June of 1960, and moved to Logan, Utah where Joe finished his degree work. Joe and Marianne then relocated to Roseburg, Oregon where he started his career with the US Forestry Service. His first two sons, John and Charles, were born in Roseburg . The family then moved to Glendora, California in support of Joe’s career with the US Forestry Service, where they welcomed a third son, Christopher. Joe transferred to the Civil Service, working with the US Air Force at Vandenburg AFB, and moved the family to Santa Maria, California. After completing a degree in Aerospace Engineering from University of Arizona and returning to Santa Maria, Joe and Marianne welcomed a daughter, Melanie. The family moved to Satellite Beach, Florida in 1976, where Joe continued working for the Air force at Patrick AFB, until his retirement in 1993. Joe enjoyed woodworking, sailing, and most anything outdoors, especially camping.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Marianne in 1987. In 2001, Joe married Robin Cleland. Joe and Robin (along with Robin’s daughter Andi) moved to Cache Valley, Utah. In Utah, Joe and Robin enjoyed camping with friends and even tried their hand at raising chickens on their Cache Valley property.

Joe is survived by his wife, Robin, his sons John Holland (Julie), Charles Holland (Samantha), Christopher Holland, (Becky) and his daughter Melanie Gibson (Jim), two grandsons, Mathew Holland (Jessi) and Zachary Holland, and two granddaughters, Marianne Gibson and Caitlin Gibson.