Raymond Paul Holland's Obituary
Raymond Paul Holland, 79, of Vermilion, OH passed away on July 26, 2025. He was born on June 27, 1946 to the late Jeannette (nee Montgomery) and Paul Holland. Raymond was the beloved husband of Jacqueline Keeling Holland and father to Kathleen Watters (Eric Ecklar) and Peggy Thompson (Richard Thompson, deceased.) He was a cherished grandfather to Kimi Thompson, Caitlin Thompson (Michael Hanson) and Emily Thompson (Sebastian Cardwell II) and great-grandfather of Charlotte. He is survived by his twin, Linda Cerio (Arthur, deceased), Fr. Stanley, TOR, and Darlene Hernandez (Robert), and devoted pets, Peanut and Buddy.
Ray began his career as a Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Cleveland. He served at St. Henry’s, Christ the King, St. Clare, and was Pastor of St. Aloysius. He was a Hospital Chaplain at University Hospitals of Cleveland. He trained Chaplains in Clinical Pastoral Education while also serving as Chaplain at The Cleveland Clinic for 14 years. Upon leaving active ministry with the Diocese of Cleveland, he was chaplain at MetroHealth Medical Center. In 2000, he began the Spiritual Care Department at Elyria Memorial Hospital where he was Director for over 15 years. He often expressed gratitude for the years he spent at EMH.
St. Mary's Church Catholic Church in Wakeman was Ray's Parish. He also appreciated attending services at the United Church of Christ of Vermilion. He looked forward to playing a part for two years in The Living Last Supper.
A 'gentle man' are words that have been used my many to describe Ray. He had a spiritual presence like no other. His focus was always on others. He loved his best friend and wife Jac, and would often say that he delighted every day of their marriage. They had picnics at Mill Creek and Sandusky Bay. He loved flowers and savored time working in the garden. Every Spring he would savor the variety of daffodils and tulips blooming in his yard. Ray brought peace with him everywhere he went.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 4-7 PM at Dovin & Reber Jones, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, OH 44001. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 11:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 46 E. Main Street, 44889. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park, Ohio.
Online condolences and memories may be shared on Raymond's memorial page at dovinreberjones.com
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