Gary Steven Holzer

Gary Steven Holzer, a beloved son, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, and friend passed away surrounded by his family on September 23, 2026, at the age of 72. 

 

Gary was born on May 2, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York to Theodore and Minnie Holzer. He was a devoted son to both of his parents, and was an incredibly loving father to his son James and daughter-in-law, Bethany.

 

He loved and adored his sister, Janis Manfried; brother-in-law, Stuart Manfried; niece, Kim Manfried, along with her daughters, Alexa and Emily; nephew, Chris Manfried, and his wife Michelle; as well as his daughter-in-law’s parents, George and Louise Rigney.

 

Above all else, he prioritized and loved his family, and never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen how proud of them he was. He absolutely cherished his time with his family.

 

Gary spent his professional years in Pennsylvania as a correctional officer, and enjoyed his retirement years in Texas. Outside of spending time with family, he was a huge fan of football, and was a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Rams. There was almost nothing he enjoyed more than loudly rooting for his team and collecting Rams memorabilia.

 

He also loved traveling, eating good food, collecting artwork, experimenting with gadgets and gizmos in his kitchen, smoking briskets, swimming, movies, music, and bowling. His two ragdoll cats, Strike and Spare were his babies, and filled his days with companionship and love. He also loved spending time with his son and daughter-in-law’s German shepherd, Belle.

 

He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. We will never forget his warmth, generosity, compassion, unconditional love, and humor. He could make a stone statute laugh. Every single family member and friend has so many happy and funny memories of him, and we will carry those with us in our hearts forever. 

 

Kurt Warner, one of his favorite football players to ever play the game once said, “the greatest impact you can have on people is never what you say but how you live...you set the standard with your actions. The words can come after.” If he could leave us with any last words, he probably would say just this.

 

His enduring legacy can be summed up by loving hard, and if you think it’s enough, love even harder for good measure. No matter how much time we have with those we hold dear, it will never be enough.

 

A private viewing and memorial service for Gary will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026.